Adding to the Burden : Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis
Joint Authors
Levinthal, David J.
Bielefeldt, Klaus
Nusrat, Salman
O’Leary, Margie
Rahman, Ambreen
Heyman, Rock
Source
Multiple Sclerosis International
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-09-17
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients often suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
However, the full extent and prevalence of such symptoms are not clearly established.
Thus, we sought to define the prevalence of GI symptoms and syndromes in those with MS.
Methods.
218 MS patients completed self-reported demographic and clinical data questionnaires as well as several standardized surveys probing MS severity and GI health.
Results.
Nearly two thirds (65.6%) of patients endorsed at least one persistent GI symptom.
Constipation (36.6%), dysphagia (21.1%), and fecal incontinence (15.1%) were common.
Surprisingly, nearly 30% (28.4%) of the patients reported dyspeptic symptoms.
Using validated diagnostic algorithms, patients met criteria for functional dysphagia (14.7%), functional dyspepsia (16.5%), functional constipation (31.7%), and IBS (19.3%), among others.
Functional dysphagia, functional dyspepsia, and IBS were significantly more common in those with self-identified mood disorders.
Conclusions.
Constipation, fecal incontinence, and dysphagia are indeed frequent symptoms seen in MS patients.
We also noted a ~30% prevalence of dyspepsia in this population.
The mechanisms driving this association are not clear and require further study.
However, due to this high prevalence, dyspeptic symptoms should be incorporated into the routine assessment of MS patients and, if found, may warrant collaborative referral with a GI specialist.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Levinthal, David J.& Rahman, Ambreen& Nusrat, Salman& O’Leary, Margie& Heyman, Rock& Bielefeldt, Klaus. 2013. Adding to the Burden : Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis International،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463156
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Levinthal, David J.…[et al.]. Adding to the Burden : Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis International No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463156
American Medical Association (AMA)
Levinthal, David J.& Rahman, Ambreen& Nusrat, Salman& O’Leary, Margie& Heyman, Rock& Bielefeldt, Klaus. Adding to the Burden : Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis International. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463156
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-463156