A recent study aimed to assess the prevalence of fecal urgency in both active and inactive ulcerative colitis (UC) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and mental health. Using validated questionnaires, including the inflammatory bowel disease-specific bowel continence questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, researchers found that urgency affects patients regardless of disease activity. These outcomes indicate that urgency is not always linked to active inflammation.
The study involved 155 patients with UC, with 54% reporting urgency during remission and 88% during relapse. Results showed that fecal urgency was associated with poorer QoL and higher anxiety and depression scores, regardless of disease activity, underscoring its significant impact. Notably, 32% of patients with urgency during remission met criteria for irritable bowel syndrome, highlighting an overlap between UC and disorders of gut-brain interaction. The findings suggest that addressing both inflammatory and functional symptoms is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Reference: Nigam GB, Limdi JK, Bate S, Hamdy S, Vasant DH. Fecal Urgency in Ulcerative Colitis: Impact on Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being in Active and Inactive Disease States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024;22(8):1731-1733.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.12.019.
Link: https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(23)01054-6/fulltext
