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. 2016 Feb;4(1):142-51.
doi: 10.1177/2050640614558476. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Chronic constipation and co-morbidities: A prospective population-based nested case-control study

Rok S Choung  1 , Enrique Rey  2 , G Richard Locke 3rd  1 , Cathy D Schleck  3 , Charles Baum  4 , Alan R Zinsmeister  3 , Nicholas J Talley  5
Affiliations

Chronic constipation and co-morbidities: A prospective population-based nested case-control study

Rok S Choung et al. United European Gastroenterol J. 2016 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Chronic constipation (CC) is common in the community but surprisingly little is known about relevant gastro-intestinal (GI) and non-GI co-morbidities.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology of CC and in particular provide new insights into the co-morbidities linked to this condition.

Methods: In a prospective, population-based nested case-control study, a cohort of randomly selected community residents (n = 8006) were mailed a validated self-report gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire. CC was defined according to Rome III criteria. Medical records of each case and control were abstracted to identify potential CC comorbidities.

Results: Altogether 3831 (48%) subjects returned questionnaires; 307 met criteria for CC. Age-adjusted prevalence in females was 8.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.1-10.3) and 5.1 (3.6-6.7) in males, per 100 persons. CC was not associated with most GI pathology, but the odds for constipation were increased in subjects with anal surgery relative to those without (odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-9.1). In those with constipation vs those without, neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease (OR = 6.5, 95% CI 2.9-14.4) and multiple sclerosis (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.9-15.8) showed significantly increased odds for chronic constipation, adjusting for age and gender. In addition, modestly increased odds for chronic constipation in those with angina (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9) and myocardial infarction (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.4) were observed.

Conclusions: Neurological and cardiovascular diseases are linked to constipation but in the community constipation is unlikely to account for most lower GI pathology.

Keywords: Chronic constipation; co-morbidities; community studies.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow chart for the current study population. CC: chronic constipation.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The prevalence of chronic constipation according to age and gender.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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