Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of combining linaclotide with Bifid Triple Viable Capsules on clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 189 IBS-C patients treated between April 2021 and January 2024. The control group (91 patients) received linaclotide, while the combined group (98 patients) received linaclotide plus Bifid Triple Viable Capsules. Outcomes assessed included bowel movement frequency, stool consistency scores, constipation severity, anxiety (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, SAS), depression (Self-Rating Depression Scale, SDS), QoL (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life, IBS-QoL), and symptom severity (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System, IBS-SSS). Logistic regression identified independent risk factors for QoL improvement. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant increases in bowel movement frequency after treatment (P < 0.001). The combined group experienced a significantly greater improvement compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Stool consistency scores improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between groups (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant reductions in constipation severity, with the combined group showing greater improvement (P < 0.001). SAS and SDS scores decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001). The combined group showed greater reductions in SAS (P < 0.05) and SDS (P < 0.001). IBS-QoL scores improved significantly in both groups, with the combined group achieving greater improvement (P < 0.001). IBS-SSS scores decreased significantly, with the combined group experiencing a greater reduction (P < 0.001). IBS-QoL scores were positively correlated with bowel movement frequency (r = 0.289, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with stool consistency scores (r = -0.154, P = 0.036), constipation severity (r = -0.386, P < 0.001), SDS scores (r = -0.150, P = 0.040), and IBS-SSS scores (r = -0.347, P < 0.001). Logistic regression identified treatment regimen (OR = 0.163, P = 0.017), age (OR = 4.666, P = 0.002), monthly income (OR = 0.065, P < 0.001), post-treatment bowel movement frequency (OR = 0.055, P < 0.001), and post-treatment constipation severity (OR = 5.545, P = 0.007) as independent factors influencing QoL improvement. CONCLUSION: The combined use of linaclotide and Bifid Triple Viable Capsules significantly enhances bowel movement frequency, reduces constipation severity, and improves QoL and psychological well-being in IBS-C patients. This approach offers a promising strategy for the comprehensive management of IBS-C.