Familial Aggregation in Constipated Subjects in a Tertiary Referral Center

Abstract

Background: Clinical observation showed that there is family aggregation in constipated subjects, but formal data are lacking. This prompted us to conduct a formal family study in constipated subjects Methods: Constipated subjects (probands) were identified according to the Rome II and Chinese constipation questionnaire criteria, healthy subjects were chosen as controls. Living first degree relatives (parents, siblings and children) and spouses from both groups were identified. The questionnaire on Rome II criteria was given to the relatives either through the index subjects or by mail. The questionnaire was received by mailing back or through the index subjects. Any non-responders were chased. Results: There were 132 probands with constipation and 114 controls identified. The Rome II questionnaire was sent to a total of 677 relatives of the probands and 591 of the controls. The respond rate was 100%. Relatives were comparable in mean age, sex distribution, family size and marital status in the two groups. Constipation prevalence was 16.4% in probands’ relatives versus 9.1% in controls’ relatives (p < 0.001). Among them, only 6% vs 9.3% of the relatives reporting constipation were spouses of the probands and controls (p=0.5). Probands’ relatives were at increase risk to have constipation than controls’ (odds ratio 1.86 for at least one member with constipation ((CI) 1.11, 3.14), odds ratio 3.54 for two or more member with constipation (CI: 1.71, 7.36)). Conclusions: Familial aggregation of constipation occurs, supporting a genetic or intrafamilial environment component.