Eamonn M M Quigley, John Horn, Michele Kissous-Hunt, Robert A Crozier, Lucinda A Harris
Journal: Advances in therapy 2019;35(7):967-980
PMID: 29946799
Constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a common digestive disorder with symptoms including abdominal pain and cramping, bloating and constipation. This study was conducted to better understand the experiences of IBS-C sufferers in comparison to the perceptions and challenges of healthcare providers (HCPs) who treat IBS-C patients. An online questionnaire was used to survey 1,311 individuals with IBS-C, and 331 HCPs in the US. 86% of patients had used over-the-counter treatments for their IBS-C. Most patients were not satisfied with over-the-counter or prescription medication, due to inadequate efficacy and side effects such as diarrhoea. IBS-C respondents most commonly reported feeling frustrated and stressed, with their symptoms impacting productivity and personal activity, four and three days a month, respectively. Prior to seeking medical treatment, none of the IBS-C patients had tried a FODMAP diet to manage their symptoms, 6% had tried a gluten-free diet, 17% used pre- or pro-biotics, and 33% used other dietary changes to help manage their IBS-D. The most common treatment recommendation by HCPs was general dietary changes (for example caffeine reduction, prunes or laxative teas, 50%), followed by exercise (39%) and pre- or pro-biotics (24%). Gluten-free and FODMAP diets were recommended by HCPs in 8% and 2% of cases, respectively. Most HCPs (79%) were not satisfied with the prescription treatments available for IBS-C. These results suggest that current management pathways may not be adequately addressing the symptoms and needs of individuals with IBS-C. Additional treatment options and improved dialogue would be beneficial to HCPs and patients.
INTRODUCTION
The BURDEN IBS-C study was conducted to better understand the experiences, attitudes, and unmet needs of sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in comparison to the perceptions and challenges of healthcare providers (HCPs) who treat IBS-C patients.
METHODS
This was an author-developed, online questionnaire using KnowledgePanel to survey individuals with IBS-C (N = 1311). HCPs participated in a complementary online questionnaire and were recruited separately (N = 331). The study was fielded from June 29, 2016, to January 30, 2017.
RESULTS
Most patients had used (86%) and/or were using (76%) over-the-counter treatments for their IBS-C, with 12% currently on prescription therapy. At the time this study was conducted, 66% and 63% were not satisfied/completely satisfied with over-the-counter or prescription treatment, respectively, citing inadequate efficacy (55%) and side effects (39%), most commonly diarrhea, as common reasons for dissatisfaction. IBS-C respondents most commonly reported feeling frustrated (43%) and stressed (28%) regarding IBS-C, though 39% were accepting of IBS-C as part of daily life. HCPs were aligned with patients in thinking that patients were frustrated (76%) and stressed (65%) but HCPs were less likely to recognize that patients had become accepting of their IBS-C (13%). Most HCPs (79%) were not satisfied/completely satisfied with the prescription treatments available at the time this study was conducted. Inadequate response rates to current therapies (55%) and treatment adherence/compliance issues (58%) were the most frequent challenges encountered by HCPs. IBS-C respondents reported that their symptoms impacted productivity and personal activity, on average, 4 and 3 days/month, respectively.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that current management pathways may not be adequately addressing the symptoms and needs of individuals with IBS-C, most notably side effects and lack of efficacy. Patients and HCPs expressed dissatisfaction with over-the-counter and prescription treatments available at the time this study was conducted. Additional treatment options and improved dialogue would be beneficial to HCPs and patients.
FUNDING
Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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