The Incidence and Risk Factors of Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims: PI-IBS is a common disorder wherein symptoms of IBS begin after acute gastroenteritis. The aims were to assess the relationship of IBS and preceding episodes of gastroenteritis and explore the risk factors. Methodology: Electronic databases (1985-2010) were searched to retrieve trials. Outcome measures were incidence of PI-IBS. Review 4.3.1 was used for the statistical analysis and POR and 95% CI as summary statistics were calculated. Results: Ten studies were assessed for incidence of PI-IBS at last study assessment (POR=6.03; 95% CI 3.58 to 10.13). In subgroup analysis, six studies each were assessed for incidence of PI-IBS at 3 months (POR=8.47; 95% CI 4.85 to 14.76), 6 months (POR=4.58; 95% CI 2.94 to 7.14) and 12 months (POR=6.19; 95% CI 2.82 to 13.58). Four studies were assessed for incidence of PI-IBS at 24-36 months (POR=4.05; 95% CI 3.13 to 5.24). ConCIusions: The odds of developing IBS are increased after acute gastrointestinal infection. There are many risk factors for the development of PI-IBS inCIuding female gender, younger age, severity of the initial gastrointestinal insult, duration of the enteritis and adverse psychological factors and the kind of invasive pathogens.