Incidence and Clinical Course of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Patients Admitted to University Hospitals: 1-year Prospective Follow-up Study
- Author:
Jae Gon LEE
1
;
Sang Pyo LEE
;
Hyun Joo JANG
;
Sea Hyub KAE
;
Woon Geon SHIN
;
Seung In SEO
;
Hyun LIM
;
Ho Suk KANG
;
Jae Seung SOH
;
Chang Seok BANG
;
Young Joo YANG
;
Gwang Ho BAIK
;
Jin Bae KIM
;
Yu Jin KIM
;
Chang Kyo OH
;
Hallym Gastrointestinal Study Group
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(1):110-118
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that arise following an episode of infectious enteritis. The incidence rates vary, ranging from 5% to 32% and the risk factors are not well known. We aim to investigate the incidence and risk factors of PI-IBS in enteritis patients admitted to university hospitals in Korea.
Methods:This multi-center prospective study was conducted in patients hospitalized for infectious enteritis. Each patient underwent 1 outpatient visit and 3 telephone surveys during the first year after discharge to determine if PI-IBS occurred within the follow-up period.
Results:In the 3-month survey, 7 out of 354 patients (2%) were diagnosed with PI-IBS, and after 1 year, only 1 patient met the criteria for IBS.No statistically significant difference was found between the PI-IBS group and the non-PI-IBS group in terms of age, sex, underlying diseases, medication history, gastrointestinal symptoms, enteritis location, causative strain, hospitalization and treatment periods, and laboratory findings. Female sex (P = 0.003), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection (P = 0.044), and a longer total treatment period (P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for diarrhea lasting ≥ 3 months after enteritis.
Conclusions:The incidence of PI-IBS in Korea was relatively low, and most cases improved over time. No risk factors associated with the development of PI-IBS were found. However, persistent diarrhea after enteritis was associated with female sex, EPEC infection, and severe or long-lasting enteritis. IBS symptoms may persist after severe enteritis but usually improve with time.
