Menopausal Hormone Therapy Is Associated With Increased Risk of Fecal Incontinence in Women After Menopause

The Mexican consensus on fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage or the incapacity to control the release of fecal matter through the anus. It is a condition that significantly impairs quality of life in those that suffer from it, given that it affects body image, self-esteem, and interferes with everyday activities, in turn, favoring social isolation. There are no guidelines or consensus in Mexico on the topic, and so the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología brought together a multidisciplinary group (gastroenterologists, neurogastroenterologists, and surgeons) to carry out the «Mexican consensus on fecal incontinence» and establish useful recommendations for the medical community. The present document presents the formulated recommendations in 35 statements. Fecal incontinence is known to be a frequent entity whose incidence increases as individuals age, but one that is under-recognized. The pathophysiology of incontinence is complex and multifactorial, and in most cases, there is more than one associated risk factor. Even though there is no diagnostic gold standard, the combination of tests that evaluate structure (endoanal ultrasound) and function (anorectal manometry) should be recommended in all cases. Treatment should also be multidisciplinary and general measures and drugs (lidamidine, loperamide) are recommended, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions, such as biofeedback therapy, in selected cases. Likewise, surgical treatment should be offered to selected patients and performed by experts.

Clinical application of double-capsule fecal catheter device in ICU patients with fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To explore and analyze the clinical effect and potential value of a double-capsule fecal catheter device in patients with fecal incontinence in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

A total of 107 patients with fecal incontinence who were admitted to the ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University from May 2017 to April 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 68 cases in the observation group and 39 cases in the control group. The observation group was given a double-capsule fecal catheter device, and the control group was given an ordinary fecal catheter device for drainage. The clinical baseline data, adverse events, skin conditions, changes of patients' quality of life (QoL), indicators from laboratory test, working pressure and burden of nursing, average length of stay (ALOS) and prognosis of patients were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hypertension history, diabetes mellitus history and smoking history between the observation group and the control group (all P>0.05). The occurrence probability of the number of catheter obstructions, perianal leakage, catheter prolapse and the incidence of discomfort reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). After the use of the double-capsule fecal catheter device, the skin condition of the patient's perineum and perianal area was significantly improved and remained dry and comfortable for a long time, and the recovery of the primary disease in patients with fecal incontinence was also more optimistic. After application of the double-capsule fecal catheter device, the scores of QoL significantly increased in patients from the observation group (P<0.05). After using the double-capsule fecal catheter device, the levels of WBC, neutrophils count, PCT and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group after nursing (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in levels of CRP, TNF-α, albumin and prealbumin between the two groups (P>0.05). The responsible nurses of the patients in the control group expressed significantly higher nursing work burden than the observation group (P<0.05). Patients in the observation group had shorter ALOS and lower mortality than those in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The application of the novel double-capsule fecal catheter device can reduce the adverse events and working pressure and burden of nursing, it also improved skin condition and patients' QoL. Correspondingly, it improved relevant prognostic indicators during the patient's hospitalization. It has beneficial clinical practicability and popularity for fecal incontinence in patients, and it is worthy of use and promotion.

Proinflammatory Diet Is Associated With Increased Risk of Fecal Incontinence Among Older Women: Prospective Results From the Nurses' Health Study

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a debilitating gastrointestinal disorder with a devastating impact on quality of life,1,2 particularly on older women, partly because of unique risk factors including parity and menopause.2,3 Therefore, identifying modifiable factors, such as diet, are crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for FI among those at risk. We previously found higher dietary fiber intake was associated with lower FI risk,4 providing the first population-based data to connect diet and FI prevention. However, prospective evidence on other dietary factors and FI risk has been limited. Dietary patterns may be associated with gut microbiome characteristics, which may influence inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract5 and drive neurosensory disturbances.6 Moreover, chronic inflammation may drive reduced muscle mass and function,7 and pelvic floor dysfunction is an established FI risk factor.1,2 We hypothesized that a proinflammatory dietary pattern may be associated with increased FI risk and tested this hypothesis in the Nurses' Health Study.

Effects of testosterone treatment on anal sphincter damage repair in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Fecal incontinence (FI) generally occurs with anal sphincter damage caused by vaginal delivery in women, obvious FI can develop in the postmenopausal stage. This pelvic floor dysfunction has no rational medical therapeutic options. We investigated the effect of testosterone treatment on the anal sphincter structure, serum thiol/disulfide levels, uterine tissue, and body composition in female rats in an experimental menopause-FI model.

METHODS

The animal experiments were performed between September and November 2020 at Experimental Animal Application and Research Center, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. Thirty-two female rats were divided into four groups: sham, saline, 10 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate, 100 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate. Except for the sham group, all the other groups underwent ovariectomy (OVE) to create a menopause model. Two weeks after this procedure, the FI model was created under general anesthesia in all rat groups. At the end of the experiment, the rats were placed under general anesthesia, weighed, and euthanized after recording the data. The anal sphincter region and uterine tissue samples were collected for histopathological examinations, and blood samples were collected for total testosterone and thiol/disulfide homeostasis analyses.

RESULTS

An increase in anal sphincter muscles and connective tissue thickness was observed in the testosterone-administered groups (p = 0.001). No difference was detected between the groups in the total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide balance (p = 0.087, p = 0.604, p = 0.092). The testosterone-treated groups did not have severe uterine epithelial degradation, hyperemia, or increased endometrial thickness (p = 0.186, p = 0.222, p = 0.630). The body weight of all rats increased (p < 0.05), but the omental weight did not increase (p = 0.061).

DISCUSSION

Testosterone treatment increased the anal sphincter muscle and connective tissue thickness without causing any oxidative stress and did not result in a pathological change in the uterine tissue and body fat composition.

Early adulthood and current physical activity and their association with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women: An observational study with retrospective physical activity assessment

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations of early and middle adulthood physical activity (PA) with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), i.e. stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), faecal incontinence (FI), constipation or defecation difficulties (CDDs) and feeling of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among middle-aged women.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, observational study with retrospective PA assessment.

SETTING

University Research Laboratory.

SAMPLE

A random population sample of 1098 Finnish women aged 47-55 years.

METHODS

Early adulthood PA, current PA, and demographic and gynaecological variables were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were applied to study associations of PA variables with symptoms of PFDs. Potential confounding effects of demographic and gynaecological variables were controlled in multiple logistic regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Structured questionnaire-assessed retrospective PA assessment at the age of 17-29 years, current PA at middle age, and prevalence of symptoms of CDD, FI, POP, SUI and UUI.

RESULTS

Current PA was not independently associated with the occurrence of the symptoms of PFDs. Middle-aged women with an early adulthood history of competitive sports were more likely to experience symptoms of UUI (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.10-4.24, p = 0.025) but not symptoms of SUI, FI, CDD or POP, whereas women with a history of regular PA were more likely to experience symptoms of FI (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.05-18.49, p = 0.043) but no other symptoms of PFDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Competitive sports during early adulthood may increase the risk of UUI in middle age. Regular PA during early adulthood may increase the risk of FI.

Faecal incontinence in adults

Faecal incontinence, which is defined by the unintentional loss of solid or liquid stool, has a worldwide prevalence of ≤7% in community-dwelling adults and can markedly impair quality of life. Nonetheless, many patients might not volunteer the symptom owing to embarrassment. Bowel disturbances, particularly diarrhoea, anal sphincter trauma (obstetrical injury or previous surgery), rectal urgency and burden of chronic illness are the main risk factors for faecal incontinence; others include neurological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor anatomical disturbances. Faecal incontinence is classified by its type (urge, passive or combined), aetiology (anorectal disturbance, bowel symptoms or both) and severity, which is derived from the frequency, volume, consistency and nature (urge or passive) of stool leakage. Guided by the clinical features, diagnostic tests and therapies are implemented stepwise. When simple measures (for example, bowel modifiers such as fibre supplements, laxatives and anti-diarrhoeal agents) fail, anorectal manometry and other tests (endoanal imaging, defecography, rectal compliance and sensation, and anal neurophysiological tests) are performed as necessary. Non-surgical options (diet and lifestyle modification, behavioural measures, including biofeedback therapy, pharmacotherapy for constipation or diarrhoea, and anal or vaginal barrier devices) are often effective, especially in patients with mild faecal incontinence. Thereafter, perianal bulking agents, sacral neuromodulation and other surgeries may be considered when necessary.

Emerging approaches to polypharmacy among older adults

Polypharmacy is a major health issue for older adults. Entangled with several geriatric syndromes, including frailty, falls and cognitive decline, research focused on polypharmacy has been challenged by heterogeneity in its definition, confounding by comorbidities and limited prospective data. In this Review, we discuss varying definitions for polypharmacy and highlight the need for a uniform definition for future studies. We critically appraise strategies for reducing medication prescriptions and implementing deprescribing as a mechanism to reduce the potential harmful effects of polypharmacy. As we look to the future, we assess the role of novel analytics and high-throughput technology, including multiomics profiling, to advance research in polypharmacy and the development of new strategies for risk stratification in the age of precision medicine.

Pelvic floor disorders in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported main pelvic floor disorders (PFD) (urinary incontinence [UI], pelvic organ prolapse [POP], and fecal incontinence [FI]) and its associated factors in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and a control group.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study wherein two groups were interviewed from August, 2017 to November, 2018-women with POI (n = 150) and a control group matched for age and body weight (n = 150). Sociodemographic variables and two questionnaires validated in Brazilian Portuguese language for PFD (Kings Health Questionnaire [KHQ] and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 [PFDI-20]) were used. Laycock's power, endurance, repetitions, fast contractions, every contraction timed (PERFECT) scale for pelvic floor muscle assessment was used in both groups.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-reported UI was 27.33% and 37.33% for POI and control groups (P > 0.05), respectively. There was no perceived difference regarding the prevalence of POP (9.33% POI group vs 8% control group; P = 0.682) and FI (8% POI vs 4% control group; P = 0.145). The P (power) (P = 0.46), E (endurance) (P = 0.91), R (repetitions) (P = 0.88), and F (fast contractions) (P = 0.19) values were statistically similar in both the groups. Multivariate analysis (n = 141) showed that higher weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.047 [1.018-1.076]; P < 0.001) and gravidity rates (OR 1.627 [1.169-2.266]; P < 0.01) were risk factors for UI and higher weight (OR 1.046 [1.010-1.084]; P = 0.01), and presence of comorbidities (OR 8.75 [1.07-71.44]; P < 0.01) were risk factors for POP in the POI group; there was no variable that was associated with FI.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with POI did not have significant differences when compared with the control group regarding the prevalence of PFD and pelvic floor muscle assessment. Having higher weight and gravidity rates were associated with self-reported UI, while the presence of comorbidities and higher weight were risk factors for POP in the POI group. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A555.

Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in the Elderly

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of primary constipation and fecal incontinence in the elderly.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among elderly people, 6.5%, 1.7%, and 1.1% have functional constipation, constipation-predominant IBS, and opioid-induced constipation. In elderly people, the number of colonic enteric neurons and smooth muscle functions is preserved; decreased cholinergic function with unopposed nitrergic relaxation may explain colonic motor dysfunction. Less physical activity or dietary fiber intake and postmenopausal hormonal therapy are risk factors for fecal incontinence in elderly people. Two thirds of patients with fecal incontinence respond to biofeedback therapy. Used in combination, loperamide and biofeedback therapy are more effective than placebo, education, and biofeedback therapy. Vaginal or anal insert devices are another option. In the elderly, constipation and fecal incontinence are common and often distressing symptoms that can often be managed by addressing bowel disturbances. Selected diagnostic tests, prescription medications, and, infrequently, surgical options should be considered when necessary.

Effect of oestrogen therapy on faecal incontinence in postmenopausal women: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Faecal incontinence (FI) is prevalent in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen receptors have been identified in the anal sphincter and have been implicated in the pathogenesis and potential treatment. We sought to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of local and systemic oestrogen therapy on FI in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A systematic review of all studies in postmenopausal women was performed to establish how oestrogen therapy affects FI. Eight articles were deemed eligible for inclusion following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Their quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB-2) and Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale.

RESULTS

One randomised controlled trial (RCT), two cohort studies, one observational and four cross-sectional studies were identified. The RCT showed an improvement in FI with anal oestrogen (p = 0.002), but this improvement was also observed in the placebo arm (p = 0.013) and no difference was seen between these groups. A prospective observational study demonstrated significant improvement with an oestrogen patch (p = 0.004), but had no control group. Conversely, a large prospective cohort study demonstrated an increased hazard ratio of FI with current (1.32; 95% CI, 1.20-1.45) and previous oestrogen use (1.26; 95% CI, 1.18-1.34) compared with non-users.

CONCLUSION

All studies had a high risk of bias and had conflicting views on the effects of oestrogen on FI in postmenopausal women. This review has identified the need for further research in this area by highlighting the paucity of good research for evidence-based practice. We believe that a further RCT of local oestrogen is mandated to draw a valid conclusion.

Epidemiologic Trends and Diagnostic Evaluation of Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent condition that occurs in up to 15% of the Western population and significantly impairs quality of life. The current understanding of the epidemiology of FI is shifting because of an increasing recognition of FI in men, better appreciation for the impact of changing obstetric practices on FI in women, and comprehension of the effect of modifiable risk factors on the development of FI over time. The pathophysiology of FI is complex and multifactorial, which necessitates the use of multiple diagnostic tests, including tests of anorectal sensorimotor function, peripheral nerve function, and anatomic structure. Translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation is an emerging noninvasive diagnostic test for assessing lumbosacral neuropathy. This article is not intended as a comprehensive recitation of the literature, but rather focuses on recent developments in the understanding of the epidemiology of FI, as well as on the diagnostic evaluation of this condition. This article aims to increase awareness of FI and to outline an initial diagnostic approach to affected patients.

Secondary sphincter repair for anal incontinence following obstetric sphincter injury: functional outcome and quality of life at 18 years of follow-up

AIM

Secondary sphincter repair has been the conventional management of anal incontinence (AI) when a structural defect in the sphincter is recognized. However, disappointing long-term results have contributed to a tendency towards an increasing use of alternative treatment methods. This study aimed to assess the long-term functional outcomes following a secondary sphincter repair in women with AI after obstetric sphincter injury.

METHOD

This is a questionnaire study of women who underwent a secondary sphincter repair in Denmark between January 1990 and December 2005. Patients were identified through the Danish National Patient Registry. Functional outcomes were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire in 2010 and 2018. Primary outcomes were Wexner and St. Mark's scores. Impact on quality of life was assessed using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.

RESULTS

Functional outcome was assessed in 370 women in 2010 and 255 women in 2018. At 18.3 [interquartile range (IQR 15.0-22.0)] years of follow-up, the mean ± SD Wexner score was 8.8 ± 4.8 and the mean St. Mark's score was 11.7 ± 5.0. Flatus incontinence was the most frequent symptom, reported by 97%. Incontinence for liquid and solid stools was reported by 75% and 54%, respectively. There were no significant changes in incontinence frequencies over time. Women with a Wexner score of ≥ 9 had a significantly lower quality of life score in all domains than did women with a Wexner score of < 9 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

At long-term follow-up, few patients are fully continent following a secondary sphincter repair. However, it appears that the functional results remain stable at very long-term follow-up.

Effectiveness of hormones in postmenopausal pelvic floor dysfunction-International Urogynecological Association research and development-committee opinion

Introduction and hypothesis

There is clear evidence of the presence of estradiol receptors (ERs) in the female lower urinary and genital tract. Furthermore, it is a fact that estrogen deficiency after menopause may cause atrophic changes of the urogenital tract as well as various urinary symptoms. Moreover, the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms as well as pelvic organ prolapse (POP), anal incontinence (AI) and vulvovaginal symptoms (VVS) is still a matter of debate. This committee opinion paper summarizes the best evidence on influence of sex steroids as well as hormonal treatment (local and systemic) in postmenopausal women with pelvic floor disorders.

Methods

A working subcommittee from the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) Research and Development Committee was formed. A thorough literature search was conducted and an opinion statement expressed. The literature regarding hormones and pelvic floor disorders was reviewed independently and summarized by the individual members of the sub-committee.

Results

The majority of studies reported that vaginal estrogen treatment when compared with placebo has more beneficial effects on symptoms and signs of vaginal atrophy including sensation of burning, dyspareunia and UI symptoms. Definitive evidence on local estrogen application and prolapse treatment or prevention is lacking. A statistically significant increase in risk of worsening of UI as well as development of de novo incontinence was observed with estrogen-only or combination systemic HRT.

Conclusions

In summary, local estrogen seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of VVS and can also improve urinary symptoms in postmenopausal patients with UI, but most of these recommendations correspond to evidence level 2C. The evidence in POP is still scarce but not in favor of benefit. Finally, the duration of local estrogen treatment (LET), optimal dosage, long-term effects and cost-effectiveness compared with current practice are still unknown.

Association of Urinary Phytoestrogens With Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Fecal Incontinence Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urinary phytoestrogen levels with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and fecal incontinence (FI) in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2005 to 2010 including postmenopausal women 40 years or older who either had both ovaries removed and/or had no period in the past year due to hysterectomy and/or menopause. Urinary concentrations of 6 phytoestrogens were measured. Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms were defined as a positive response to the question, "Do you see or feel a bulge in the vaginal area?" Fecal incontinence was defined as leakage of mucus, liquid, or solid stool occurring at least monthly. Using appropriate sample weights, prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Logistic regression was performed assessing associations between pelvic floor symptoms and log-transformed phytoestrogen levels adjusting for appropriate covariates.

RESULTS

Participants included 1341 postmenopausal women with phytoestrogen data; 1213 with or without POP symptoms and 1221 with or without FI symptoms. Multivariable analysis revealed no association of urinary phytoestrogen levels with POP symptoms. Higher urinary O-desmethylangolensin level was associated with decreased odds of FI symptoms in postmenopausal women (adjusted odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased urinary O-desmethylangolensin level was associated with lower odds of FI. Future research may be warranted to further investigate the potential of specific phytoestrogens as mediators of FI, as well as the role of phytoestrogens on POP symptoms.

A Review of Phytoestrogens and Their Association With Pelvic Floor Conditions

INTRODUCTION

Urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) disproportionately experienced by postmenopausal women. Limited data exist suggesting that phytoestrogens may have an impact on the pathophysiology and symptom of PFDs.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of the study was to review the current literature addressing the role of phytoestrogens on PFDs, including the pathophysiology, symptom, treatment, and possible prevention.

FINDINGS

Qualifying literature spans from 2003 to 2017 and included 14 studies ranging from in vitro, animal, and observational studies to randomized clinical trials.

SUMMARY

Although the literature is limited, most studies on phytoestrogens and PFDs support associations with pathophysiologic mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, but not fecal incontinence. Less is known regarding the prevention of PFDs with phytoestrogen intake over time. Overall, the potential influence of phytoestrogens on PFDs is not well understood, and more research is needed.

Physical Activity, BMI, and Risk of Fecal Incontinence in the Nurses' Health Study

BACKGROUND

Higher body mass index (BMI) and low physical activity have been associated with increased prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) in cross-sectional studies, but prospective studies examining the role of these factors are lacking. We sought to determine whether BMI and/or physical activity are associated with risk of FI among older women.

METHODS

We prospectively examined the association between BMI and physical activity and risk of FI in the Nurses' Health Study among 51,708 women who were free of FI in 2008. We defined FI as at ≥1 liquid or solid FI episode/month during the past year reported in 2010 or 2012. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for FI according to physical activity and BMI, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

During more than 175,000 person-years of follow-up, we documented 5954 cases of incident FI. Compared with women in the lowest activity category (<3 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hrs/week), multivariable-adjusted HRs for FI were 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.93) for women doing 3-8 MET-hrs/week, 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.84) for 9-17 MET-hrs/week, 0.76 (95% CI 0.69-0.83) for 18-26 MET-hrs/week, and 0.75 (95% CI 0.70-0.81) for 27 + MET-hrs/week (P_trend = <0.0001). There was no association between BMI and risk of FI.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of physical activity were associated with a modest reduction (25%) in risk of incident FI among older women. These results support a potential role of ongoing physical activity in the neuromuscular health of the anorectal continence mechanism with aging.

TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT

These results support a potential role of ongoing physical activity in the neuromuscular health of the anorectal continence mechanism with aging.

Increased Long-term Dietary Fiber Intake Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Fecal Incontinence in Older Women

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Fiber supplements are frequently used as treatment for fecal incontinence (FI), but little is known about the role of dietary fiber in the prevention of FI.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study to examine the association between long-term dietary fiber intake and risk of FI in 58,330 older women (mean age, 73 years) in the Nurses' Health Study who were free of FI in 2008. Energy-adjusted long-term dietary fiber intake was determined using food frequency questionnaires starting in 1984 and updated through 2006. We defined incident FI as at least 1 liquid or solid FI episode per month during the past year during 4 years of follow-up using self-administered biennial questionnaires. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs for FI according to fiber intake, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

During 193,655 person-years of follow-up, we documented 7,056 incident cases of FI. Compared with women in the lowest quintile of fiber intake (13.5 g/day), women in the highest quintile (25 g/day) had an 18% decrease in risk of FI (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76-0.89). This decrease appeared to be greatest for risk of liquid stool FI, which was 31% lower in women with the highest intake of fiber compared with women with the lowest intake (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62-0.75). Risk of FI was not significantly associated with fiber source.

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of data from almost 60,000 older women in the Nurses' Health Study, we found higher long-term intake of dietary fiber was associated with decreased risk of FI. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms that mediate this association.