GI.com to Unveil IBS Treatment Matrix

Posted in May 28th, 2009

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The American College of Gastroenterology (AGC, www.gi.com) announced Wednesday that it will unveil two new online, interactive patient tools for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “The IBS Test” and “The IBS Treatment Matrix” are based on recently published ACG analysis and offers graded recommendations on the full range of options for testing and treatment of IBS. These new tools will be revealed on May 29 in recognition of World Digestive Health Day.

IBS is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder which for many sufferers is marked by abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of the U.S. adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5% to 7% of adults have been diagnosed with the disease. According to studies, IBS patients make more visits to their physicians, undergo more diagnostic tests, are prescribed more medications, miss more workdays, have lower work productivity, are hospitalized more frequently, and account for greater overall direct healthcare costs than patients without IBS.

The IBS Treatment Matrix for patients was built based on a new ACG systematic review of the evidence on IBS treatments. Published in the January 2009 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, the review offers graded recommendations on the full spectrum of options for testing and treatment of IBS, addressing everything from new IBS drugs to alternative therapies including psychotherapy and acupuncture.

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