The following is a summary of “Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Are an Indicator of Depression and Anxiety,” published in the November 2023  issue of Gastroenterology by Franco, et al.

For a study, researchers sought to find out what causes Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). About 10% to 15% of adults around the world have IBS, which is linked to nervousness and sadness. It was not clear what effect IBS-like symptoms had on people with NAFLD. A mail poll was used to do a cross-sectional study of patients in the hepatology department at Houston Methodist Hospital. The IV questionnaire was used to diagnose IBS, and the Hospital worry sadness scale was used to measure worry and sadness. People who had inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or small bowel tumors were not allowed to participate. 

The patients were split into groups based on the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Of the 130 cases examined, 38 met the Rome IV standards for IBS (IBS group), and 92 did not (non-IBS group). People with IBS were more likely to be depressed (18.4% vs. 5.4%, P=0.01). The IBS group also had more anxiety (31.6% vs. 9.8%, P=0.002). In 4 different logistic regression models, being female, depressed, and having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more were all found to be independent indicators of IBS in NAFLD. 

Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were lower in people who had just been diagnosed with IBS (67.5 vs. 28; P=0.04). More than 100% of people had current stomach pain compared to 81.3% (P=0.045). Pain related to changes in stool frequency was also higher than 100% (96.3% vs. 50%; P<0.001). The study showed that people with NAFLD are more likely to have IBS symptoms, sadness, and anxiety. When someone with NAFLD tells their doctor that they have IBS symptoms, the doctor should be aware of how these conditions can affect the patient’s quality of life and response to treatment.

Source: journals.lww.com/jcge/abstract/2023/11000/irritable_bowel_syndrome_symptoms_in_nonalcoholic.8.aspx