Abstract
BACKGROUND: Elobixibat reportedly improves bowel movements in patients with chronic constipation. However, its effect on bowel movements in elderly patients with chronic constipation in clinical settings has not been examined. AIM: To examine bowel movement frequency and stool form before and after elobixibat administration in elderly patients with chronic constipation at our clinic. METHODS: A total of 10 mg elobixibat was administered to 35 (< 65 years old) patients and 45 (≥ 65 years old) patients with chronic constipation. The frequency of bowel movements and stool forms, assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), were compared between the two groups 1 week before and after elobixibat administration. RESULTS: In patients aged < 65 years with chronic constipation, the pre-elobixibat frequency of bowel movements and BSFS scores were 2.167 ± 0.732 and 2.286 ± 0.742, respectively. After elobixibat administration, the frequency of bowel movements and BSFS scores improved to 2.389 ± 0.502 and 3.995 ± 0.566, respectively, showing a significant improvement in bowel movement status. In patients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic constipation, the pre-elobixibat frequency of bowel movements and BSFS scores were 2.003 ± 0.733 and 2.217 ± 0.758, respectively. After elobixibat administration, the frequency of bowel movements and BSFS scores improved to 4.402 ± 1.346 and 3.800 ± 0.704, respectively, indicating an improvement in bowel movement status (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the frequency and improvement status of bowel movements or BSFS scores between patients with chronic constipation aged ≥ 65 years and < 65 years. Adverse events due to the administration of elobixibat occurred in 16 cases (20%). No significant differences were found in the incidence of adverse events between patients with chronic constipation aged < 65 years (8 cases, 22.9%) and those aged ≥ 65 years (8 cases, 17.8%). CONCLUSION: Elobixibat is effective in improving bowel movement status in patients with chronic constipation. No significant differences were found in the improvement of bowel movement status or the incidence of adverse events between patients with chronic constipation aged < 65 years and ≥ 65 years, suggesting that the drug may be safely used in elderly patients.