Psychimmunological Aspects and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder and may coexist with psychiatric disorders. We aimed to establish new directions for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in IBS patients by assessment of the quality of life (QOL) and the immunological role in IBS.

Methods: This study was carried out on 80 subjects aged from 18 to 65 years old, both sexes, assigned into two groups: group I included 60 patients were diagnosed with IBS according to ROM-IV diagnostic criteria and were further divided according to age into two groups, first group is (18-40) years and second group is (41-65) years. Group II: Included 20 subjects as a healthy Control group.

Results: The younger age group of patients with IBS have a significantly better overall QOL and its domains than the older age group. Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression scores were significantly higher in female patients and older age groups. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity had a lower QOL and its domains than patients without psychiatric comorbidity with a significant difference between both groups. There was a significant difference in serum Interlukin-6 between patients with IBS and healthy control group. Also in serum Interlukin-6 patients with IBS comorbid psychiatric disorders and patients without psychiatric comorbidity with.

Conclusions: Psychiatric symptoms are presented earlier in Egyptian IBS. A higher percentage of psychiatric disorders are presented with severe forms of IBS affecting the prognosis of IBS and subsequently the QOL and health costs.