Bowel Dysfunctions in Young Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease impacting young adults.
• Bowel dysfunctions (BD), including constipation and fecal incontinence, are significant but often overlooked symptoms in MS.
• BD negatively affects physical, emotional, and social well-being, particularly in younger MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of bowel dysfunctions on the quality of life (QoL) in young adults with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and mild disability.
• To identify specific bowel symptoms that most strongly correlate with diminished QoL domains.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 110 young adults with RRMS (EDSS ≤ 3.5).
• Assessment of bowel symptoms using Wexner Incontinence and Constipation Scales.
• Measurement of QoL using the MSQoL-54 questionnaire and statistical correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations found between bowel symptom severity and multiple QoL domains (physical, emotional, social functioning).
• Abdominal pain and liquid fecal incontinence were strongly associated with lower mental and physical health scores.
• Gender-specific differences observed, with women experiencing distinct impacts on social and emotional well-being.

Conclusions:

• Bowel dysfunction imposes a substantial burden on the QoL of young adults with MS.
• Integrated, multidisciplinary care addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of BD is urgently needed.
• A holistic clinical approach is essential for enhancing the overall well-being of this patient population.