“Population-based study on symptomatic characterization of uncomplicated colon diverticular Disease: A preliminary report from diverticular disease Italian group”

Background and aim: Patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease (DD) of the colon frequently present unspecific abdominal symptoms. The impact of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms in this subset is poorly documented, as well as the overlap with irritable bowel syn- drome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Our aims are to estimate the prevalence of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with DD and to evaluate the comorbidity with IBS and FD. Material and methods: 625 patients, with x-ray and/or endoscopic diagnosis of colonic diverticulosis, were consecutively recruited from 17 gastroenterological Italian centres. From this population, we have preliminary analyzed a sample of 74 patients (30 m; 47-76 years), selected after a consultation for abdominal pain (50%), defecation disorders (21%) or previous diagnosis (29%). Symptoms like recurrent abdominal pain < 24 hours, painful episodes > 24 hours, bloating and alterations of defecation were collected. Dyspeptic symptoms and IBS Rome III criteria were also evaluated. A quality of life assessment was made by SF-36 health questionnaire. Results: Sigmoid diverticula were present in 100% of patients; the localization at descending, transverse and right colon was 71, 18 and 15% respectively. Recurrent short-lived abdominal pain ( < 24h) and bloating were present in 78% of patients, while 21% reported prolonged painful episodes ( > 24h). 46 patients (62%) meet the IBS Rome III criteria, classified as constipation and diarrhoea-predominant-IBS in 32 and 30% of cases respectively. Dyspeptic symptoms were present in 47 patients (64%) and the most prevalent were fullness (44%) and belching (50%). In 40 patients (54%) we found an overlap between IBS and dyspepsia. All patients had low rates of mental component scores on SF-36 scales. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis showed that patients with DD prevalently present abdominal pain, bloating and bowel habits disor- ders. IBS and dyspepsia are often present in these patients. As mental component impairment is typically recorded in IBS and dyspepsia, our findings confirm that functional disorders are in some measure involved in symptoms complaining of DD. The whole analysis on the 625 patients recruited will be performed to define the clinical profile of diverticular diseas