[Prognosis in patients having irritable bowel syndrome.]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is among the most common gastrointestinal disorders. In this survey, the prognosis of patients diagnosed with IBS was examined. In 1982, 81 (2.9%) of the inhabitants in Egilsstaethir health care district had diagnosed IBS on their medical records (ICCH 558). Twelve years later, in 1994, the health records of those patients were examined. Information was gathered through a questionnaire, which 76% answered. Of those who answered 28% had no longer any symptoms, but 38% experienced symptoms once a month or more frequently. The medical records of 11 patients who died were checked, revealing that two had had a confirmed gastrointestinal disease, but not in the colon.