Differences in Comorbidities and Quality of Life in a Racially Diverse Population Between Patients With and Without Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Preliminary Results

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional bowel disorder characterized by altered bowel habits and abdominal pain and is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). We showed in a recent retrospective study that IBS represents a significant health care burden and is associated with several comorbidities. The aim of this prospective study is to validate results from the retrospective study and compare the comorbidities and quality of life between subjects with and without IBS in a racially diverse patient population at a tertiary care center. Methods: Subjects were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary care center with a racially diverse patient population. Subjects were administered the Rome criteria questionnaire to determine the presence or absence (control) of IBS. They were also given 2 validated surveys: 1 measuring general QOL (Veterans Rand 12 [VR-12]), and 1 that was IBS-specific (IBS-QOL). Electronic medical records were then reviewed to capture demographic data and comorbidities. Statistical analysis included Chi-square test, Fischer exact test, ANCOVA, t-test, and multiple linear regression. Results: At present, of 72 enrolled subjects, 17 had IBS. The mean age of the IBS cohort was younger than control subjects (44 years vs. 54 years, p<0.05). There were no differences in gender, race or socioeconomic status. The most common comorbidities in the IBS cohort were psychiatric disorders (52%), GERD (37%), COPD/asthma (32%), and obesity (32%). The IBS cohort had significant lower quality of life compared to the control population. The mean IBS-QOL score was significantly lower in the IBS group (65 vs. 92, p<0.05), even after adjusting for comorbidities. The physical component of the VR-12 was also found to be significantly lower in the IBS group (34 vs. 43, p<0.05). There were no differences in the mental component of the VR-12. Conclusion: Subjects with IBS experience significantly lower QOL than non-IBS controls, with lower IBS-QOL scores and a lower physical component of the VR-12. The QOL scores obtained in this racially diverse population were similar to those seen in a predominantly Caucasian population. In our preliminary analysis of this ongoing study, no differences in comorbidities were measurable, likely attributable to a small sample size.