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Non-specific abdominal pain--an expensive mystery
S K Raheja1, P J McDonald, I Taylor
1University Surgical Unit, Southampton General Hospital.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) is common in young women, often presenting in the right lower abdomen. This study found no significant viral or psychological links, suggesting other causes for this frequent surgical admission symptom.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) frequently leads to emergency surgical admissions.
- Identifying the etiology of NSAP is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the clinical characteristics and potential causes of NSAP in patients admitted to surgical wards.
- To explore viral and psychological factors associated with NSAP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 80 patients admitted with NSAP.
- Clinical data collection including pain localization and aggravating factors.
- Viral serological studies and psychological assessments (anxiety, depression, life events) compared to a control group.
Main Results:
- NSAP was most prevalent in females under 30.
- Right lower quadrant pain occurred in 40% of patients; 70% experienced pain aggravated by movement.
- Viral studies were largely unremarkable, with only one patient showing abnormal titres.
- Elevated antistreptolysin O titres were noted in three patients.
- Psychological assessments revealed no significant differences in anxiety, depression, or preceding life events compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- NSAP in surgical admissions is common in young females, often presenting with right lower quadrant pain exacerbated by movement.
- Current viral investigations and psychological assessments did not reveal a clear link to NSAP in this cohort.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying causes of NSAP.