Space flight: bowel function during long-term head-down bedrest simulating microgravity.

P0450 SPACE FLIGHT: BOWEL FUNCTION DURING LONG-TERM HEAD-DOWN BEDREST SIMULATING MICROGRAVITY C. Ciacci1, G. Bilancio2, A. Pascariello3, P. Capone1, P. Iovino3. 1Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, 2Nephrology, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, 3Department of Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have addressed the changes eventually present in the general health status, in mood and in bowel physiology during simulations of long lasting spaceflight. Aim of the study was to evaluate the intestinal function in long lasting model used to mimic microgravity. AIMS & METHODS: Aim of the study was to evaluate the intestinal function in long lasting model used to mimic microgravity. The study was performed in 2008 and sponsored by the OSMA (Osteporosis and Muscular Atrophy) grant of the Italian Space Agency in the Valdoltra Hospital, Ankaran (Slovenia). Ten healthy male volunteers were subjected to 5-weeks 6º head-down tilt and balanced traction bed rest (HDBR). All participants received an energy-controlled diet, with adaptation of calories according to energy expenditure. Anthropometry, food and water intake were recorded daily. The general health status and the presence of depressive symptoms were assessed by Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire and by Zung depression mood scale that were all administrated before (Wk 0) and after HDBR (Wk 5). We used a validated weekly diary to evaluate bowel symptoms such as abdominal bloating, sensation of flatulence, pain and faecal urgency on 100mm VAS scales. Stool frequency and bowel functions on adjectival scales. These were: stool consistency by Bristol stool form scale, ease of passage adjectival scale (from manual disimpaction to incontinence) and sense of complete evacuation (yes/no). RESULTS: Body weight, in particular the lean mass, progressively reduced over time. Water intake progressively increased over time. Comparing pre and post bed rest no modification of general health perception was found. Bed rest significantly increases the sensation of flatulence (F(2.1,19.5) = 4.397, p<0.05) and reduced the stool frequency (F(1.9,17.2) = 4.043, p<0.05). A strong correlation was found between the calculated mean sensation of flatulence and stool frequency (r = _0.972, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: When planning long lasting space flight measures should be taken to avoid constipation and perception of bowel distension. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared Gut 2010; 59 (Suppl III) A199