Although irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional bowel disease worldwide, few prevalence studies have been published. Diagnosis is clinical and based on internationally agreed criteria that have changed over time. Currently the Rome IV Consensus is used as the international reference. Objective: Collect and update available prevalence data from Latin America to better understand the regional behavior of irritable bowel syndrome. Materials and methods: A search was carried out for original works, self-defined on prevalence, in the Pubmed and Lilacs databases. Presentations or posters at congresses of original works were also considered. Results: According to the established search criteria, 27 studies were found. Of these, 16 were in the general population. Two studies included the study of the prevalence of more than one population, for which reason 22 prevalence data were obtain...

Background: Evidence indicates that low-grade inflammation can alter gastrointestinal motor and sensory function and might contribute to the genesis of symptoms in IBS. Objective: To examine relationships between IBS, disease antibodies and cytokine titers in celiac patients and a control group. Materials and methods: IBS, CD activity and serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL12/23p40 were determined in celiac patients and controls. Results: 123 celiac patients were included, 89% were female. 59% demonstrated disease activity and 32% met IBS criteria. Prevalence of IBS was not different between patients who adhered or did not adhere to GFD as well as between patients with or without positive antibodies. Celiac patients had increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL12/23p40 as compared to controls. Higher levels of cytokines were found in celiac patients with IBS than in those without IBS. No diffe...