SAT vs Escitalopram for Rectal Hypersensitivity
Rectal Hypersensitivity, Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Rectal Hypersensitivity
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
All patients must fulfill the diagnostic criteria for IBS-C (Rome III) as defined below and have rectal hypersensitivity (see below).
Patients must report recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days per month in the last 3 months with two or more of the following symptoms:
- Improvement with defecation; and/or
- Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or
- Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
- No structural diseases
On a diary:
- Pain/discomfort for at least 2 days/week;
- No loose or watery stool <25% of bowel movements.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with mixed-IBS.
- Patients currently on SSRI or MAO inhibitors. Patients on stable doses of other antidepressants will be included provided the dose is unchanged during study.
- Patients taking drugs that are constipating, (e.g.; calcium channel antagonists will either be excluded or drug discontinued)
- Patients with co-morbid illnesses; severe cardiac disease, chronic renal failure or previous gastrointestinal surgery except cholecystectomy and appendectomy.
- Neurologic diseases e.g.; head injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, strokes, spinal cord injuries.
- Impaired cognizance (mini mental score of < 15) and/or legally blind.
- Pregnant or likely to conceive during the course of the study. Women with potential for pregnancy must be willing to use contraceptive measures during the study. Urinary pregnancy tests will be performed on such women prior to any radiologic procedures.
- Hirschsprung's disease.
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea (22).
- Ulcerative/Crohns colitis.
- Previous pelvic surgery, rectocele/bladder repair, radical hysterectomy, anal surgery.
- Rectal prolapse or anal fissure.
Sites / Locations
- Augusta University
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Sensory Adaptation training
Escitalopram Therapy
a large compliant balloon is placed in the rectum attached to a barostat. The balloon is distended in 1 mm increments until patient reports moderate discomfort and then increased in 1 mm increments until maximum tolerable pressure. Gradually over 6 training sessions, administered biweekly, the maximum tolerable pressure is increased over 3 months, if treatment is successful.
Patients randomized to this arm will receive daily 10 mg escitalopram for 3 months. If the medication is effective their bowel symptoms and pain thersholds will improve.