Studies offer new insight into diverticulosis

Diverticulosis, a condition that develops when pouches form in the wall of the colon, is increasing in frequency. It affects the majority of those reaching the age of 80 - a growing portion of the population - and imposes a substantial burden on health-care resources, but curiously there is a lack of data and unanswered questions around this condition.

The December issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, fills a critical research gap in diverticulosis research. The following four studies offer new insight into this condition.

  • "Constipation and a Low-Fiber Diet Are Not Associated with Diverticulitis" by Anne F. Peery, et al., http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(13)01056-2/abstract. This cross-sectional, colonoscopy-based study challenges current beliefs by reporting that neither constipation nor a low-fiber diet is associated with an increased risk of diverticulosis.
  • "Increased Risk for Irritable Bowel Syndrome After Acute Diverticulitis" by Erica Cohen, et al., http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(13)00386-8/abstract. According to this research, patients with diverticulitis could be at risk for later development of IBS and functional bowel disorders. The California-based researchers propose calling this disorder postdiverticulitis IBS.

  • "Long-term Risk of Acute Diverticulitis Among Patients with Incidental Diverticulosis Found During Colonoscopy" by Kamyar Shahedi, et al., http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(13)00925-7/abstract. Based on a study of the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, only about 4 percent of patients with diverticulosis develop acute diverticulitis, contradicting the common belief that diverticulosis has a high rate of progression.

  • "Higher Serum Levels of Vitamin D Are Associated with a Reduced Risk of Diverticulitis" by Lillias H. Maguire, et al., http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(13)01174-9/abstract. This study finds that, among patients with diverticulosis, higher prediagnostic levels of vitamin D in the body are associated significantly with a lower risk of diverticulitis. These data indicate that vitamin D deficiency could be involved in the development of diverticulitis.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Study links ketogenic diet to improved menstrual health