Clinical Research
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2008; 14(31): 4889-4896
Published online Aug 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4889
Irritable bowel syndrome subtypes differ in body awareness, psychological symptoms and biochemical stress markers
Elsa M Eriksson, Kristina I Andrén, Henry T Eriksson, Göran K Kurlberg
Elsa M Eriksson, Kristina I Andrén, Henry T Eriksson, Department of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Göteborg SE-41685, Sweden
Elsa M Eriksson, Göran K Kurlberg, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Göteborg SE-41685, Sweden
Author contributions: Eriksson EM designed and performed research, examination, and contributed in writing the paper; Andrén KI performed examination; Eriksson HT and Kurlberg GK contributed in writing the paper; Eriksson HT arranged economic prerequisites to accomplish the study.
Supported by Grants from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Correspondence to: Elsa M Eriksson, Unit for Functional Gastroenterology, Pavilion 2, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Göteborg, SE-41685, Sweden. elsa.eriksson@surgery.gu.se
Telephone: +46-31-7729624 Fax: +46-31-3435763
Received: April 19, 2008
Revised: June 21, 2008
Accepted: June 28, 2008
Published online: August 21, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To elucidate the differences in somatic, psycho-logical and biochemical pattern between the subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

METHODS: Eighty IBS patients, 30 diarrhoea predominant (D-IBS), 16 constipation predominant (C-IBS) and 34 alternating IBS (A-IBS) underwent physiotherapeutic examinations for dysfunctions in body movements and awareness and were compared to an apparently healthy control group (AHC). All groups answered questionnaires for gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Biochemical variables were analysed in blood.

RESULTS: The D-IBS group showed less body awareness, less psychological symptoms, a more normal sense of coherence and psychosocial rating as well as higher C-peptide values. C-IBS had a higher degree of body dysfunction and psychological symptoms, as well as the lowest sense of coherence compared to controls and D-IBS. They also demonstrated the most elevated prolactin levels. A-IBS had the lowest degree of body disturbance, deteriorated quality of life and affected biochemical pattern. All subtypes had higher pain scores compared to controls. In addition they all had significantly increased triglycerides and elevated morning cortisol levels, however, without statistical significance compared with the controls.

CONCLUSION: IBS subtypes showed different profiles in body awareness, somatic and psychological symptoms and in biochemical variables. D-IBS differed compared to the other groups by lowered body awareness, less psychological symptoms and a higher sense of coherence and elevated C-peptide values. C-IBS and A-IBS subtypes suffered more from depression and anxiety, associated with a lower quality of life. These differences may be important and will be taken into account in our treatment of these patients.

Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome subtypes; Physiotherapy; Body awareness; Stress; Biochemistry