Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Renal Transplant Patients: Prevalence, Link with Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression

Background: Gastrointestinal complications are common in renal transplant recipients and may arise from any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly common in the general population, but the status is not known in renal transplant patients. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of IBS and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), anxiety, and depression in renal transplant patients. Methods: One hundred and ninety-eight patients were enrolled in this study. Sociodemographic and laboratory variables were recorded. Severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and HRQOL were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form 36 (SF-36), respectively. Diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome III criteria. Results: The mean age was 38 +/- 10 years and 61% were male. The mean transplant duration was 62 +/- 54 months. Among 198 patients, 55 (27%) had IBS. Patients with IBS had lower SF-36 scores and had higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than patients without IBS. Conclusions: IBS is highly prevalent in renal transplant patients. The presence of IBS is closely related with HRQOL anxiety and depression.