[Profile and evolution of irritable bowel syndrome. Prospective national epidemiological study of 1301 patients followed-up for 9 months in Gastroenterology. Groupe d'Etude Nationale sur le Syndrome de l'Intestin Irritable (SII)]. / Profil et évolution du syndrome de l'intestin irritable. Etude épidémiologique nationale prospective chez 1,301 consultants en Gastroentérologie suivis 9 mois. Groupe d'Etude Nationale sur le Syndrome de l'Intestin Irritable (SII).

ABSTRACT

From March to October 1989, 237 French gastroenterologists included 1,301 patients referred for irritable bowel syndrome in a 9-month epidemiological survey based on questionnaires and monthly auto-evaluation. In the patient population, the high preponderance of women (sex ratio 2.33), the high prevalence of cholecystectomy (9%), appendectomy (53%) and an association with at least one symptom of non-ulcer dyspepsia (70%) were observed. Fifty per cent of the patients completed the 9-month follow-up period; among them, 60% declared an improvement in their symptoms, but only 30% in their quality of life and independently of the clinical course. This study suggests that symptoms and quality of life in patients consulting for irritable bowel syndrome should be taken into account separately, both in daily practice and in therapeutic evaluation.