Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Clinical patterns over time in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom instability and severity variability
Fermin Mearin1, Eva Baró, Montse Roset
1Institute of Functional and Motor Digestive Disorders, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain.
Objectives:
The clinical course of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains poorly known. In 209 IBS patients meeting Rome II criteria (137 females and 72 males) we evaluated: (1). changes in frequency and intensity of abdominal pain/discomfort, abnormal number of bowel movements, loose or watery stools, defecatory urgency, hard or lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, and feeling of incomplete evacuation); (2). use of resources, HRQoL, and psychological well being.
Methods:
Observational, prospective, multicenter study. Symptoms were registered in a diary over two 28-day periods with an interval of 4 wk; direct resource use and indirect costs were noted weekly. Three HRQoL questionnaires were administered.
Results:
High-intensity symptoms were present on more than 50% of the days. Sixty-one percent were classified in the same IBS subtype on both occasions (kappa= 0.48), while 49% had the same symptom predominance and intensity (kappa= 0.40). The greatest instability was observed among diarrhea (D-IBS) and constipation (C-IBS) subtypes: only 46% and 51% remained in the same pattern with a tendency to shift to alternating diarrhea/constipation subtype (A-IBS); however, practically no patient changed from D-IBS to C-IBS, or vice versa. The most reliable symptom characteristic was frequency, followed by intensity and number of episodes. Symptom frequency and intensity were directly related to resource use and HRQoL impairment.
Conclusions:
IBS symptoms are instable over time and variables in intensity. Many patients with D-IBS or C-IBS move to A-IBS; however, shift from D-IBS to C-IBS, or vice versa, is very infrequent.
Related Concept Videos
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:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
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...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management