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Cited by 1Multiple Sclerosis Research StudiesGastrointestinal motility and disordersInflammatory Bowel Disease

Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sredanović, Mašan, Hentzen, Claire, Adamec, Ivan, Chesnel, Camille, Krbot Skorić Krbot Skorić, Magdalena, Habek, Mario·2026·Journal of Neurology
DOI 10.1007/s00415-026-14041-3
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Abstract

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders are frequently reported in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the evidence remains fragmented and highly diverse. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the extent and range of GI symptoms and disorders in people with MS (pwMS). Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception through October 1, 2025. Eligible studies included observational and interventional designs that reported GI symptoms or diseases in MS. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for outcomes reported by three or more studies. Prevalence estimates were pooled across all eligible studies, and odds ratios (ORs) were additionally calculated for outcomes reported in case-control studies. Results A total of 114 studies involving 1,272,170 pwMS were included. Autonomic GI dysfunction was the predominant phenotype, affecting approximately one-third of pwMS (31.4% [95% CI 26.4-36.5%]), with a high prevalence of dysphagia (43.4% [95% CI 35.9-51.0%]) and bowel dysfunction (37.9% [95% CI 25.0-51.8%]). When analyzed by anatomical domains, lower GI symptoms and disorders were more frequent than upper GI manifestations (28.9% vs 11.5%). In case-control analyses, pwMS had significantly higher odds of autonomic GI dysfunction compared with controls (OR 3.26 [95% CI 1.81-5.86]). Substantial between-study heterogeneity was present across all analyses. Conclusions Autonomic GI involvement is a common and clinically important aspect of MS. Marked heterogeneity reflects differences in assessment methods and populations, supporting the view of pooled estimates as general indicators and emphasizing the need for standardized outcome definitions and structured clinical screening.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s00415-026-14041-3

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Gavalas E, Kountouras J, Boziki M, Zavos C, Polyzos SA, Vlachaki E, Venizelos I, Tsiptsios D, Deretzi G. Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and multiple sclerosis. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Jul-Sep;28(3):353–356.

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Authors
Sredanović, M., Hentzen, C., Adamec, I., Chesnel, C., Krbot Skorić Krbot Skorić, M., & Habek, M.
Affiliations
  • University Hospital Centre Zagreb (HR)
  • Sorbonne Université (FR)
Corresponding author
Habek, Mario
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Neurology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2026-08-06
Volume
273
Issue
9
ISSN
  • 0012-1037 (ISSN-L)
  • 0340-5354
  • 1432-1459
DOI
10.1007/s00415-026-14041-3
OpenAlex
W7196954289
Semantic Scholar
92b65331453e89e571969ec6119420233c4dafd8
Cited by
1
References
123
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
2.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Neurology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Keywords
multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, autonomic dysfunction, dysphagia, bowel dysfunction, prevalence, lower gastrointestinal tract, upper gastrointestinal tract, clinical screening
MeSH terms
Gastrointestinal Diseases, Humans, Multiple Sclerosis

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