The frequency of bowel and bladder problems in multiple sclerosis and its relation to fatigue: A single centre experience

Sophia D Lin, Jane E Butler, Claire L Boswell-Ruys, Phu Hoang, Tom Jarvis, Simon C Gandevia and Euan J McCaughey

PLOS ONE, 2019, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Bowel and bladder problems affect more than 50% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These problems have a large impact on quality of life and place a significant burden on health systems. Objectives: This study aimed to ascertain the frequency of bladder and bowel problems in a select Australian MS cohort and to investigate the relationships between level of disability, bladder and bowel problems, and fatigue. Methods: Questionnaires on the nature and severity of MS symptoms were distributed to clients attending an Australian MS centre. Log-binomial regression and multiple linear regression models were used to investigate relationships between disability, fatigue, and bladder and bowel problems. Results and conclusions: Of 167 questionnaires distributed, 136 were completed. Bladder problems were reported by 87 (74.4%) respondents, whilst 66 (48.9%) experienced functional constipation and 43 (31.9%) faecal incontinence. This frequency in our select Australian MS population is similar to that reported globally. There was a significant correlation between level of disability and: bladder problems (p = 0.015), faecal incontinence (p = 0.001), fatigue (p

Date: 2019
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0222731

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222731

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