Prevalencia del síndrome de intestino irritable en pacientes con obesidad de 25 a 40 años atendidos en el Hospital General del Norte IESS Ceibos del 2021-2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the large intestine characterized by abdominal pain and alterations in the defecatory habit without organic causes. Worldwide, it affects 11.5-12% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women. Risk factors include obesity, family history, sedentary lifestyle and toxic habits. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in obese patients aged 25- 40 years treated at the Hospital General del Norte IESS Ceibos from 2021- 2023. Methodology: This descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study is based on the review of electronic medical records of the AS400 system at the Hospital General del Norte IESS Ceibos. Patients with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and obesity were investigated between January 2021 and December 2023. Results: The study included 311 patients with obesity, of whom 59.8% presented irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most frequent subtype was constipation (68.3%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (10.6%) and the prevalence of IBS was higher in women (65%). There was no significant relationship between body mass index and IBS, but diarrhea-predominant IBS showed a higher prevalence in men (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Most patients with obesity presented irritable bowel syndrome, with predominance in women and possible links with metabolic and immunologic comorbidities. Although there was no significant association with obesity level, sex was associated with diarrhea subtype.