title: Autonomic nervous system function in women with irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance was assessed in women with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using laboratory tests of function (ie, expiratory/inspiratory ratio, Valsalva, posture changes, and cold pressor) and spectral and nonspectral measures of heart rate variability (HRV). Women with (N = 103) and without IBS (N = 49) were recruited, interviewed, then completed a laboratory assessment and wore a 24-hr Holter monitor Analysis using the entire sample showed little difference between IBS and control women and between subgroups with IBS on either laboratory measures or 24-hr HRV measures. However, analysis restricted to those women with severe IBS symptoms showed quite pronounced differences between two IBS subgroups on 24-hr HRV measures. Parasympathetic tone was significantly lower and ANS balance was significantly higher in the constipation-predominant compared to the diarrhea-predominant group. Subgroups of women with IBS do differ in ANS function as measured by 24-hr HRV; however, these differences are only apparent among women with severe symptoms. These findings point out the importance of considering symptom severity when interpreting studies of IBS.
authors: Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Heitkemper
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Jarrett
authors: K C
authors: KC
authors: Cain
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Burr
authors: R L
authors: RL
authors: Levy
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Feld
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Hertig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans