In:
United European Gastroenterology Journal, Wiley, Vol. 3, No. 4 ( 2015-08), p. 381-386
Abstract:
The classical definition of chronic diarrhoea is ≥3 defecations/day, with a stool weight of more than 200 g and duration of ≥4 weeks. However, with this definition many patients with substantial symptoms and pathology will be excluded from further investigations. As a consequence other definitions have been proposed, mainly based on evaluation of the stool form. Objective To evaluate the accuracy of the classic criteria for diarrhoea in comparison with a definition based on stool consistency, using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Methods All patients were investigated with laboratory tests, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies, and SeHCAT test. They were asked to complete a diary recording stool frequency and consistency during a week, as well as other gastrointestinal symptoms (pain, bloating and gas). Results One hundred and thirty‐nine subjects were eligible for analysis. Ninety‐one had an organic cause of diarrhoea. Fifty‐three patients had ≥3 loose stools/day, whereas 86 reported 〈 3 stools/day. Ninety had a median stool consistency that was mushy or loose and 49 had harder stools. A higher proportion of subjects with an organic cause of their diarrhoea compared with subjects with a functional bowel disorder had ≥3 loose stools/day, 43/91 (47%) vs . 10/48 (21%) ( p 〈 0.01). Similarly, more subjects with an organic cause of their diarrhoea versus patients with a functional bowel disorder had a median stool consistency that was mushy or watery, 73/91 (80%) vs . 17/48 (35%), p 〈 0.0001. When diarrhoea was defined according to stool form, more patients were classified correctly as having a functional disorder or organic disorder, compared with the classical definition ( p 〈 0.05). Conclusion Loose stools defined according to the Bristol Stool Form scale seem to be the best predictor of having an organic cause of the diarrhoea.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2050-6406
,
2050-6414
DOI:
10.1177/2050640615580219
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2728585-6
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