STUDYING SOME POSSIBLE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME MANIFESTATIONS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

ABSTRACT

The starting point of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) pandemic is a highly debated topic today. Despite the fact that a multitude of hypotheses have been issued in this context, this new strain beta-coronavirus is not only highly contagious, but also rapidly transmitted interpersonally through the perpetually disrupting the homeostasis. It constantly affects the lungs, and also the digestive tract according to the latest reports following its binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Material and methods: In the present study we aimed to explain and describe some gastrointestinal deficiencies exhibited by the positive patients Therefore, the Visual Analogue Scale-IBS ( VAS-IBS) questionnaire was applied to a group of positive patients (n = 22) and compared to their sex-matched controls (n = 22). The confirmation for the SARS- CoV-2 infection was carried out by specific RT-qPCR testing. Results: We observed that the overall scores attributed to the spectrum of Physical symptoms, Mental health and Quality of life are significantly different among the COVID-19 group dependent on sex than in the control group. However, we did not find significant differences in terms of shape and stool consistencies (as evaluated by Bristol scale). Conclusions: In this study, we showed that several gastrointestinal symptoms (as evaluated by VAS-IBS scale) could occur during or following SARS-CoV-2 infection.