Lars Kjellström

Assessment of normal bowel habits in the general adult population: the Popcol study.

Abstract Objective. Defining normal stool habit is important when evaluating diarrhoea or constipation, but common confounders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or the intake of medications with gastrointestinal side effects have not been considered in earlier population based studies defining what is normal. We hypothesized that the exclusion of subjects with common confounders would help to better understand what are “normal bowel habits”. We aimed to prospectively study bowel habits in a carefully studied random sample of the general population. Material and methods. Two hundred and sixty-eight randomly selected subjects between 18 and 70 years completed symptom diaries for one week and were clinically evaluated by a gastroenterologist. They also had a colonoscopy and laboratory investigations to exclude organic disease. Results. One hundred and twenty-four subjects had no organic gastrointestinal abnormality, IBS, or relevant medication; 98% of them had between three stools per day and three per week. Seventy-seven percent of all stools were normal, 12% hard, and 10% loose in consistency. Urgency was reported by 36%; straining by 47% and incomplete defecation by 46%. After the exclusion of subjects with organic abnormalities, women had significantly more symptoms than men in terms of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, urgency, and feeling of incomplete evacuation but these gender differences disappeared after excluding subjects with IBS. Conclusions. This study confirms that normal stool frequency is between three per week and three per day. We could not demonstrate any gender or age differences in terms of stool frequency, defecatory symptoms or abdominal bloating. Some degree of urgency, straining, and incomplete evacuation should be considered normal.

Prevalence of colonic neoplasia and advanced lesions in the normal population : a prospective population-based colonoscopy study.

Abstract Objective. There are few prospective studies of the prevalence of colonic neoplasia in the normal population. In order to properly evaluate screening-protocols for colorectal cancer in risk groups (e.g., older subjects or those with a family history), it is essential to know the prevalence of adenomas and cancer in the normal population. Methods. A prospective population-based colonoscopy study on 745 individuals born in Sweden aged 19–70 years was conducted (mean age 51.1 years). All polyps seen were retrieved and examined. Results. Out of the 745 individuals 27% had polyps, regardless of kind. Adenomas were found in 10% of the individuals and finding of adenomas was positively correlated to higher age. Men had adenomas in 15% and women in 6% of the cases. Women had a right-sided dominance of adenomas. Hyperplastic polyps were seen in 21% of the individuals. The presence of hyperplastic polyps was significantly positively correlated to the presence of adenomas. Advanced adenomas were seen in 2.8% of the study participants, but no cancers were detected. Conclusion. One in 10 healthy subjects had an adenoma but advanced adenomas were uncommon. Men and women have a different adenoma prevalence and localization. The results provide baseline European data for evaluating colonoscopy screening-protocols for colorectal cancer risk groups, and the findings may have implications for colon cancer screening in the normal, otherwise-healthy population.

Colonic spirochetosis is associated with colonic eosinophilia and irritable bowel syndrome in a general population in Sweden.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder defined by symptoms in the absence of overt pathology. Colonic spirochetosis (CS), defined by histologic observation of spirochetal strains of Brachyspira in colonic biopsies, is uncommon and considered of doubtful significance. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CS in the general population, identify subtle colon pathologies, and evaluate a link with symptoms of IBS. Colonoscopy was performed in 745 subjects (aged 19-70 years, mean age 51 years, 43% male) with biopsies (ileum and 4 colonic sites) from a random population sample, Stockholm, Sweden, who completed a validated questionnaire of gastrointestinal symptoms; IBS was identified by Rome III criteria. CS was identified by histology and immunohistochemistry. In a general population, 17 individuals (2.28%; 95% confidence interval, 1.2%-3.5%) were diagnosed as having CS by histology; 6 (35%) had IBS. CS was always present in the sigmoid colon, but only 14 rectal biopsies. Eosinophils were increased in colon biopsies in CS cases versus controls, in the transverse (P = .02), sigmoid colon (P = .001), and rectum (P = .0005) with subepithelial eosinophil clusters (P = .053). Lymphoid follicles (at any site) were present in 13 CS (P = .0003). There was a 3-fold increased risk of IBS in CS (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-10.11; P = .015). Polyps and diverticular disease were similar in CS cases and controls. The prevalence of CS in a general population is 2% and associated with nonconstipating IBS. Colonic eosinophilia with lymphoid follicles may signify the presence of CS.

Abdominal pain is associated with anxiety and depression scores in a sample of the general adult population with no signs of organic gastrointestinal disease

Abdominal pain is common in the community, but only a subset meet diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although anxiety and depression have been linked to IBS, the role of mood disturbances in the remainder with symptoms remains unclear. We aimed to study the associations between abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the general population who were free of organic colonic disease by colonoscopy.

A randomly selected population sample undergoing colonoscopy: prevalence of the irritable bowel syndrome and the impact of selection factors.

Objective To analyse the epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a random sample of the general population and in a subsample consenting to a colonoscopy, and to what extent this introduces symptom selection bias. Materials and methods Overall, 3347 randomly selected Swedish adults aged 18–70 years were mailed the validated Abdominal Symptom Questionnaire (ASQ). Responders (n=2293; 68.5%) were contacted by phone, and 745 consented to a colonoscopy. All nonresponders were contacted by phone; 265 were reached and asked seven key ASQ questions. Colonoscopy participants also completed the Rome II Modular Questionnaire. Results The prevalence of IBS on the basis of the mailed ASQ (troublesome abdominal pain and bowel disturbance in the past 3 months) was 26.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 24.4–28.0] among the ASQ responders and 36.6% (95% CI: 33.2–40.1) among the colonoscopy participants (P<0.001). Nonresponders had a lower prevalence of IBS (15.8%; 95% CI: 11.4–20.3, P<0.001) than ASQ responders. Colonoscopy participants were slightly older than noncolonoscoped participants completing the ASQ (P<0.001), but men and women were equally represented and no significant socioeconomic differences were identified. The prevalence of IBS was 14.8% (95% CI: 12.2–17.5) on the basis of the Rome II Modular Questionnaire in colonoscopy participants and 14.5% (95% CI: 11.9–17.2) when visible inflammatory disease was excluded. Of the colonoscopy participants, 31.9% (95% CI: 28.5–35.3) were symptom free. Conclusion IBS symptoms are common and rarely explained by visible inflammatory disease or cancer. There was a modest selection bias by IBS in participants accepting a screening colonoscopy, but still, one-third were symptom free. Thus, conclusions for the general population can be made from findings in the study cohort.

Function and dysfunction of the colon and anorectum in adults: Working team report of the Swedish Motility Group (SMoG)

Symptoms of fecal incontinence and constipation are common in the general population. These can, however, be unreliably reported and are poorly discriminatory for underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, both symptoms may coexist. In the elderly, fecal impaction always must be excluded. For patients with constipation, colon transit studies, anorectal manometry and defecography may help to identify patients with slow-transit constipation and/or pelvic floor dysfunction. The best documented medical treatments for constipation are the macrogols, lactulose and isphagula. Evolving drugs include lubiprostone, which enhances colonic secretion by activating chloride channels. Surgery is restricted for a highly selected group of patients with severe slow-transit constipation and for those with large rectoceles that demonstrably cause rectal evacuatory impairment. For patients with fecal incontinence that does not resolve on antidiarrheal treatment, functional and structural evaluation with anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound or magnetic resonance (MR) of the anal canal may help to guide management. Sacral nerve stimulation is a rapidly evolving alternative when other treatments such as biofeedback and direct sphincter repair have failed. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology as a guide to treatment of patients with constipation and fecal incontinence is a continuing important goal for translational research. The content of this article is a summary of presentations given by the authors at the Fourth Meeting of the Swedish Motility Group, held in Gothenburg in April 2007.

How individuals with the irritable bowel syndrome describe their own symptoms before formal diagnosis

Abstract Aim: To investigate how individuals fulfilling the Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) spontaneously described their symptoms. Method: From a general population, 1,244 randomly sampled adults were asked to describe their gastrointestinal symptoms (if any) verbally, in their own words, at a semi-structured interview. Their own descriptions were sorted into five symptom clusters. The participants independently completed a written questionnaire (the Rome II Modular Questionnaire (RMIIMQ)). Results: A total of 601 participants reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom, and 128 had IBS according to the RMIIMQ. After exclusion of organic causes, previously diagnosed IBS, or additional gastrointestinal diagnosis, 81 participants with IBS according to RMIIMQ remained. Five participants (6%) described symptoms included in the full definition of IBS, but none fulfilled the Rome II criteria completely. Abdominal pain or other IBS-related symptoms were reported by 64 (79%), and 12 (15%) did not report any IBS-like symptom. Conclusion: Previously undiagnosed individuals, who fulfil criteria for Rome II-IBS, often express their complaints in words that do not fit into the current diagnostic criteria.

Colonoscopy findings in high-risk individuals compared to an average-risk control population

Abstract Background and aims: There is clear evidence of reduced morbidity and mortality from regular colonoscopy programs in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS). Today, also individuals with empirically increased risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) are offered colonoscopic surveillance. The aim was to compare the findings at the first screening colonoscopy in LS carriers, and individuals with an increased risk of bowel cancer due to family history of CRC with a control population. Methods: Altogether 1397 individuals with an increased risk for CRC were divided in four risk groups: one with LS carriers and three groups with individuals with different family history of CRC. The findings were compared between the different risk groups and a control group consisting of 745 individuals from a control population who took part in a population-based colonoscopy study. Results: In LS, 30% of the individuals had adenomas and 10% advanced adenomas. The corresponding figures in the other risk groups were 14–24% and 4–7%, compared with 10% and 3% in the control group. The relative risk of having adenomas and advanced adenomas was, compared to controls, significantly higher for all risk groups except the group with the lowest risk. Age was a strong predictor for adenomas and advanced adenomas in both risk individuals and controls. Conclusions: Individuals with a family history of CRC have a high prevalence and cumulative risk of adenomas and advanced adenomas, and screening is motivated also in this risk group.