High prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure

Abstract

Background. Gastrointestinal symptoms and psychiatric disorders are common among patients with chronic renal failure since uremia affects all systems as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent functional disorder worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of IBS and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). The relationships between IBS, sex and additional psychiatric disorders in the same patient group were determined and results were compared with controls. Methods: Ninety-three hemodialysis (HD) and 35 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and 51 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. They completed the questionnaires that were later evaluated to determine the frequency of IBS in HD, PD and control groups; the frequency of depression and anxiety in these three groups and their relationship to sex. Symptoms of upper gastrointestinal system and their relation to sex were also investigated in all groups. Results: In this study, we have demonstrated that prevalence of IBS in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is higher than the controls though the type of dialysis does not seem to influence the IBS prevalence itself. Epigastric pain was more prevalent in HD patients than PD patients. Conclusions: The present study suggests that though IBS is common in patients with CRF, it is generally underestimated. Type of dialysis does not seem to change the clinical picture much. Accompanying mood disorders must also be taken into consideration.