Factor analysis identifies subgroups of constipation

Table 2 Summary of the proportion of patients within each cluster who were positive for constipation¹ or irritable bowel syndrome on the basis of Rome III criteria, as well as proportions in each group with slow transit constipation

	Clusters (4-fold solution)
	1(n = 71)	2(n = 44)	3(n = 34)	4(n = 43)
Rome III constipation
Yes	84.50%	77.30%	58.80%	72.10%
Rome III IBS
Yes	52.10%	27.30%	20.60%	53.50%
Outlet dysfunction
Yes	52.10%	56.80%	52.90%	48.80%
Colonic transit	n = 43	n = 28	n = 16	n = 29
Delayed transit	74.40%	71.40%	62.50%	79.30%
Normal transit	25.60%	28.60%	37.50%	20.70%

¹With the exception that symptoms were assessed irrespective of laxative usage. IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome.