847j Protective Effect of Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in Medicare Population

G A A b st ra ct s were women, mean age was 41.0±13.3yr, and mean time since IBS diagnosis was 5.1±6.4yr. IBS pts were classified with predominantly constipation (IBS-C 28%), mixed-type (IBS-M 34%), or diarrhea (IBS-D 42%). Mean frequency of PAs was 8.1±9.5/mo and was highest in the IBS-D (10.8±12.5 PAs/mo) vs. IBS-C and IBS-M groups (6.4±7.0 and 5.7±4.1 PAs/ mo) (p=0.019). The mean pain intensity at the start of the attack was 6.9±1.4 (0-10 scale). Of 1247 PAs reported over the 2-month period, 762 (62.8%) were reported to interfere with work and/or normal daily activities and this proportion was numerically higher in the IBS-C group (73.7%) vs. IBS-M (61.9%) or IBS-D (59.1%) groups. Behaviors in the IBS-C, IBS-M and IBS-D groups during a PA included going to bed (44.2, 32.5, 26.2% of PAs) and to the toilet (73.6, 85.6, 91.3% of PAs). Defecation occurred in a greater percentage of PAs in IBS-D (87.4%) and IBS-M (80.9%) vs. IBS-C (50.8%) (p<0.0001). Medication was used in only 29.0% of PAs. Conclusions: IBS pain attacks occurred twice per week on average and were of at least moderate intensity. Almost 2/3 of pain attacks affected work and other daily activities in IBS pts, with a third resulting in bed rest. Most of the pain attacks were associated with needing to defecate particularly in IBS-M and IBS-D subgroups. Only a minority of PAs were effectively managed with medication. Based on incidence, intensity, and impact on behaviors/activities, PAs may be a valid therapeutic target in IBS.