INTERVENTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: A REVIEW OF COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder, whose understanding relatively uncertain, and the treatment guidance decision still represents challenge. OBJECTIVE: To identify critically appraise systematic reviews (SRs) published in Cochrane Database of SRs (CDSR) on effects interventions (pharmacological non-pharmacological) for IBS. METHODS: The search was conducted at Library May 2020. methodological quality evaluated by AMSTAR-2 tool. RESULTS: Eight with moderate to high were included, which addressed treatments: (a) pharmacological: volume agents, antispasmodics, antidepressants tegaserod; (b) non-pharmacological: homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy, biofeedback, psychological hypnotherapy. results favorable antispasmodic drugs regarding improvement clinical symptoms. There no difference between agents or tegaserod when compared placebo. Acupuncture homeopathy showed little symptoms placebo, but certainty this evidence considered low very low. Psychological seem improve overall assessment patient relief such as abdominal pain. However, there long-term follow-up these patients. other treatments uncertain due risk bias. CONCLUSION: Considering studies included SRs, pharmacological antispasmodics seems be beneficial patients Among non-pharmacological interventions, beneficial. further trials are recommended greater rigor prove findings.