Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
06:19

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Published on: May 16, 2025

Validation of irritable bowel syndrome Global Improvement Scale: an integrated symptom end point for assessing

Susan Gordon1, Vanessa Ameen, Barbara Bagby

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|July 23, 2003
PubMed

The Global Improvement Scale (GIS) assesses multiple irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms using a patient-defined 7-point Likert scale ranging from symptoms substantially worse to substantially improved. To evaluate the scale as an efficacy end point, data were collected from two 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of female nonconstipated IBS patients. GIS responders were defined as having substantial or moderate improvement in IBS symptoms. GIS responders had more days with satisfactory control of urgency, firmer stools, fewer stools per day, and fewer days with incomplete evacuation compared to nonresponders. Substantially more GIS responders (90% and 89% in studies 1 and 2, respectively) were satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment overall compared to nonresponders (13% and 11%) (r = 0.8 in both studies). GIS responders had greater satisfaction with medication relief of pain and discomfort and the time needed to return to usual activities. Favorable correlations between GIS and work and nonwork productivity losses were observed. Correlation of the GIS measure with IBS clinical end points establishes the validity of the GIS for measuring improvement in IBS symptoms. The GIS may be useful in assessing the efficacy of IBS interventions in future clinical trials.

Related Concept Videos

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data01:17

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...