Mixture model analysis identifies irritable bowel syndrome subgroups characterised by specific profiles of gastrointestinal, extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms

Abstract

This model-based subgrouping of IBS partly supports the distinction of subgroups based on bowel habits, but additionally distinguishes subgroups with or without co-morbid extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms. The resulting groups show specific profiles of symptom combinations.

Subgroups of IBS patients are characterized by specific, reproducible profiles of GI and non‐GI symptoms and report differences in healthcare utilization: A population‐based study

“…Aiming to improve the current subtyping options, our group has previously explored methods of stratifying a clinical cohort of IBS patients diagnosed with Rome III criteria, based on combinations of relevant gastrointestinal somatic, extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms utilizing advanced statistical techniques . The resulting subgroups were predominantly characterized by specific profiles of GI symptoms (constipation‐related, diarrhea‐related, and mixed), but further characterized by the presence or absence of a profile of extraintestinal comorbidities, resulting in a six‐subgroup solution: (I) constipation with low comorbidities, (II) constipation with high comorbidities, (III) diarrhea with low comorbidities, (IV) diarrhea and pain with high comorbidities, (V) mixed GI symptoms with high comorbidities, and (VI) a mix of symptoms with overall mild severity.…”

Heart rate variability characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and associations with symptoms

“…Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder affecting 10%‐15% of the population . IBS is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, but IBS patients also commonly report a wide spectrum of other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, as well as a variety of extra‐intestinal and psychological symptoms . Currently, IBS is considered to represent a multifactorial disorder, although its etiology and pathophysiology remain incompletely understood.…”

Editorial: subgroups in irritable bowel syndrome—more than just diarrhoea and constipation? Authors' reply

“…The authors' declarations of personal and financial interests are unchanged from those in the original article …”

“…We have read the comments of Drs Black and Ford regarding our subgrouping approach with great interest. The potential clinical implications and limitations have been described accurately in their editorial commentary, and the points raised give us the opportunity to elaborate on some details.…”