Nociplastic Pain is Associated With Increased Healthcare Utilization and Lower Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION

Nociplastic pain (NP) may cause persistent abdominal pain despite well-controlled inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Five hundred patients with IBD were retrospectively classified as acute IBD-related pain, chronic IBD-related pain, or NP. Multivariable regression identified factors associated with NP and differences in healthcare use, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

NP occurred in 15% of patients with IBD and was associated with female sex, anxiety, depression, and higher social vulnerability. NP patients had more healthcare use and poorer QoL.

DISCUSSION: NP is common in IBD and linked to psychosocial comorbidity, higher healthcare use, and reduced QoL.