Comprehensive analysis of clinical data for COVID-19 outcome estimation with machine learning models.

COVID-19 is a global threat for the healthcare systems due to the rapid spread of the pathogen that causes it. In such situation, the clinicians must take important decisions, in an environment where medical resources can be insufficient. In this task, the computer-aided diagnosis systems can be very useful not only in the task of supporting the clinical decisions but also to perform relevant analyses, allowing them to understand better the disease and the factors that can identify the high risk patients. For those purposes, in this work, we use several machine learning algorithms to estimate the outcome of COVID-19 patients given their clinical information. Particularly, we perform 2 different studies: the first one estimates whether the patient is at low or at high risk of death whereas the second estimates if the patient needs hospitalization or not. The results of the analyses of this work show the most relevant features for each studied scenario, as well as the classification performance of the considered machine learning models. In particular, the XGBoost algorithm is able to estimate the need for hospitalization of a patient with an AUC-ROC of 0 . 8415 ± 0 . 0217 while it can also estimate the risk of death with an AUC-ROC of 0 . 7992 ± 0 . 0104 . Results have demonstrated the great potential of the proposal to determine those patients that need a greater amount of medical resources for being at a higher risk. This provides the healthcare services with a tool to better manage their resources.

Renal profile of patients treated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine: 120-week results from a real-world cohort.

Elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (EVG/c/FTC/TAF) and dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (DTG/ABC/3TC) are currently available for HIV patients. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated modifications in the renal safety profile in a large real-world cohort of patients who had received EVG/c/FTC/TAF or DTG/ABC/3TC. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of HIV-infected patients who received EVG/c/FTC/TAF or DTG/ABC/3TC between March 2015 and June 2019 at a reference hospital in north-western Spain was conducted. Epidemiological, clinical, immunovirological data and information regarding antiretroviral therapy were recorded. The statistical differences between treatments were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were evaluated, 266 using EVG/c/FTC/TAF and 191 using DTG/ABC/3TC. Up to week 120, serum creatinine improved in both study groups among experienced patients (EVG/c/FTC/TAF 1.01±0.24 vs 0.91±0.19, p<0.001; DTG/ABC/3TC 1.08±0.24 vs 1.02±0.31, p<0.001), while in naïve patients serum creatinine remained stable compared with baseline. Statistically significant differences were found in serum creatinine when comparing both treatments at week 48 in experienced (0.94±0.21 vs 1.09±0.28, p<0.001) and naïve patients (0.89±0.16 vs 1.06±0.20, p=0.001), and among experienced patients at week 120 (0.91±0.19 vs 1.02±0.31, p=0.015) for the EVG/c/FTC/TAF and DTG/ABC/3TC groups, respectively. During the follow-up, 39 patients in EVG/c/FTC/TAF and 33 in DTG/ABC/3TC (p=0.449) discontinued treatment. The main reason for stopping treatment was adverse events, which were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: During the follow-up, patients experienced changes that were not clinically relevant in both treatment groups. Differences in renal events were not found.

Practical approach to irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea beyond low-FODMAP diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered defecation, usually accompanied by abdominal bloating or distension. The integrated model of bidirectional interaction between the central, autonomic, enteric nervous system, the microbiome, and the gut barrier allows a better understanding of the pathophysiology of IBS, as well as consideration of potential therapeutic strategies. IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) represents a therapeutic challenge. Dietary changes or restrictions are most commonly used by patients in an attempt at symptom control. Therefore, a number of diets, especially low-FODMAP diet, have increasingly gained interest as a therapy for IBS-D or mixed IBS. However, this kind of diet, while effective, is not exempt of problems. It is therefore necessary that other therapeutic options be considered while bearing pathophysiological mechanisms and general symptom management in mind.

Monoclonal antibody therapies in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that target key domains of the spike protein in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have therapeutic value because of their specificity. Depending on the targeted epitope, single agents may be effective, but combined treatment involving multiple NAbs may be necessary to prevent the emergence of resistant variants. AREAS COVERED: This article highlights the accelerated regulatory processes established to facilitate the review and approval of potential therapies. An overview of treatment approaches for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with detailed examination of the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of NAbs, is provided. Finally, insights are offered into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of these agents. EXPERT OPINION: NAbs offer an effective, evidence-based therapeutic intervention during the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection when viral replication is the primary factor driving disease progression. As the pandemic progresses, appropriate use of NAbs will be important to minimize the risk of escape variants. Ultimately, the availability of effective treatments for COVID-19 will allow the establishment of treatment algorithms for minimizing the substantial rates of hospitalization, morbidity (including long COVID) and mortality currently associated with the disease.

Discontinuation due to neuropsychiatric adverse events with efavirenz- and dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: a comparative real-life study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the high efficacy of antiretroviral treatment, no drug is free from adverse events (AEs). Efavirenz (EFV) and dolutegravir (DTG) are antiretroviral drugs for which neuropsychiatric adverse events (NPAEs) have been described. This study evaluated the safety and tolerability of DTG-based and EFV-based antiretroviral regimens in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out in HIV-infected patients who started DTG- or EFV-based antiretroviral treatment from January 2008 to December 2018 at a reference hospital in north-western Spain. Epidemiological, clinical and immunovirological data were recorded. A statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software. RESULTS: A total of 282 DTG- and 148 EFV-based therapies were initiated. During follow-up, statistically significant differences have been found between the rate of patients who discontinued DTG and EFV due to AEs (12.1% vs 35.8%, p<0.001) and the main AEs in both groups, NPAEs (8.2% vs 25.0%, p<0.001). Female gender (OR 2.610 (95% CI 1.327 to 5.133), p=0.005) was associated with discontinuations due to AEs. Patients with documented psychiatric disorders were at higher risk of discontinuation due to NPAEs (OR 4.782 (95% CI 1.190 to 19.220), p=0.027). The multivariate analysis showed a 61.2% risk reduction in benzodiazepine prescriptions in patients treated with DTG. In both groups, patients needed consultation and follow-up in the psychiatry unit (16.9% in the EFV group and 8.9% in the DTG group, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high rate of discontinuations due to AEs and NPAEs, prescription of benzodiazepines and a requirement for consultation in a psychiatric unit in both treatment groups, especially with EFV.

Long-term safety and efficacy study of a medical device containing xyloglucan, pea protein reticulated with tannins and xylo-oligosaccharides, in patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) is a frequent problem associated with a significant socioeconomic implication. Increased gut permeability is an important pathophysiological mechanism. A medical device containing xyloglucan (XG), pea protein and tannins (PPT) from grape-seed extract, and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) has proven restoration of intestinal barrier function. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with the medical device XG + PPT + XOS (XG-PPT-XOS) in adult patients with IBS-D in a clinical setting for 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a multicentre, open-label, prospective, observational study conducted to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of XG-PPT-XOS. IBS-D adult patients (Rome IV criteria) were included and received two tablets twice daily for 6 months. IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and bowel habit were registered at baseline and monthly, until the end of follow up. Efficacy was evaluated by comparison of mean scores at each time point. RESULTS: 50 patients were included, of which 19 completed the 6 months. IBS-SSS score decreased from 312.2 ± 82.2 to 213.6 ± 109.9 (p < 0.0001) at 1 month and 192.0 ± 108.9 at the last visit completed; diarrhoea score decreased from 45.6 ± 17.9 to 25.7 ± 17.7 and 25.3 ± 17.2 at 1 month and at the last visit completed, respectively. Pain score decreased from 107.8 ± 49.9 at baseline to 73.2 ± 57.3 (p < 0.0001) at 1 month and bloating score from 56.4 ± 28.8 at baseline to 42.8 ± 32.6 (p < 0.001) at 1 month, reaching 62.4 ± 56.0 and 40.4 ± 34.3, respectively, at the last visit completed. Adverse effects were mild and mostly not related to treatment. CONCLUSION: Treating IBS-D patients with XG-PPT-XOS is effective and safe in the long term within a clinical setting, improving all IBS-D symptoms from the first month of treatment and showing a sustained response over the term of therapy.

Recurrent granulomatous cheilitis associated with Crohn's disease successfully treated with ustekinumab: case report and literature review.

Granulomatous cheilitis, characterized by persistent inflammation of the lips and a granulomatous histology, is sometimes associated with Crohn's disease and is a therapeutic challenge. Reported evidence indicates treatment with an anti-TNF agent (mainly infliximab) is the most recommended therapeutic option after failure of conventional treatments. The clinical case reported the effectiveness of ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukins 12/23, to induce the remission of severe and recurrent granulomatous cheilitis in a patient with Crohn's disease.

2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND: Data on patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) who have had 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) are needed. AIMS: To report the clinical characteristics, including gastrointestinal symptoms, of COVID-19 in IBD patients, and to assess the risk of COVID-19 in IBD. METHODS: This case series included consecutive IBD patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Age-adjusted cumulative incidences were compared with the general population in the Madrid region. RESULTS: Through April 8, 12 of 1918 IBD patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. The average age was 52 years, 75% of the patients were female and 58.3% had Crohn's disease. Seven patients (58%) were on maintenance treatment with immunomodulators/biologics, of these four with combined therapy (33%). Eight patients (66%) required hospitalisation (one intensive care unit admission, and two deaths), and four patients were isolated at home. Nine patients had diarrhoea ranging between 4 and 10 loose stools per day (mean 5.4, SD 1.6). In five patients (42%) diarrhoea was a presenting symptom. In two patients, diarrhoea was the only symptom at debut. Cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was 6.2 per 1000 IBD patients. IBD patients had a lower adjusted incidence ratio of COVID-19 (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.70-0.77; P < 0.001), and a similar associated mortality ratio (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.84-1.06; P = 0.36), compared with the general population. CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients do not have an increased risk of COVID-19 and associated mortality compared with the general population. In many IBD patients, diarrhoea was a presenting symptom, and sometimes, was the only symptom at onset of COVID-19.

Nocardiosis pulmonar tratada con tedizolid / Pulmonary nocardiosis treated with tedizolid

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Differences in the need for adalimumab dose optimization between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Aim: to compare the need for and time to adalimumab dose escalation and de-escalation between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: this observational cohort study included patients with luminal CD or patients with UC treated with adalimumab. Adalimumab dose optimization was decided based on the Harvey-Bradshaw index (CD) or the partial Mayo score (UC). The co-primary endpoints were the differences in the rate of dose escalation and the cumulative probability of escalation-free survival between cohorts. We also evaluated the rates of de-escalation and predictors of adalimumab dose escalation and de-escalation. Results: twenty-four of 43 CD patients (56%) and 28 of 43 UC patients (65%) required adalimumab dose escalation. UC patients had a higher adjusted rate of dose escalation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-4.56; p = 0.013) than CD patients. The median time to dose escalation was significantly shorter for UC than CD patients (3.2 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 2.0-10.3 vs 12.2 months, IQR: 6.1-35.7; p = 0.001). Survival curves showed that UC patients had an increased probability of dose escalation (p < 0.001). Prior anti-TNF therapy was associated with dose escalation (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.05-4.34; p = 0.037). Adalimumab dose de-escalation was attempted in 32% of UC patients and 50% of CD patients. Survival curves showed that CD patients had an increased probability of dose de-escalation (p = 0.030). Conclusion: UC patients more frequently required adalimumab dose escalation than CD patients. UC patients required optimization earlier than CD patients. More CD patients than UC patients can be dose de-escalated later on during treatment

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Differences in the need for adalimumab dose optimization between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

AIM: to compare the need for and time to adalimumab dose escalation and de-escalation between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: this observational cohort study included patients with luminal CD or patients with UC treated with adalimumab. Adalimumab dose optimization was decided based on the Harvey-Bradshaw index (CD) or the partial Mayo score (UC). The co-primary endpoints were the differences in the rate of dose escalation and the cumulative probability of escalation-free survival between cohorts. We also evaluated the rates of de-escalation and predictors of adalimumab dose escalation and de-escalation. RESULTS: twenty-four of 43 CD patients (56%) and 28 of 43 UC patients (65%) required adalimumab dose escalation. UC patients had a higher adjusted rate of dose escalation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-4.56; p = 0.013) than CD patients. The median time to dose escalation was significantly shorter for UC than CD patients (3.2 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 2.0-10.3 vs 12.2 months, IQR: 6.1-35.7; p = 0.001). Survival curves showed that UC patients had an increased probability of dose escalation (p < 0.001). Prior anti-TNF therapy was associated with dose escalation (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.05-4.34; p = 0.037). Adalimumab dose de-escalation was attempted in 32% of UC patients and 50% of CD patients. Survival curves showed that CD patients had an increased probability of dose de-escalation (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: UC patients more frequently required adalimumab dose escalation than CD patients. UC patients required optimization earlier than CD patients. More CD patients than UC patients can be dose de-escalated later on during treatment.

Clinical response to linaclotide at week 4 predicts sustained response in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and improvements in digestive and extra-digestive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Linaclotide is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. This study aimed to assess factors predictive of a clinical response and improvements in non-IBS symptoms with linaclotide treatment in a Spanish patient population. METHODS: In this open-label phase IIIb study, patients with moderate-to-severe IBS-C received linaclotide 290 µg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was clinical response at week 12, defined as >30% reduction in IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) or IBS-SSS <75 plus self-reported response of feeling 'better' or 'much better' versus the baseline. Digestive nonintestinal and extra-digestive symptom scores were assessed. Baseline characteristics and week 4 clinical response were assessed as predictors of week 12 clinical response. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were eligible; 91 were female and the mean age was 47.4 years. Mean (SD) baseline IBS-SSS was 371 (72.5). In the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations, 22.9% and 31.7% were clinical responders at week 4, respectively, and 25.0% and 36.7% were clinical responders at week 12. Digestive nonintestinal and extra-digestive symptom scores were significantly improved at weeks 4 and 12. Baseline characteristic was not associated with week 12 clinical response; however, clinical response at week 4 was predictive of response at week 12 (OR: 6.5; 95%IC: 2.1-19.8). The most common adverse event was diarrhea inclusive of loose or watery stools (35.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Linaclotide improves IBS-C symptoms, including digestive nonintestinal and extra-digestive symptoms. A clinical response at week 4 may predict response at week 12.

Propofol-induced deep sedation reduces emotional episodic memory reconsolidation in humans.

The adjustment of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with emotional memories is central to treating psychiatric disorders. Recent research, predominantly with laboratory animals, indicates that memories can become temporarily sensitive to modification following reactivation, before undergoing reconsolidation. A method to selectively impair reconsolidation of specific emotional or traumatic memories in humans could translate to an effective treatment for conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder. We tested whether deep sedation could impair emotional memory reconsolidation in 50 human participants. Administering the intravenous anesthetic propofol following memory reactivation disrupted memory for the reactivated, but not for a non-reactivated, slideshow story. Propofol impaired memory for the reactivated story after 24 hours, but not immediately after propofol recovery. Critically, memory impairment occurred selectively for the emotionally negative phase of the reactivated story. One dose of propofol following memory reactivation selectively impaired subsequent emotional episodic memory retrieval in a time-dependent manner, consistent with reconsolidation impairment.

A retrospective and prospective 12-month observational study of the socioeconomic burden of moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in Spain / Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y prospectivo a 12 meses del coste socioeconómico del síndrome del intestino irritable moderado a grave con estreñimiento en España

Introduction: The socioeconomic burden of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) has never been formally assessed in Spain. Patients and methods: This 12-month (6-month retrospective and prospective periods) observational, multicentre study assessed the burden of moderate-to-severe IBS-C in Spain. Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with IBS-C (Rome III criteria) within the last 5 years and had moderate-to-severe IBS-C (IBS Symptom Severity Scale score [IBS-SSS] ≥175) at inclusion. The primary objective was to assess the direct cost to the Spanish healthcare system (HS). Results: A total of 112 patients were included, 64 (57%) of which had severe IBS-C at inclusion. At baseline, 89 (80%) patients reported abdominal pain and distention. Patient quality of life (QoL), measured by the IBS-C QoL and EQ-5D instruments, was found to be impaired with a mean score of 59 and 57 (0-100, worst-best), respectively. Over the 6-month prospective period the mean IBS-C severity, measured using the IBS-SSS showed some improvement (315-234 [0-500, best-worst]). During the year, 89 (80%) patients used prescription drugs for IBS-C, with laxatives being the most frequently prescribed (n=70; 63%). The direct cost to the HS was €1067, and to the patient was €568 per year. The total direct cost for moderate-to-severe IBS-C was €1635. Discussion: The majority of patients reported continuous IBS-C symptoms despite that 80% were taking medication to treat their IBS-C. Overall healthcare resource use and direct costs were asymmetric, with a small group of patients consuming the majority of resources

Introducción: El coste socioeconómico del síndrome del intestino irritable con estreñimiento (SII-E) no ha sido evaluado formalmente en España. Pacientes y métodos: Este estudio observacional, multicéntrico a 12 meses (periodos retrospectivo y prospectivo de 6 meses) evaluó el coste del SII-E moderado-grave en España. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados con SII-E (criterios Roma III) en los últimos 5 años y SII-E moderado-grave (puntuación IBS-Symptom Severity Scale [IBS-SSS]≥175) en la inclusión. El objetivo principal fue evaluar el coste directo para el sistema sanitario (SS) español. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 112 pacientes, 64 (57%) de los cuales presentaban SII-E grave en la inclusión. En el momento basal, 89 (80%) pacientes presentaron dolor y distensión abdominal. La calidad de vida del paciente, medida mediante los instrumentos IBS-C QoL y EQ-5D, estaba deteriorada, con una puntuación de 59 y 57 (0-100, peor-mejor), respectivamente. En el periodo prospectivo la gravedad media del SII-E, medida mediante IBS-SSS, mostró alguna mejoría (315 a 234 [0-500, mejor-peor]). Durante el periodo a studio, 89 (80%) pacientes usaron fármacos prescritos para el SII-E, principalmente laxantes (n=70; 63%). El coste directo anual fue de 1.067€ y 568€ para el SS y el paciente, respectivamente. El coste total directo del SII-E moderado-grave fue de 1.635€. Discusión: La mayoría de pacientes presentaron síntomas continuos del SII-E pese a que el 80% tomaban medicación específica. El uso de recursos sanitarios y los costes directos globales fueron asimétricos, con un pequeño grupo de pacientes consumiendo la mayoría de los recursos

Nutrient drink test: A promising new tool for irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent condition. It is diagnosed on the basis of chronic symptoms after the clinical and/or investigative exclusion of organic diseases that can cause similar symptoms. There is no reproducible non-invasive test for the diagnosis of IBS, and this raises diagnostic uncertainty among physicians and hinders acceptance of the diagnosis by patients. Functional gastrointestinal (GI) syndromes often present with overlapping upper and lower GI tract symptoms, now believed to be generated by visceral hypersensitivity. This study examines the possibility that, in IBS, a nutrient drink test (NDT) provokes GI symptoms that allow a positive differentiation of these patients from healthy subjects. AIM: To evaluate the NDT for the diagnosis of IBS. METHODS: This prospective case-control study compared the effect of two different nutrient drinks on GI symptoms in 10 IBS patients (patients) and 10 healthy controls (controls). The 500 kcal high nutrient drink and the low nutrient 250 kcal drink were given in randomized order on separate days. Symptoms were assessed just before and at several time points after drink ingestion. Global dyspepsia and abdominal scores were derived from individual symptom data recorded by two questionnaires designed by our group, the upper and the general GI symptom questionnaires, respectively. Psycho-social morbidity and quality of life were also formally assessed. The scores of patients and controls were compared using single factor analysis of variance test. RESULTS: At baseline, IBS patients compared to controls had significantly higher levels of GI symptoms such as gastro-esophageal reflux (P = 0.05), abdominal pain (P = 0.001), dyspepsia (P = 0.001), diarrhea (P = 0.001), and constipation (P = 0.001) as well as higher psycho-social morbidity and lower quality of life. The very low incidence of GI symptoms reported by control subjects did not differ significantly for the two test drinks. Compared with the low nutrient drink, IBS patients with the high nutrient drink had significantly more dyspeptic symptoms at 30 (P = 0.014), 45 (P = 0.002), 60 (P = 0.001), and 120 min (P = 0.011). Dyspeptic symptoms triggered by the high nutrient drink during the first 120 min gave the best differentiation between healthy controls and patients (area under receiver operating curve of 0.915 at 45 min for the dyspepsia score). Continued symptom monitoring for 24 h did not enhance separation of patients from controls. CONCLUSION: A high NDT merits further evaluation as a diagnostic tool for IBS.

A retrospective and prospective 12-month observational study of the socioeconomic burden of moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The socioeconomic burden of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) has never been formally assessed in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This 12-month (6-month retrospective and prospective periods) observational, multicentre study assessed the burden of moderate-to-severe IBS-C in Spain. Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with IBS-C (Rome III criteria) within the last 5 years and had moderate-to-severe IBS-C (IBS Symptom Severity Scale score [IBS-SSS] ≥175) at inclusion. The primary objective was to assess the direct cost to the Spanish healthcare system (HS). RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were included, 64 (57%) of which had severe IBS-C at inclusion. At baseline, 89 (80%) patients reported abdominal pain and distention. Patient quality of life (QoL), measured by the IBS-C QoL and EQ-5D instruments, was found to be impaired with a mean score of 59 and 57 (0-100, worst-best), respectively. Over the 6-month prospective period the mean IBS-C severity, measured using the IBS-SSS showed some improvement (315-234 [0-500, best-worst]). During the year, 89 (80%) patients used prescription drugs for IBS-C, with laxatives being the most frequently prescribed (n=70; 63%). The direct cost to the HS was €1067, and to the patient was €568 per year. The total direct cost for moderate-to-severe IBS-C was €1635. DISCUSSION: The majority of patients reported continuous IBS-C symptoms despite that 80% were taking medication to treat their IBS-C. Overall healthcare resource use and direct costs were asymmetric, with a small group of patients consuming the majority of resources.