Table 1

Demographic data (mean (SD) or number) and baseline features of constipation (percentage of patients) in the two patient groups

Group IGroup II
n3337
Age (years)42.4 (15.8)43.2 (15.1)
Sex (M/F)3/309/28
Disease duration (years)21 (13.5)21.7 (12.2)
Bowel frequency (bm/week)1.53 (1.35)1.29 (1.04)
Laxative induced evacuations (n/week)  (oral rectal, enema)5.9 (5.8)5.5 (5.5)
Straining (%)8180
Hard stools (%)84.867.5
  • No significant differences between groups.