Irritable Bowel Syndrome Versus Crohn Disease - Impact on Quality of Life

Background The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are both chronic diseases, associated with fluctuating gastrointestinal symptoms, altered bowel habits, and a significant impact on a patient's health-related quality of life (QoL) (1). The aim of this study was to assess and compare the impact of Crohn disease (CD), an organic disorder, and that of IBS (functional disorder), on the patients' QoL. Material and methods A prospective study was conducted over a period of 12 months (January 2016 -December 2016). The study included 93 patients, divided into 2 groups: group A consisted of 45 CD patients and group B of 43 IBS patients. The patients' QoL was assessed by means of the SF-36 questionnaire, a generic instrument used for measuring the physical and mental state. Results According to the results of the SF-36 questionnaire, the patients with CD presented a significantly lower score of the QoL physical component (p<0.001), compared to the IBS patients. Three of the subscale scores reflecting the physical state of the QoL (physical state, general health, vitality) were significantly lower in the patients with CD, compared with those with IBS (p<0.001). The values of the score reflecting the social activity were also lower compared with the IBS-d group (p<0.001). Conclusions Regardless of the nature of the disorder-organic or functional-the impact on the QoL is negative. In both cases, the assessment of QoL reflects the therapeutic response and it contributes to identifying the patients requiring specialized support.