Versha Pleasant1, Anne Sammarco2,3, Grace Keeney-Bonthrone4, Sarah Bell2, Richard Saad5, Mitchell B Berger2,6. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. vershap@med.umich.edu. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison St., Ste 1138, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. 4. University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 5. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 6. Main Line HealthCare Urogynecology Associates, Riddle Hospital, Health Center 3, 1098 W. Baltimore Pike, Ste. 3404, Media, PA, 19063, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is currently no gold standard for evaluating stool burden in the colon for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aim to examine the relationship between fecal loading on single view abdominal X-ray imaging and gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and accidental bowel leakage in adult outpatients. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined patients seen at University of Michigan from 2005 to 2017. Chart review of demographic information, reported gastrointestinal symptoms, past medical history, and abdominal radiographic imaging was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess associations between these characteristics and fecal loading. Factors independently associated with fecal loading were identified using logistic regression. Significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In total, 319 patients who had an X-ray were included in the final analysis, with 84.0% demonstrating fecal loading on the initial X-ray and most reporting constipation as a symptom (n = 214, 84.3%, p = 0.0334). In logistic regression, a chief complaint of constipation had higher odds of being associated with fecal loading on X-ray compared to diarrhea (adjusted OR 6.41; CI 1.51-27.24, p = 0.0118). Bloating as a reported symptom was statistically significant with an adjusted OR of 2.56 (CI 1.10-5.96, p = 0.0286). CONCLUSIONS: Constipation (as a chief complaint) and bloating (as a symptom) were associated with fecal loading on X-ray imaging, while accidental bowel leakage and diarrhea were not.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is currently no gold standard for evaluating stool burden in the colon for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aim to examine the relationship between fecal loading on single view abdominal X-ray imaging and gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and accidental bowel leakage in adult outpatients. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined patients seen at University of Michigan from 2005 to 2017. Chart review of demographic information, reported gastrointestinal symptoms, past medical history, and abdominal radiographic imaging was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess associations between these characteristics and fecal loading. Factors independently associated with fecal loading were identified using logistic regression. Significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In total, 319 patients who had an X-ray were included in the final analysis, with 84.0% demonstrating fecal loading on the initial X-ray and most reporting constipation as a symptom (n = 214, 84.3%, p = 0.0334). In logistic regression, a chief complaint of constipation had higher odds of being associated with fecal loading on X-ray compared to diarrhea (adjusted OR 6.41; CI 1.51-27.24, p = 0.0118). Bloating as a reported symptom was statistically significant with an adjusted OR of 2.56 (CI 1.10-5.96, p = 0.0286). CONCLUSIONS: Constipation (as a chief complaint) and bloating (as a symptom) were associated with fecal loading on X-ray imaging, while accidental bowel leakage and diarrhea were not.
Authors: Michael Camilleri; Alexander C Ford; Gary M Mawe; Phil G Dinning; Satish S Rao; William D Chey; Magnus Simrén; Anthony Lembo; Tonia M Young-Fadok; Lin Chang Journal: Nat Rev Dis Primers Date: 2017-12-14 Impact factor: 52.329