IBS with and without comorbid hEDS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation and comparison of the symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with and without Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
IRAS ID
258780
Contact name
Qasim Aziz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system, resulting in troublesome symptoms such as: Diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.
Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a disorder affecting the connective tissue, resulting in: joints that can move beyond the normal range of motion and elasticated, stretchy, fragile skin. More recently, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (GI), in particular those experienced in IBS have been shown to occur in hEDS patients. Both IBS and hEDS can have a debilitating effects on patient’s quality of life, resulting in numerous days off work and in some cases resulting in sabbatical leave from work.
Although a link has been made between IBS and hEDS, there has been no research which systematically studies the underlying physiology for the symptoms experienced. Our studies aim to investigate the physiology underlying gastrointestinal symptoms in those with overlap IBS/hEDS and those with IBS alone.Our primary aim will look at whether the prevalence of sensitivity (which has been thought to contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms) in the rectum differs in patients with and without IBS/hEDS overlap.
Our secondary aims will
- Measure the effects of gut transit and the integrity of the wall of the small intestine in comorbid IBS/hEDS. (Both of which have been thought to contribute to pain and abnormalities in defecation.)
- Assess the prevalence of neural markers and mast cells in those with comorbid IBS/hEDS and those with IBS alone.
- Assess the effects of comorbid IBS/hEDS on quality of life and severity of symptoms.
If successful, the study will help to provide an understanding of GI symptoms in hEDS sufferers hence leading to improved patient care through multidisciplinary approaches. The studies will also help to determine if the hEDS/IBS overlap translates into a difference in presentation, symptom severity and quality of life.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
19/IEC08/0039
Date of REC Opinion
26 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion