Transcript IBS slides
IRRITABLE BOWEL
SYNDROME
Kimberly M. Persley, MD
IBS – History
Earliest descriptions
of symptoms defining IBS
1849 – W Cumming1
– mucous colitis
– colonic spasm
– neurogenic mucous colitis
– irritable colon
– unstable colon
– nervous colon
– spastic colon
– nervous colitis
– spastic colitis
“The bowels are at
one time constipated,
at another lax, in the
same person.
How the disease has
two such different
symptoms I do not
profess to explain. . . .”
Other historical terms
1962 – Chaudhary & Truelove2
Irritable colon syndrome
1966 – CJ DeLor3
Irritable bowel syndrome
References: 1. Cumming. Lond Med Gazette. 1849;NS9;969-973. 2. Chaudhary and Truelove. Q J Med. July 1962;31:307-322.
3. DeLor. Am J Gastroenterol. May 1967;47:427-434.
IBS – History
Historical perspective
Long dismissed as a psychosomatic condition1
– no clear etiology
– affects predominantly women
(~70% of sufferers are women)2
– condition not fatal
Attitudes now changing
Incidence and prevalence not extensively
monitored in past
References: 1. Maxwell et al. Lancet. December 1997;350:1691-1695. 2. Sandler. Gastroenterology. August 1990;99:409-415.
IBS – Signs and symptoms
Hallmark symptoms of IBS
Chronic or recurrent GI symptoms
– lower abdominal pain/discomfort
– altered bowel function (urgency, altered stool
consistency, altered stool frequency, incomplete
evacuation)
– bloating
Not explained by identifiable structural or
biochemical abnormalities
Reference: Thompson et al. Gut. 1999;45(suppl 2):1143-1147.
IBS – Overview
Key facts about IBS
Up to 20% of the US population report symptoms
consistent with IBS1
The most common GI diagnosis among
gastroenterology practices in the US2
One of the top 10 reasons for PCP visits3
Affects predominantly females (~70% of sufferers)4
The most common functional bowel disorder5
References: 1. Camilleri and Choi. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1997;11:13-15. 2. Everhart and Renault. Gastroenterology. April
1991;100:998-1005. 3. Physician Drug & Diagnosis Audit (PDDA), April 1999, Scott-Levin. 4. Sandler. Gastroenterology. August
1990;99:409-415. 5. Thompson et al. Gastroenterol Int. 1992;5:75-91.
IBS – Overview
Key facts about IBS (cont.)
Can cause great discomfort, sometimes intermittent
or continuous, for many decades in a patient’s life1
Can significantly disrupt daily life2
Can have negative impact on quality of life2
Current treatment options3
– dietary modification
– fiber supplements
– pharmacologic agents
– psychotherapy
Success of current treatment options in addressing
multiple symptoms of IBS has been limited4
References: 1. Hahn et al. Dig Dis Sci. December 1998;43:2715-2718. 2. Hahn et al. Digestion. 1999;60:77-81. 3. Drossman.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):3-14. 4. Klein. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):15-30.
IBS – Epidemiology
IBS consultation pattern
Specialists1
~25%
Consulters1
Primary care1
~75%
Nonconsulters1
~70%
Female2
~30%
Male2
References: 1. Drossman and Thompson. Ann Intern Med. June 1992;116(pt 1):1009-1016. 2. Sandler. Gastroenterology.
August 1990;99:409-415.
IBS – Epidemiology
IBS vs other
important disease states
US prevalence up to 20%1
US prevalence rates for other common
diseases2:
– diabetes
– asthma
– heart disease
– hypertension
3%
4%
8%
11%
References: 1. Camilleri and Choi. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1997;11:3-15. 2. Adams and Benson. Vital Health Stat 10.
December 1991:83. DHHS publication no (PHS)92-1509.
IBS – Burden of disease
Productivity burden
Absenteeism from work or school
during the last 12 months
14
Days per year
12
10
8
P=0.0001
6
4
2
0
IBS
Reference: Drossman et al. Dig Dis Sci. September 1993;38:1569-1580.
Non-IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Psychosocial
Factors
Vagal nuclei
Biopsychosocial Disorder
–
–
–
–
Psychosocial
Motility
Sensory
? Infectious
Sympathetic
S2,3,4
Altered
Motility
Altered
Sensation
Prevalence 10%, Incidence 1-2% per Year
Disturbs QOL, Social Function, Healthcare Utilization
IBS – Pathophysiology
IBS: Current thinking on pathophysiology
Defects in the enteric nervous system may lead
to the hallmark symptoms of IBS.
Visceral hypersensitivity1
– Increased visceral afferent response to normal as well as
noxious stimuli
– Mediators include 5-HT, bradykinin, tachykinins, CGRP, and
neurotropins
Primary motility disorder of GI tract2
– Mediated by 5-HT, acetylcholine, ATP, motilin, nitric oxide,
somatostatin, substance P, and VIP
References: 1. Bueno et al. Gastroenterology. May 1997;112:1714-1743. 2. Goyal and Hirano. N Engl J Med.
April 1996;334:1106-1115.
IBS – Pathophysiology
Physiological
distribution of 5-HT
CNS – 5%
GI tract – 95%
– enterochromaffin cells
– neuronal
Reference: Gershon. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):15-30.
IBS – Pathophysiology
5-HT receptor effects
Mediate reflexes controlling gastrointestinal
motility and secretion
Mediate perception of visceral pain
Reference: Gershon. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):15-30.
IBS – Physiology
Comparison of pain thresholds
of IBS patients and controls
Pain produced by rectosigmoid balloon distension
60
% Reporting Pain
IBS
40
20
Normal
0
20
60
100
140
Rectosigmoid balloon volume (mL)
Reference: From Whitehead et al. Dig Dis Sci. June 1980;25:404-413. With permission.
180
IBS – Physiology
Comparison of pain thresholds
IBS
Normal
Colonic Distension
Reference: Whitehead et al. Gastroenterology. May 1990;98:1187-1192.
Ice Water Immersion
IBS – Diagnosis
Make a positive diagnosis1,2
Identify abdominal pain as dominant
symptom with altered bowel function
Look for “red flags”
Perform diagnostic tests/physical exam
to rule out organic disease
Make/confirm diagnosis
Initiate treatment program as part
of diagnostic approach
Follow up in 3 to 6 weeks
References: 1. Paterson et al. Can Med Assoc J. July 1999;161:154-160. 2. American Gastroenterological Association.
Gastroenterology. June 1997;112:2120-2137.
IBS ROME II CRITERIA
At
Least 12 Weeks, Which Need Not Be
Consecutive, in the Preceding 12
Months, of Abdominal Discomfort or
Pain That Has Two of Three Features:
1. Relieved with Defecation; and/or
2. Onset Associated with a Change
in Frequency of Stool; and/or
3. Onset Associated with a Change
in Form (Appearance) of Stool
Constipation
Diarrhea
IBS – Diagnosis
“Red flags” may suggest an
alternative or coexisting diagnosis
Additional diagnostic screening needed for atypical
presentations such as
Anemia
Fever
Persistent diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Severe constipation
Weight loss
Nocturnal symptoms of pain
and abnormal bowel function
Family history of GI cancer,
inflammatory bowel disease,
or celiac disease
New onset of symptoms in
patients 50+ years of age
Reference: Paterson et al. Can Med Assoc J. July 1999;161:154-160.
IBS – Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests—What? When? Who?
If patient has typical features of IBS:
If 50 years of age, order CBC, electrolytes, LFTs,
screen stool for occult blood, and consider
sigmoidoscopy.1
If 50 years of age, order CBC, electrolytes, LFTs, and
perform a colonoscopy or air-contrast barium enema
with sigmoidoscopy.1,2
References: 1. American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. June 1997;112:2120-2137.
2. Paterson et al. Can Med Assoc J. July 1999;161:154-160.
IBS – Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Malabsorption1
Dietary factors1
Infection1
Inflammatory bowel disease1
Psychological disorders1
Gynecological disorders2
Miscellaneous1
References: 1. Drossman. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):3-14. 2. Moore et al. Br J Obstet Gynaecol.
December 1998;105:1322-1325.
IBS – Diagnosis
Current management of IBS
Establish a positive diagnosis1
Reassure patient that there is no serious
organic disease or alarming symptoms1
Success of current treatment options in
addressing multiple symptoms of IBS has
been limited2
References: 1. Drossman. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):3-14. 2. Klein. Gastroenterology. July 1988;95:232-241.
IBS – Management
Current management
components of IBS
Education
Reassurance
Dietary modification
Fiber
Symptomatic treatment
Psychological/behavioral options
Realistic goals
Reference: Drossman. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):3-14.
IBS – Management
Currently available
Rx treatments for IBS
Dicyclomine HCl1
Hyoscyamine sulfate
(± other anticholinergics/sedatives)2
Belladonna and phenobarbital1
Clidinium bromide with chlordiazepoxide1
Tegaserod
Alosetron
References: 1. PDR® Generics™. 1998:314, 559-561, 873-875. 2. Physicians’ Desk Reference®. 1999:2910-2911.
IBS – Management
Antispasmodics/anticholinergics
Symptomatic treatment—pain1
Smooth muscle relaxants via
anticholinergic effects and/or direct
action on smooth muscle2
References: 1. Drossman. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(suppl 2):3-14. 2. Drug Facts and Comparisons®. 1999:298-298c.
IBS – Management
Antidiarrheals
Symptomatic treatment—diarrhea
Increase stool firmness
Decrease stool frequency
– Examples: loperamide, diphenxylate-atropine
Reference: Drug Facts and Comparisons®. 1999:324b.
IBS – Management
Laxatives and bulking agents
Symptomatic treatment—constipation
Increased dietary fiber or psyllium1
Osmotic laxatives (MgSO4, lactulose)2
Stimulant laxatives3
Some laxatives and bulking agents can
exacerbate abdominal pain and bloating3
References: 1. American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. June 1997;112:2120-2132. 2. Camilleri and Choi.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1997;11:3-15. 3. Drug Facts and Comparisons®. 1999:316-317a.
IBS – Management
Tricyclic antidepressants
and SSRIs
Symptomatic treatment—pain
Reserved for patients with severe
or refractory pain
Reference: Drossman and Thompson. Ann Intern Med. 1992;116(pt 1):1009-1016.
IBS – Management
Multiple medications needed
to treat multiple symptoms
Lower
abdominal pain
Bloating
Anticholinergics1
X
X
Tricyclic
antidepressants
and SSRIs2
X
Antidiarrheals1
Bulking agents1
Laxatives3
X
Altered
stool form
Altered
stool passage
Urgency
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
References: 1. American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. June 1997;112:2120-2137. 2. Drossman and Thompson.
Ann Intern Med. 1992;116(pt 1):1009-1016. 3. Drug Facts and Comparisons®. 1999:316.
INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF IBS
Symptom Features
Constipation
Diarrhea
Pain/Gas/Bloat
Review Diet History
Re: Fiber Intake
Yes
Yes
Additional Tests
No
H2 Breath Test
Celiac panel
Abdominal X-ray
(KUB During Pain)
Therapeutic Trial
Increase Fiber (20g),
Osmotic Laxative
Antidiarrheal
Antispasmodic
+ Antidepressant
Camilleri & Prather. 1992
Yes
Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
(serotinin 4 receptor agonist)
Approved for constipation predominant
IBS
1 pill given twice daily
Improvement of symptoms in women
but not men
Use up to 12 weeks
Mild side effects: diarrhea the most
prominent side effect
Non-Traditional Remedies
Chinese Herbal Medicine
– 116 pts randomized to CHM did better than pts
receiving placebo
Peppermint Oil
– Relaxation of GI smooth muscle
– Meta-analysis showed significant improvement
of IBS symptoms
Acupunture
Probiotics
Antibiotics
Benoussan A. JAMA 1998
Pittler M. AJG 1998
Surgical Therapy for IBS
IBS symptoms may be attributed to:
– Non-functioning gallbladder disease,
chronic appendicitis, uterine fibroids,
tortuous colon
IBS symptoms rarely improve after
surgery
IBS patients 2 to 3 times more likely to
undergo unnecessary surgery
Take Home Points
IBS is a chronic medical condition
characterized by abdominal pain,
diarrhea or constipation, bloating,
passage of mucus and feelings of
incomplete evacuation
Precise etiology of IBS is unknown and
therefore treatment is focused on
relieving symptoms rather that “curing
disease”
Take Home Points
Although many IBS patients complain
of symptoms after eating, true food
allergies are uncommon
Specific therapies are determined by
individual patient symptoms
Life-style modifications and possible
alternative therapies may relieve
symptoms
Surgery has NO Role in treatment of IBS