Clinical Research Directory

IVIG for Drug and Device Refractory Gastrointestinal Auto-Immune Neuropathy

Patients with the symptoms of generalized GI dysmotility, including gastroparesis, are sometimes refractory to available medications, devices and other interventions/ Some of these patients have serologic and/or endo organ abnormalities and findings consistent with autoimmune neuropathies, primarily involving the GI tract. These disorders have been known as autoimmune gastrointestinal neuropathies (GAIN) or also as autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID), among other terms. Some patients respond to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and this study, which is an observational clinical series, documents the patients, their findings and standardized responses to therapy with IVIG.

Interrogating the Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Constipation in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

The purpose of this study is to determine whether transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) alters systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related colonic and anorectal physiology by enhancing autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. The study will examine the effects of TEA on slow colonic transit (SCT) and rectal hyposensitivity (RH), to examine whether TEA improves autonomic dysfunction and modulates inflammatory pathways.

"The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Functions in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Receiving Enteral Nutrition in Intensive Care"

This study aims to evaluate the effects of abdominal massage on gastrointestinal functions in mechanically ventilated patients receiving enteral nutrition in intensive care units.

Short-term Effect of Exercise and Self-manual Approaches to Bloating - Distention

Abdominal bloating and distension (ABD) are the most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms reported by patients with various functional gut disorders such as functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and it is frequently associated with constipation. The pathophysiology of ABD is complex, often multifactorial and poorly understood. The reseach was hypothesised that short-term self-manual approaches and exercise for core muscles would have a positive effect on the symptoms of ABD.