Economic and quality-of-life burden of moderate-to-severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in the UK: the IBIS-C study

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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Introduction This is the first study to assess the burden of IBS-C in 6 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, UK). Here we present the results for the UK. Method Observational, retrospective-prospective (6 months each) study in patients (pts) diagnosed with IBS-C in the last five years (Rome-III criteria) and moderate-to-severe symptoms at baseline: IBS-Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) >=175. Health resource utilisation was retrospectively and prospectively assessed. Symptom evolution was assessed in the prospective period, and quality-of-life (QoL) was assessed at baseline with EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and IBS-QoL. Work productivity was prospectively assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI): IBS-C questionnaire. Results 104 pts were included (79% severe, mean age [+/- SD] 45.5 +/- 14.6 yrs, 93% female). At baseline, symptom severity (IBS-SSS; severe >300) was 373.1 +/- 82.5; presenteeism (WPAI: IBS-C; mean +/- SD): 47.9% +/- 28.7%; absenteeism: 8.4% +/- 24.2%; work productivity loss: 51.5% +/- 27.2%; daily activity impairment: 56.8% +/- 29.6%. Mean IBS-QoL was 57.2 +/- 24.2, (scale: 0-100 [best-to-worst]) and mean EQ-5D was 54.0 +/- 23.3 (scale: 0-100 [worst-to-best]. 87.5% and 64.4% of pts reported moderate-to-severe problems in pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression respectively. Most prevalent symptoms were abdominal pain (92%) and bloating (91%). 70% pts consulted a GP, and 100% a gastroenterologist; mean: 6.2 and 2.7 visits, respectively. 24% pts required emergency department visits or hospitalisation (mean stay [95% CI]: 12 [2.5-21.1] days). 52% had a diagnostic test (mean [95% CI]: 3.6 [2.9-4.4]). 90% pts took prescription drugs for IBS-C. Mean (95% CI) annual direct cost for the NHS: 1753 (1251-2308); the mean pt cost: 315 (184-482). 51% of pts took sick leave (mean: 5.2 times; mean duration: 26 days) and 82% had productivity losses (mean: 162 h). Mean indirect costs were 3407 (2078-4977). Total costs amounted to 5443 (3970-7252)/year. Conclusion Moderate-to-severe IBS-C has a major impact on patient QoL, productivity, and healthcare resource utilisation. [Conference abstract]</span>