Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: What are the theories on IBS-A??

There was an interesting study done Feb-March 2000. Randomly 2000 individuals over the age of 18 were selected and screened. They were classified into potential IBS and non-potential IBS (281 individuals). The potential IBS group were asked to participate in a detailed study and 213 individuals agreed to participate. Participants were further classified using the Rome I and Rome II criteria and a collection of questionnaire and interviewing methods.

Using the Rome I criteria, 15% had D-IBS, 44% had C-IBS, 19% had A-IBS,and 22% had normal bowel habit. Among those meeting the Rome II criteria, 25% had D-IBS, 37% had C-IBS, 23% had A-IBS and 15% had normal bowel habit.

An analysis of clinical manifestations in subjects meeting the criteria of A-IBS it was observed that that this group was quite similar to the C-IBS subtype but with frequent defecatory urgency in the absence of an increased number of bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort/pain and frequency of visits to physicians were greater in the A-IBS subtype than in the other two IBS subtypes,

Part of the problem with coming up with a theory for IBS-A is establishing satisfactory way to accurately define it. Other studies used a combination of the Rome criteria and the Bristol Stool Scale have found similar difficulties in defining IBS-A.

The research suggests perhaps IBS-A is closer IBS-C rather than a unique sub-type composed of individuals that oscillation between pure IBS-C and pure IBS-D.

One the other hand for years I thought I was IBS-A, however, once I got my SF/IF ratio corrected I became predominately IBS-D. Go figure!

Reference
Mearin, F., A. Balboa, X. Badia, E. Baro, E. Caldwell, M. Cucala, M. Diaz-Rubio, A. Fueyo, J. Ponce, M. Roset, and N. Talley, 2003: Irritable bowel syndrome subtypes according to bowel habit: revisiting the alternating subtype. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology February 2003;15(2):165-172, 15, 165-172

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