Fatigue and disease-related worries among inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission; is it a reflection of coexisting IBS-like symptoms? A short report

ObjectivesIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) like symptoms and fatigue are frequently reported in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that coexisting IBS-like symptoms might be associated with increased levels of fatigue and disease-related worries.MethodsA total of 140 IBD outpatients were assessed. Cut-off for remission was < 4 and < 3 on the disease activity indices SCDAI and SCCAI. In addition patients on current steroid treatment were excluded. A diagnosis of IBS was based on the Rome criteria. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ), disease related worries with the Rating Form of IBD Patient Concerns (RFIPC).ResultsEighty-nine patients fulfilled the criteria for remission. Of these 89 patients, 21 and 30 were IBS positive according to the Rome II and III criteria, respectively. FQ scores were significantly elevated in IBS positive UC patients. Clinical significant differences were also found in relation to RFIPC scores.ConclusionCoexisting IBS-like symptoms among IBD patients in remission are associated with an increased level of fatigue and disease-related worries.