A recent study underscores the significant impact of bowel urgency and related accidents on the daily lives of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), despite the use of biologic and conventional therapies. The study revealed that bowel urgency is a major burden, often overlooked in patient-healthcare provider interactions due to embarrassment.
The study involved concept elicitation interviews with 30 adult patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe UC or CD. Results showed that the majority of participants experienced bowel urgency-related accidents, significantly affecting their emotional, social, and functional well-being. Patients identified decreased frequency and severity of bowel urgency, improved control, and reduced abdominal pain as meaningful improvements. The study calls for incorporating bowel urgency assessments in clinical trials and routine examinations to better manage symptoms and evaluate treatment impacts. This approach aims to enhance patient care and inform the development of effective therapies for IBD.
Reference: Brooks A. Patient-Reported Bowel Urgency Burden in IBD Underscores Need for Assessment in Clinical Settings. HCPLive. Published April 1, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/patient-reported-bowel-urgency-burden-ibd-underscores-assessment-clinical-settings
