Анализ влияния коморбидной сердечно-сосудистой патологии на течение и Ð¸ÑÑ Ð¾Ð´Ñ‹ COVID-19 у Ð³Ð¾ÑÐ¿Ð¸Ñ‚Ð°Ð»Ð¸Ð·Ð¸Ñ€Ð¾Ð²Ð°Ð½Ð½Ñ‹Ñ Ð¿Ð°Ñ†Ð¸ÐµÐ½Ñ‚Ð¾Ð² в первую и вторую волну пандемии в Евразийском регионе.

Цель:  Ð˜Ð·ÑƒÑ‡ÐµÐ½Ð¸Ðµ особенностей клинического течения новой коронавирусной инфекции и  влияния сопутствующих заболеваний на исход заболевания у госпитализированных больных с инфекцией SARS-CoV-2 в первую и вторую волны пандемии.Методы и результаты.  Для оценки особенностей течения COVID-19 в Евразийском регионе были созданы международные регистры АКТИВ 1 и во время второй волны пандемии АКТИВ 2. Набор больных в регистр АКТИВ 1 проводили с 29.06.20 по 29.10.20, набрано 5 397 пациентов. Прием пациентов на учет в АКТИВ 2 проводили с 01.11.20 до 30.03.21, набрано 2 665 больных.Результаты. Госпитальная летальность снизилась в  Ð¿ÐµÑ€Ð¸Ð¾Ð´ второй волны пандемии и  ÑÐ¾ÑÑ‚Ð°Ð²Ð¸Ð»Ð° 4,8 % против 7,6 % в  Ð¿ÐµÑ€Ð¸Ð¾Ð´ первой волны. В  Ð¿ÐµÑ€Ð¸Ð¾Ð´ второй волны пациенты были старше, имели больше сопутствующих заболеваний и поступали в стационар в более тяжелом состоянии, пациенты имели более высокий уровень полиморбидности. В период второй волны пандемии увеличилась заболеваемость бактериальной пневмонией и сепсисом, но реже встречались тромбозы глубоких вен и «Ñ†Ð¸Ñ‚Ð¾ÐºÐ¸Ð½Ð¾Ð²Ñ‹Ð¹ шторм¼. Наиболее неблагоприятными для прогноза смертности, как в первую, так и во вторую волны эпидемии были сочетания сопутствующих заболеваний: артериальная гипертензия (АГ) + хроническая сердечная недостаточность (ХСН) + сахарный диабет (СД) + ожирение, АГ + ишемическая болезнь сердца (ИБС) + ХСН + СД, АГ + ИБС + ХСН + ожирение.Заключение. Ð£ пациентов во вторую волну пандемии наблюдалось более обширное поражение ткани легких, чаще возникала фебрильная лихорадка, были выше уровни С-реактивного белка и  Ñ‚Ñ€Ð¾Ð¿Ð¾Ð½Ð¸Ð½Ð°, ниже уровни гемоглобина и лимфоцитов. Это, вероятно, связано с различной тактикой госпитализации пациентов в первую и вторую волны пандемии в странах, принявших участие в формировании регистров АКТИВ 1 и АКТИВ 2.

An Updated Comparative Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study assessed the differences in swabbing rates, vaccine uptake, COVID-19 infection, hospitalization rates and outcomes in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immunomodulation and patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: A population consisting of 250 IBD and 250 IBS patients was randomly selected from the local database. Apart from demographic data, the following data was collected: number of COVID-19 swabs taken, vaccination rates, type of vaccine administered, infection secondary to COVID-19, hospitalization and outcomes. RESULTS: IBD patients performed significantly more swabs tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection compared with IBS patients in both phases of the study. Whilst the IBS cohort recorded a larger number of COVID-19 infection and less hospitalisations whilst infected, IBD patients had a better outcome whilst infected since hospitalisation reason in the latter was not related to COVID-19 infection. IBD patients had a larger uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first of its nature locally and internationally as it compared two unrelated cohorts of patients followed up in gastroenterology. Vaccination rates in both cohorts were higher than those reported internationally. In concordance with international studies, IBD patients are not at an increased risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection compared to non-IBD cohorts.

Patient satisfaction after remotely delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome during the COVID-19 era: implications for future practice.

OBJECTIVE: Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is an evidence-based treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Adoption of remote GDH has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate patient experience and satisfaction following remote GDH. DESIGN: On completing 12 sessions of remote GDH via Skype using the Manchester protocol, patients with refractory IBS completed a feedback form on their experience. The proportion reporting positive outcomes (≥30% improvement in global IBS symptoms or abdominal pain, satisfaction, recommendation to family/friends) were compared by patient factors (age, gender, proximity, preferences). RESULTS: Of 52 patients completing the feedback form, 27 (52%) indicated that they would have opted for remote over face-to-face GDH, regardless of the pandemic situation. On a five-point scale (5=easy), patients rated the platform easy-to-use (mean 4.5±0.8) without impairment of communication (mean rating 4.6±0.8). Following remote GDH, 30/52 (58%) reported ≥30% global IBS symptom improvement, and 24/52 (46%) reported ≥30% pain reduction. 90% would recommend remote GDH to others. Only 39% felt they would have benefitted more from face to face. Those who would have chosen remote GDH regardless of the pandemic were more likely to be satisfied (p=0.01). Age, gender and proximity did not influence outcomes, satisfaction and likelihood of recommending remote GDH to others. Difficulties during remote sessions were infrequent in both those that were satisfied, and those that would have preferred face to face. CONCLUSION: These data support the need to continue developing remote GDH in the post-COVID era but suggest that there is still a role for face-to-face GDH, with patient choice being an important factor.

Mint and Menthol: A Review of Potential Health Benefits and wider Human effects (preprint)

Mint and to a lesser extent menthol have been used since antiquity for medicinal purposes. Key components of mint and menthol use such as composition and intake, safety and traditional uses are discussed prior to a review of clinical and human performance outcomes in the areas of digestive and respiratory health; antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, nocioception, migraine and headache and emerging evidence regarding COVID 19. Evidence suggests benefit for patients with irritable bowel syndrome and related digestive issues, with analgesic and respiratory effects also noted. Perceptual characteristics relating to thermal comfort and sensation, taste sensitivity and alertness are also considered; these effects are predominantly driven by stimulation of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) activity resulting in sensations of cooling and freshness, with lesser influence on thirst. Finally, sport performance is considered as a domain that may further elucidate some of the aforementioned underpinning outcomes due to its systemic and dynamic nature, especially when performed in hot environmental conditions.

Characterizing and Predicting Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) in a Large Academic Medical Center in the US (preprint)

Objective: The growing number of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) survivors who are affected by Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PACS) represent a worldwide public health challenge. Yet, the novelty of this condition and the resulting limited data on underlying pathomechanisms so far hampered the advancement of effective therapies. Using electronic health records (EHR) data, we aimed to characterize PASC-associated diagnoses and to develop risk prediction models. Methods: In our cohort of 63,675 COVID-19 positive patients seen at Michigan Medicine, 1,724 (2.7 %) had a recorded PASC diagnosis. We used a case control study design comparing PASC cases with 17,205 matched controls and performed phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs) to characterize enriched phenotypes of the post-COVID-19 period and potential PASC pre-disposing phenotypes of the pre-, and acute-COVID-19 periods. We also integrated PASC-associated phenotypes into Phenotype Risk Scores (PheRSs) and evaluated their predictive performance. Results: In the post-COVID-19 period, cases were significantly enriched for known PASC symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, malaise/fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias) but also many musculoskeletal, infectious, and digestive disorders. We found seven phenotypes in the pre-COVID-19 period (irritable bowel syndrome, concussion, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, respiratory abnormalities, allergic reaction to food, and circulatory disease) and 69 phenotypes in the acute-COVID-19 period (predominantly respiratory, circulatory, neurological, digestive, and mental health phenotypes) that were significantly associated with PASC. The derived pre-COVID-19 PheRS and acute-COVID-19 PheRS had low accuracy to differentiate cases from controls; however, they stratified risk well, e.g., a combination of the two PheRSs identified a quarter of the COVID-19 positive cohort at a 3.5-fold increased risk for PASC compared to the bottom 50% of their distributions. Conclusions: Our agnostic screen of time stamped EHR data uncovered a plethora of PASC-associated diagnoses across many categories and highlighted a complex arrangement of presenting and likely pre-disposing features -- the latter with a potential for risk stratification approaches. Yet, considerably more work will need to be done to better characterize PASC and its subtypes, especially long-term consequences, and to consider more comprehensive risk models.

Irritable bowel syndrome following COVID-19: an underestimated consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a common manifestation of COVID­19. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether GI symptoms persist in patients previously infected with SARS­CoV­2 in the form of post­infection irritable bowel syndrome (PI­IBS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, single­center evaluation of questions regarding IBS was conducted using the Rome IV Adult Diagnostic Questionnaire among 257 patients previously hospitalized for COVID­19. RESULTS: GI symptoms (abdominal pain with diarrhea or constipation) were reported at the following time points: at discharge from the hospital, and after 3 and 6 months of follow­up. GI symptoms not meeting the full Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS due to too short symptom duration were reported by 28 individuals (10.6%) at hospital discharge, 58 (22.3%) after 3 months, and 70 (26.9%) after 6 months. The full Rome IV criteria for IBS were not met at discharge by any of the participants, but they were met after 3 and 6 months of follow­up in 14 (5.4%) and 15 individuals (5.8%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Persistent GI symptoms following COVID­19 are frequent and deserve significant and growing attention of gastroenterologists and other health care practitioners. The Rome IV criteria may be too strict to address the full spectrum of GI symptoms following COVID­19.

In drug-refractory IBS, group CBT with interoceptive exposure improved symptoms and QoL at 13 wk.

SOURCE CITATION: Kikuchi S, Oe Y, Ito Y, et al. Group cognitive-behavioral therapy with interoceptive exposure for drug-refractory irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117:668-77. 35103022.

Satisfaction With Telehealth Among Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome During COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Survey Findings.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 rapidly shifted health care toward telehealth. We assessed satisfaction with and preferences for telehealth among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an integrated healthcare system in Southern California with members aged 18-90 years with an International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 codes for IBS from office-based encounters between June 1, 2018, and June 1, 2020. Eligible patients were emailed a survey assessing telehealth satisfaction overall and by patient-related factors, IBS characteristics, health and technologic literacy, utilization, and coronavirus disease 2019 perceptions. We identified perceived telehealth benefits and challenges. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of telehealth dissatisfaction. RESULTS: Of 44,789 surveys sent, 5,832 (13.0%) patients responded and 1,632 (3.6%) had Rome IV IBS. Among 1,314 (22.5%) patients with IBS and prior telehealth use (mean age 52.6 years [17.4]; 84.9% female; and 59.4% non-Hispanic White, 29.0% Hispanic, and 5.6% non-Hispanic Black), 898 (68.3%) were satisfied, 130 (9.9%) were dissatisfied, and 286 (21.8%) felt neutral. In addition, 78.6% would use telehealth again. Independent predictors of telehealth dissatisfaction include social media use of once a week or less (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 1.3-3.5), duration of IBS for <1 year (adjusted OR = 8.2; 1.9-35.8), and willingness to travel 60 plus minutes for face-to-face visits (adjusted OR = 2.6; 1.4-3.7). Patients' main concern with telehealth was a lack of physical examination. DISCUSSION: Most of the patients with IBS are satisfied with telehealth. Shorter duration of IBS diagnosis, comfort with technology, and increased willingness to travel were associated with telehealth dissatisfaction. These predictors may help identify a target population for a focused IBS-telehealth program.

Association between multiple sleep dimensions and functional bowel disorders among Chinese college freshmen.

BACKGROUND: Although sleep disorder is thought as a risk factor for functional bowel disorders, its impact role in adolescents remains unknown and the contribution of different sleep dimensions may deserve further attention. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between multiple sleep dimensions and functional bowel disorders among Chinese college freshmen. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in college freshmen from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China in September 2019 with random cluster sampling method. All participants completed questionnaires about living habits, sleep and digestive symptoms. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation were based on the Rome IV criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to assess the association of sleep dimensions with irritable bowel syndrome or functional constipation. RESULTS: Based on the 3335 individuals who completed the questionnaire, the overall prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation in college freshmen were 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that compared with individuals reporting good sleep quality, those reporting poor (OR = 7.269, 95%CI: 2.876-18.370) were associated with increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome. Similarly, those reporting fair (OR = 2.068, 95%CI: 1.010-4.236) and poor (OR = 5.664, 95%CI: 1.864-17.205) were associated with increased risk of functional constipation. There was no statistically significant association between other sleep dimensions (sleep duration, sleep timing, or sleep latency) and irritable bowel syndrome or functional constipation. CONCLUSION: Self-reported poor sleep quality was a stronger independent predictor of functional bowel disorders than other sleep dimensions among Chinese college freshmen. Future intervention studies should consider the role of sleep quality for the prevention of FBDs in adolescents.

Protocol for faecal microbiota transplantation in irritable bowel syndrome: the MISCEAT study - a randomised, double-blind cross-over study using mixed microbiota from healthy donors.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have demonstrated dysbiosis in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, faecal microbiota transplantation, whose effect and safety have been proven in Clostridioides difficile infections, may hold promise in other conditions, including IBS. Our study will examine the effectiveness of stool transfer with artificially increased microbial diversity in IBS treatment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A three-group, double-blind,randomised, cross-over, placebo-controlled study of two pairs of gut microbiota transfer will be conducted in 99 patients with diarrhoeal or mixed type of IBS. Patients aged 18-65 will be randomised into three equally sized groups: group A will first receive two enemas of study microbiota mixture (deep-frozen stored stool microbiota mixed from eight healthy donors); after 8 weeks, they will receive two enemas with placebo (autoclaved microbiota mixture), whereas group B will first receive placebo, then microbiota mixture. Finally, group C will receive placebos only. The IBS Severity Symptom Score (IBS-SSS) questionnaires will be collected at baseline and then at weeks 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 32. Faecal bacteriome will be profiled before and regularly after interventions using 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing. Food records, dietary questionnaires, anthropometry, bioimpedance, biochemistry and haematology workup will be obtained at study visits during the follow-up period. The primary outcome is the change in the IBS-SSS between the baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention for each patient compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes are IBS-SSS at 2 weeks after the intervention and 32 weeks compared with placebo and changes in the number of loose stools, Bristol stool scale, abdominal pain and bloating, anthropometric parameters, psychological evaluation and the gut microbiome composition. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Thomayer University Hospital, Czechia (G-18-26); study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences and patient group meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04899869.

Persisting gastrointestinal symptoms and post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from the Arizona CoVHORT.

In this study, we aimed to examine the association between gastrointestinal (GI) symptom presence during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the prevalence of GI symptoms and the development of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). We used data from a prospective cohort and logistic regression to examine the association between GI symptom status during confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevalence of persistent GI symptoms at ≥45 days. We also report the incidence of PI-IBS following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 1475 participants in this study, 33.8% (n = 499) had GI symptoms during acute infection. Cases with acute GI symptoms had an odds of persisting GI symptoms 4 times higher than cases without acute GI symptoms (odds ratio (OR) 4.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.45-7.53); symptoms lasted on average 8 months following infection. Of those with persisting GI symptoms, 67% sought care for their symptoms and incident PI-IBS occurred in 3.0% (n = 15) of participants. Those with acute GI symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection are likely to have similar persistent symptoms 45 days and greater. These data indicate that attention to a potential increase in related healthcare needs is warranted.

Pandemic-Related Social Disruption and Well-Being in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted everyone, but there are few data regarding how the pandemic has influenced the lives of children with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. This cross-sectional study assessed pandemic-related social disruption (PRSD) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease (CD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the potential buffering effect of the parent-child relationship. METHODS: A survey completed between September and December 2020 asked 146 children (ages 8-17) diagnosed with IBD (n = 44), CD (n = 81), or IBS (n = 51) and 185 parents how the pandemic has contributed to social disruption (i.e., financial stability, COVID-19 exposure, school changes, GI needs, and isolation) and their social-emotional well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of social disruption on well-being, and the moderating effect of the parent-child relationship. RESULTS: Increased social disruption predicted worse parent, ß = 0.24, p = .02, and child well-being, ß = 0.38, p < .01. The parent-child relationship moderated the relationship between parent and child well-being, ß = 0.21, p = .03. Strong parent-child relationships predicted a positive association between parent and child well-being, ß = 0.23, p = .003, whereas medium, ß = 0.09, p = .14, and poor, ß = -0.06, p = .52, relationships did not. CONCLUSIONS: PRSD negatively impacted the well-being of children with GI conditions, and the parent-child relationship moderated this relationship. These findings are relevant to pediatric psychologists treating the physical and mental health needs of children with GI conditions and their parents.

Meditation and yoga for irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial (MY-IBS study).

INTRODUCTION: When delivered in person, yoga has been shown to be effective in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Research is needed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga as a therapeutic option when delivered virtually. The primary aim of the mind and yoga for IBS randomised controlled trial is to determine the effects of an 8-week virtual meditation and yoga intervention on IBS symptom severity compared with an advice-only active control group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Adults diagnosed with IBS will be randomised to receive either a Upa Yoga intervention or an advice-only control group. The intervention will consist of weekly online classes for 8 weeks delivered by a facilitator using Microsoft Office Teams and daily home practice. Feasibility will be evaluated by examining recruitment and attrition rates, adherence, participant satisfaction with the programme and safety. The primary outcome is IBS symptom severity, and key secondary outcomes include (but not limited to) quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, COVID-19-related stress and anxiety, and fatigue. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. An embedded design experimental model substudy will be conducted post intervention using qualitative research methods to identify participants' experiences in the yoga programme. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB ID 20-0084). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04302623.

[Impact of the COVID pandemic on the anxiety of patients with functional gastrointestinal symptoms]. / Auswirkungen der COVID-Pandemie auf die Besorgtheit von Patient:innen mit funktionellen gastrointestinalen Symptomen.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are stress-associated. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has been rampant since 2020, has caused anxiety and stress in the population. Distancing measures to combat the pandemic have affected mental health. Our objective was to examine the impact of the 3rd lockdown in Germany in December 2020 and January 2021 on the apprehension of patients with FD and IBS.Patients diagnosed with FD or IBS treated in a tertiary or primary care hospital in the South of Baden-Württemberg in 2020 voluntarily participated in an anonymous online survey. Questions about concomitant diseases, concern about COVID-19 and stress perception were answered.A total of 106 patients (♀=67, ♂=38, 1 diverse) participated in the survey. Of these, 16 had FD (♀=9, ♂=6, diverse=1), 80 had IBS (♀=52, ♂=28), and 10 had both (♀=6, ♂=4). The average age was 43.6 years. Depressive and anxiety disorders were most frequently reported comorbidities in both the FD (25% each) and IBS group (20% each), followed by joint wear and tear (FD: 13%, RDS: 14%). In a direct comparison of participants with FD and IBS, those with IBS showed significantly higher scores for an increase in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during the pandemic (p=0.007), more frequent presentation to a physician during the pandemic, and greater social withdrawal due to GI symptoms (p=0.05). In direct comparison, those with IBS showed higher scores for fear that vaccination against COVID-19 would adversely affect GI symptoms compared to FD (p=0.05).In times of the pandemic, interdisciplinary collaboration in the care of patients with FD or IBS seems more necessary than ever to address concerns and provide good patient care.

The symptom burden of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in tertiary care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to healthcare services worldwide with well-documented detrimental effects on mental health. Patients with refractory disorders of gut-brain interaction such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) seen in tertiary care tend to exhibit higher levels of psychological comorbidity, but the impact of the pandemic on IBS symptom severity in tertiary care is unknown. METHODS: As part of routine clinical care, consecutive tertiary referrals with refractory IBS patients prospectively completed a series of baseline questionnaires including IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS), non-colonic symptom score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD), and Illness impact scores. The symptom severity questionnaire data were compared for consecutive patients seen in tertiary care 12 months before and after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. KEY RESULTS: Of 190 consecutive tertiary referrals with IBS, those seen during the pandemic had greater IBS severity (IBS-SSS: 352 vs. 318, p = 0.03), more severe extra-intestinal symptoms (non-colonic score: 269 vs. 225, p = 0.03), sleep difficulties (p = 0.03), helplessness and loss of control (p = 0.02), but similar HAD-Anxiety (p = 0.96) and HAD-Depression (p = 0.84) scores. During the pandemic, unmarried patients (p = 0.03), and keyworkers (p = 0.0038) had greater IBS severity. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: This study has shown for the first time that patients seen in tertiary care with refractory IBS during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly higher symptom burden emphasizing the importance of gut-brain axis in IBS. Furthermore, lack of support and perceived loss of control appear to be contributory factors.

Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Comorbid Anxiety and/or Depression.

GOALS: The goal of this study was to describe the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on ability to engage in activities and the influence on psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. BACKGROUND: Individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression report increased symptoms and decreased quality of life compared with individuals with IBS alone. The current COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to further influence symptoms among individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. STUDY: Individuals who met the Rome-IV IBS criteria and reported mild to severe anxiety and/or depression were included. Participants completed an online survey with questions about anxiety, depression, impact of COVID on activities and symptoms, and demographics. RESULTS: Fifty-five individuals participated in the study. The COVID-19 pandemic most commonly influenced their ability to spend time with friends and family, shop for certain types of food, and access health care. Participants also reported increased stress (92%), anxiety (81%), and depressive symptoms (67%). Finally, around half the sample reported increases in abdominal pain (48%), diarrhea (45%), or constipation (44%). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic is related to self-reported increases in psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. Additional research is needed to intervene on these symptoms.