Fecal Incontinence Symptoms and Impact in Older Versus Younger Women Seeking Care

Diagnostic tools for fecal incontinence: Scoring systems are the crucial first step

The main aim of this editorial is to comment on the recent article published by Garg et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023; 29: 4593-4603. This original research presents a new scoring system for fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is a chronic disease with a severe impact on the quality of life of the patients. Substantial social stigmatization often leads to significant underreporting of the condition even during visits to a specialist and could lead to further mismanagement or non-existent management of the disease. An important fact is that patients are often unable to describe their condition when not asked precisely defined questions. This problem is partially resolved by scoring questionnaires. Several scoring systems are commonly used; however, each of them has their shortcomings. For example, the absence of different kinds of leakage besides flatus and stool could further lead to underscoring the incontinence severity. Therefore, there has long been a call for a more precise scoring system. The correct identification of the presence and severity of fecal incontinence is paramount for further diagnostic approach and for choosing the appropriate therapy option. This editorial describes fecal incontinence, its effect on quality of life in general and further evaluates the diagnostic approach with a particular focus on symptom scoring systems and their implications for clinical practice.

Garg incontinence scores: New scoring system on the horizon to evaluate fecal incontinence. Will it make a difference?

The main aim of this opinion review is to comment on the recent article published by Garg et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023; 29: 4593-4603. The authors in the published article developed a new scoring system, Garg incontinence scores (GIS), for fecal incontinence (FI). FI is a chronic debilitating disease that has a severe negative impact on the quality of life of the patients. Rome IV criteria define FI as multiple episodes of solid or liquid stool passed into the clothes at least twice a month. The associated social stigmatization often leads to significant under-reporting of the condition, which further impairs management. An important point is that the complexity and vagueness of the disease make it difficult for the patients to properly define and report the magnitude of the problem to their physicians. Due to this, the management becomes even more difficult. This issue is resolved up to a considerable extent by a scoring questionnaire. There were several scoring systems in use for the last three decades. The prominent of them were the Cleveland Clinic scoring system or the Wexner scoring system, St. Marks Hospital or Vaizey's scores, and the FI severity index. However, there were several shortcomings in these scoring systems. In the opinion review, we tried to analyze the strength of GIS and compare it to the existing scoring systems. The main pitfalls in the existing scoring systems were that most of them gave equal weightage to different types of FI (solid, liquid, flatus, etc.), were not comprehensive, and took only the surgeon's perception of FI into view. In GIS, almost all shortcomings of previous scoring systems had been addressed: different weights were assigned to different types of FI by a robust statistical methodology; the scoring system was made comprehensive by including all types of FI that were previously omitted (urge, stress and mucus FI) and gave priority to patients' rather than the physicians' perceptions while developing the scoring system. Due to this, GIS indeed looked like a paradigm shift in the evaluation of FI. However, it is too early to conclude this, as GIS needs to be validated for accuracy and simplicity in future studies.

Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Smooth Muscle Cells in an Internal Anal Sphincter-Targeting Anal Incontinence Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

Studies on development of an anal incontinence (AI) model targeting smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) have not been reported. The differentiation of implanted human adipose-derived stem cells (hADScs) into SMCs in an IAS-targeting AI model has also not been demonstrated. We aimed to develop an IAS-targeting AI animal model and to determine the differentiation of hADScs into SMCs in an established model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The IAS-targeting AI model was developed by inducing cryoinjury at the inner side of the muscular layer via posterior intersphincteric dissection in Sprague-Dawley rats. Dil-stained hADScs were implanted at the IAS injury site. Multiple markers for SMCs were used to confirm molecular changes before and after cell implantation. Analyses were performed using H&E, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, and quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Impaired smooth muscle layers accompanying other intact layers were identified in the cryoinjury group. Specific SMC markers, including SM22α, calponin, caldesmon, SMMHC, smoothelin, and SDF-1 were significantly decreased in the cryoinjured group compared with levels in the control group. However, CoL1A1 was increased significantly in the cryoinjured group. In the hADSc-treated group, higher levels of SMMHC, smoothelin, SM22α, and α-SMA were observed at two weeks after implantation than at one week after implantation. Cell tracking revealed that Dil-stained cells were located at the site of augmented SMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study first demonstrated that implanted hADSc restored impaired SMCs at the injury site, showing stem cell fate corresponding to the established IAS-specific AI model.

Efficacy and Safety of a Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranomer in Improving Fecal Incontinence: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Multicenter, Clinical Study With 36-Month Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Fecal incontinence affects 7% to 12% of the US adult population, causing social, financial, and quality of life burdens.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer through 36 months as a condition of postmarket approval application.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, observational Food and Drug Administration-mandated postapproval clinical study.

SETTINGS

This study was designed and executed by participating centers in 18 hospitals and colorectal health clinics in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration and the study sponsor.

PATIENTS

A total of 283 subjects who previously failed conservative therapy were enrolled across 18 US sites.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants received 1 to 2 nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer treatments. The first treatment occurred within 30 days of baseline, and a second treatment was administered 1 to 3 months after initial treatment if determined necessary by the physician. Subjects were followed through 7 visits over 36 months after last treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy (as specified by the Food and Drug Administration) was measured as a fecal incontinence reintervention rate of <50% at 36 months. Reintervention included nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer re-treatment, surgical interventions, and physical therapy. Safety was measured by device-related adverse events. Secondary end points included Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale and Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score.

RESULTS

Using a Bayesian estimate, the reintervention rate of the intention-to-treat population (n = 283) was 18.9% (95% CI, 14.0-24.4) at 36 months. At 36 months, the reintervention rate for subjects with complete data (n = 192) was 20.8% (95% CI, 15.1-26.6). Significant improvement ( p < 0.0001) was noted across the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life subscales at 36 months. Ninety-two device-related adverse events were reported by 15.2% of enrolled patients; most were GI disorders and resolved quickly. There were no serious adverse events.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the study included a 32% attrition rate and homogeneous patient population (91.8% white; 85.5% female), possibly limiting generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer demonstrated clinically significant, sustained improvement in symptoms and quality of life for fecal incontinence patients without the occurrence of any serious adverse events. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B890 .

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01647906.

EFICACIA Y SEGURIDAD DE UN CIDO HIALURNICO/ DEXTRANMERO ESTABILIZADO DE ORGEN NO ANIMAL PARA MEJORAR LA INCONTINENCIA FECAL UN ESTUDIO CLNICO PROSPECTIVO, MULTICNTRICO Y DE UN SOLO BRAZO CON SEGUIMIENTO DE MESES

ANTECEDENTES:La incontinencia fecal afecta entre el 7 y el 12% de la población adulta de los EE. UU. Y genera cargas sociales, económicas y de calidad de vida.OBJETIVO:Los objetivos principales de este estudio fueron evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del ácido hialurónico/ dextranómero estabilizado de origen no animal durante 36 meses como condición para la solicitud de aprobación posterior a la comercialización.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio clínico prospectivo, observacional, de un solo brazo, multicéntrico, ordenado por la FDA después de la aprobación.AJUSTES:Este estudio fue diseñado por los investigadores participantes, la FDA y el patrocinador del estudio que gestionó la recopilación de datos.PACIENTES:Un total de 283 sujetos en quienes previamente falló la terapia conservadora se inscribieron en el estudio prospectivo de un solo brazo en 18 sedes de EE. UU. (NCT01647906).INTERVENCIONES:Los participantes recibieron 1-2 tratamientos con ácido hialurónico/ dextranómero estabilizado no animal. El primer tratamiento se dio dentro de los 30 días posteriores al inicio, mientras que un segundo tratamiento se administró 1-3 meses después del tratamiento inicial si el médico lo determinaba necesario. Los sujetos fueron seguidos durante 7 visitas durante 36 meses después del último tratamiento.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La eficacia (según especificado por la FDA) se midió como una tasa de reintervención de incontinencia fecal de <50% a los 36 meses. La reintervención incluyó retratamiento con ácido hialurónico/ dextranómero estabilizado no animal, intervenciones quirúrgicas y fisioterapia. La seguridad se midió mediante los eventos adversos relacionados con tratamiento. Los criterios de valoración secundarios incluyeron la escala de calidad de vida de incontinencia fecal y la puntuación de incontinencia fecal de Cleveland Clinic Florida.RESULTADOS:Utilizando una estimación bayesiana, la tasa de reintervención de la población por intención de tratar (n = 283) fue del 18.9% (IC del 95%: 14.0%, 24.4%) a los 36 meses. A los 36 meses, la tasa de reintervención para los sujetos con datos completos (n = 192) fue del 20.8% (IC del 95%: 15.1%, 26.6%). Se observó una mejora significativa (p <0.0001) en las subescalas de la puntuación de incontinencia fecal de la Cleveland Clinic Florida y de la calidad de vida de la incontinencia fecal a los 36 meses. El 15.2% de los pacientes inscritos informaron 92 eventos adversos relacionados con el tratmiento; la mayoría eran trastornos gastrointestinales y se resolvieron rápidamente. No hubo eventos adversos graves.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen una tasa de deserción del 32% y una población de pacientes homogénea (91.8% blancos, 85.5% mujeres), lo que posiblemente limite la generalización.CONCLUSIÓNES:El ácido hialurónico/ dextranómero estabilizado de origen no animal demostró una mejora sostenida y clínicamente significativa de los síntomas y la calidad de vida de los pacientes con incontinencia fecal, sin que se produjeran efectos adversos graves. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B890 . ( Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco )Registro: ClinicalTrials.gov número NCT01647906.

Administration of an Anal Bulking Agent With Polyacrylate-Polyalcohol Copolymer Particles Versus Endoanal Electrical Stimulation With Biofeedback for the Management of Mild and Moderate Anal Incontinence: A Randomized Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

There are few treatment options for mild-to-moderate anal incontinence with isolated internal anal sphincter defects or anal incontinence without muscle damage. Less-invasive techniques are generally favored.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results between the use of an anal bulking agent with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer particles and endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback in patients with mild or moderate anal incontinence.

DESIGN

This was a prospective parallel-group, single-institution, randomized clinical trial.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in an ambulatory setting at the Colorectal Physiology Service of the Hospital das Clinicas, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo.

PATIENTS

This study included patients who had anal incontinence for >6 months with isolated internal anal sphincter muscle damage or absence of anatomical defects in the anorectal sphincter complex.

INTERVENTIONS

Anal bulking agent and endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score, and the secondary outcome measures included quality of life, recommended procedures, and anorectal manometry.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences in mean age, sex, BMI, stool consistency, and Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (p = 0.20) at baseline. After 12 months, the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score was found to be significantly improved in patients treated with the bulking agent compared to those treated with electrical stimulation (mean, 6.2 vs 9.2; p = 0.002), though the anorectal manometry parameters did not change significantly. The mean anal Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score declined by 4.2 points in the bulking agent group compared to a decline of 0.8 in the electrical stimulation group (mean difference in decline: 3.4 points; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5). Quality-of life evaluation showed similar results between groups comparing baseline parameters with 12-month follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

The short follow-up period of 1 year, atypical method of biofeedback, and unmatched baseline in some of the quality-of-life scales between the 2 groups limited this study.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mild or moderate anal incontinence, the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score significantly improved in the bulking agent with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer group compared with the endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback group. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B938.

ADMINISTRACIN DE UN GEL ANAL CON PARTCULAS DE COPOLMERO DE POLIACRILATOPOLIALCOHOL VERSUS ESTIMULACIN ELCTRICA ENDOANAL CON EJERCICIOS ANALES BIOFEEDBACK PARA EL MANEJO DE LA INCONTINENCIA ANAL LEVE Y MODERADA UN ESTUDI PROSPECTIVO ALEATORIZADO

ANTECEDENTES:Hasta la fecha, existen pocas opciones de tratamiento para la incontinencia anal de leve a moderada con defectos aislados del esfínter anal interno o la incontinencia anal sin daño muscular. Por lo general, se prefieren técnicas menos invasivas.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue comparar los resultados entre el uso de un gel intra-anal con partículas de copolímero de poliacrilato-polialcohol y la estimulación eléctrica endoanal con ejercicios anales en pacientes con incontinencia anal leve o moderada.DISEÑO:Este fue un ensayo clínico aleatorio prospectivo de grupos paralelos, de una institución, realizado en cuatro etapas: base, procedimientos, postratamiento temprano y tardío.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el ambulatorio de Fisiología Colorrectal del Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital das Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de São Paulo.PACIENTES:Paciente con incontinencia anal con más de 6 meses, con daño muscular aislado del esfínter anal interno o ausencia de defectos anatómicos en el esfínter anorrectal.INTERVENCIONES:Las intervenciones incluyeron la inyección del gel intra-anal y estimulación eléctrica endoanal con ejercicios anales.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Indice de incontinencia fecal (Cleveland Clinic Florida), Indice de calidad de vida, los procedimientos recomendados y la manometría anorrectal.RESULTADOS:No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a la edad media, el sexo, el índice de masa corporal, la consistencia de las heces y la puntuación de incontinencia fecal (p = 0,20) al inicio del estudio. Después de 12 meses, la puntuación de incontinencia fecal mejoró significativamente en los pacientes tratados con el el gel intra-anal (media = 6,2) en comparación con los tratados con estimulación eléctrica (media = 9,2; p = 0,002), aunque los parámetros de manometría anorrectal no mejoraron significativamente. La puntuación anal media de incontinencia fecal disminuyó 4,2 puntos en el grupo del Gel intra-anal en comparación con 0,8 en el grupo de estimulación eléctrica (diferencia media en la disminución: 3,4 puntos; IC del 95%: 1,2 a 5,5). La evaluación de la calidad de vida mostró resultados similares entre los grupos que compararon los parámetros iniciales con un seguimiento de 12 meses.LIMITACIONES:Breve período de seguimiento de un año, métodos diferentes de ejercicios anales y línea de base sin igual en algunas de las escalas de calidad de vida entre los dos grupos.CONCLUSIONES:En pacientes con incontinencia anal leve y moderada, la puntuación de incontinencia fecal mejoró significativamente en el grupo de gel intra-anal con copolímero de poliacrilato-polialcohol en comparación con la estimulación eléctrica endoanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B938. (Traducción- Dr Leonardo Alfonso Bustamante-Lopez).

A systematic review of translation and experimental studies on internal anal sphincter for fecal incontinence

The complexity in the molecular mechanism of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) limits preclinical or clinical outcomes of fecal incontinence (FI) treatment. So far, there are no systematic reviews of IAS translation and experimental studies that have been reported. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of IAS critical role in FI. Previous studies revealed the key pathway for basal tone and relaxation of IAS in different properties as follows; calcium, Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing serine/threonine kinase, aging-associated IAS dysfunction, oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, cyclooxygenase, and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Previous studies have reported improved functional outcomes of cellular treatment for regeneration of dysfunctional IAS, using various stem cells, but did not demonstrate the interrelationship between those results and basal tone or relaxation-related molecular pathway of IAS. Furthermore, these results have lower specificity for IAS-incontinence due to the included external anal sphincter or nerve injury regardless of the cell type. An acellular approach using bioengineered IAS showed a physiologic response of basal tone and relaxation response similar to human IAS. However, in both cellular and acellular approaches, the lack of human IAS data still hampers clinical application. Therefore, the IAS regeneration presents more challenges and warrants more advances.

Efficacy and Safety of the Japanese Herbal Medicine Daikenchuto (DKT) in Elderly Fecal Incontinence Patients: A Prospective Study

Objectives:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusions:

Ultrasound Image Features under Decomposition Algorithm to Analyze the Nursing Intervention on Patients with Colon Polyps Undergoing Endoscopic Resection

Based on the ultrasonic imaging and endoscopic resection of the intelligent segmentation algorithm, this study is aimed at exploring whether nursing intervention can promote the good recovery of patients with colon polyps, hoping to find a new method for clinical treatment of the colon polyps. Patients with colon polyps were divided into an experimental group (fine nursing) and a control group (general nursing). The colonoscopy polyp ultrasound image was preprocessing to select the seed points and background points. The random walk decomposition algorithm was applied to calculate the probability of each marked point, and then, the marked image was outputted. The accuracy of the intelligent segmentation algorithm was 81%. The incidence of complications in the experimental group was 4.83%, which was lower than 16.66% in the control group, and the difference was statistically obvious (P < 0.05). Perioperative refined nursing intervention for colon polyp patients undergoing endoscopic electrosurgical resection can decrease postoperative adverse reactions; reduce postoperative mucosal perforation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and small bleeding; lower the incidence of postoperative complications; and allow patients to recover quickly, enhancing the life comfort of patient.

A European snapshot of psychosocial characteristics and patients' perspectives of faecal incontinence-do they correlate with current scoring systems?

PURPOSE

To compare the current clinical scoring systems used to quantify the severity of symptoms of faecal incontinence (FI) to patients' subjective scoring of parameters of psychosocial well-being.

METHODS

Patients referred to six European centres for investigation or treatment of symptoms of FI between June 2017 and September 2019 completed a questionnaire that captured patient demographics, incontinence symptoms using St. Mark's Incontinence score (SMIS) and ICIQ-B, psychological well-being (HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social interaction (a three-item loneliness scale).

RESULTS

Three hundred eighteen patients completed questionnaires (62 men, mean age 58.7). Sixty percent of the respondents were aged under 65. Median SMIS was 15 (11-18), ICIQ-B bowel pattern was 8 (6-11) and bowel control was 17 (13-22), similar across all demographic groups; however, younger patients were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS score > 10, 65.2% of patients age < 65 vs 54.9% of those ages > = 65, p = 0.03) with lower quality of life (ICIQ-B QoL, median score 19 (14-23)) vs age > = 65 (16 (11-21) (p < 0.005)). On loneliness score 25.5% reported often feeling isolated from others. One of the most significant concerns by patients was the fear and embarrassment related to unpredictable episodes of incontinence.

CONCLUSION

The SMIS remains a useful tool for quantifying incontinence symptoms but may underestimate the psychosocial morbidity associated with unpredictable episodes of incontinence. Interventions aimed at decreasing anxiety and to address feelings of disgust may be helpful for a significant number of patients requiring treatment for FI.

Rectal Prolapse: Age-Related Differences in Clinical Presentation and What Bothers Women Most

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse has a diverse symptom profile that affects patients of all ages.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify bothersome symptoms and clinical presentation that motivated patients who have rectal prolapse to seek care, characterize differences in symptom severity with age, and determine factors associated with bothersome symptoms.

DESIGN

This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained registry.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral academic center.

PATIENTS

Included were 129 consecutive women with full-thickness rectal prolapse.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcomes measured were primary bothersome symptoms, 5-item Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence questionnaire, and the 5-item Obstructed Defecation Syndrome questionnaire. Patients were categorized by age <65 vs age ≥65 years.

RESULTS

Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence score >9 was more common in older patients (87% vs 60%, p = 0.002). Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score >8 was more common in younger patients (57% vs 28%, p < 0.001). Older patients were more likely than younger patients to report bothersome symptoms of pain (38% vs 19%, p = 0.021) and bleeding (12% vs 2%, p = 0.046). Mucus discharge was reported by most patients (older, 72% vs younger, 66%, p = 0.54) but was bothersome for only 18%, regardless of age. Older patients had more severe prolapse expression than younger patients (at rest, 33% vs 11%; during activity, 26% vs 19%; only with defecation, 40% vs 64%, p = 0.006). Older patients were more likely to seek care within 6 months of prolapse onset (29% vs 11%, p = 0.056). On multivariable regression, increasing age, narcotic use, and nonprotracting prolapse at rest were associated with reporting pain as a primary concern.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-center study with a small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal prolapse-related bothersome symptoms and health care utilization differ by age. Although rectal pain is often not commonly associated with prolapse, it bothers many women and motivates older women to undergo evaluation. Patient-reported functional questionnaires may not reflect patients' primary concerns regarding specific symptoms and could benefit from supplementation with questionnaires to elicit individualized symptom priorities. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B492.

PROLAPSO DE RECTO

INFLUENCIA DE LA EDAD EN DIFERENCIAS VINCULADAS CON LA PRESENTACIÓN CLÍNICA Y LOS SÍNTOMAS MAS DESAGRADABLES: El prolapso de recto tiene una gran variedad de síntomas que afectan a pacientes con edades diferentes.Identificar los síntomas mas molestos y la presentación clínica que motivaron a los pacientes con un prolapso de recto a consultar por atención médica, caracterizar las diferencias de gravedad de los síntomas con relación a la edad y determinar los factores asociados con los síntomas mas molestos.Análisis retrospectivo de un registro prospectivo.Centro académico de referencia terciaria.Consecutivamente 129 mujeres que presentaban un prolapso rectal completo.Síntomas y molestias primarias, cuestionario de incontinencia fecal de la Cleveland Clinic / Wexner de 5 ítems, cuestionario de síndrome de defecación obstruida de 5 ítems. Los pacientes fueron categorizados en < 65 años versus ≥ 65 años.El puntaje de incontinencia fecal de la Cleveland Clinic / Wexner > 9 fue más común en pacientes mayores (87% vs 60%, p = 0.002). La puntuación del síndrome de defecación obstructiva > 8 fue más común en pacientes más jóvenes (57% vs 28%, p <0,001). Los pacientes mayores fueron más propensos que los pacientes jóvenes a informar síntomas y molestias de dolor (38% vs 19%, p = 0.021) y sangrado (12% vs 2%, p = 0.046). La mayoría de los pacientes informaron secresión de moco (mayores, 72% frente a más jóvenes, 66%, p = 0,54), pero sólo el 18% tuvo molestias, independientemente de la edad. Los pacientes mayores tenían una exteriorización de prolapso más grave que los pacientes jóvenes (en reposo, 33% frente a 11%; durante la actividad, 26% frente a 19%; solo con defecación, 40% frente a 64%, p = 0,006). Los pacientes mayores tenían más probabilidades de buscar atención médica dentro de los 6 meses posteriores al inicio del prolapso (29% frente a 11%, p = 0.056). Tras la regresión multivariable, el aumento de la edad, el uso de narcóticos y el prolapso no prolongado en reposo se asociaron con la notificación de dolor como queja principal.Centro único; tamaño de muestra pequeño.Los síntomas y molestias relacionadas con el prolapso rectal y la solicitud de atención médica difieren según la edad. Aunque el dolor rectal a menudo no se asocia comúnmente con el prolapso, incomoda a muchas pacientes y motiva a las mujeres mayores a someterse a un examen médico. Los cuestionarios funcionales con las respuestas de las pacientes pueden no reflejar las preocupaciones principales de éstos con respecto a los síntomas específicos y podrían requerir cuestionarios complementarios para así obtener prioridades individualizadas con relación a los síntomas identificados. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B492. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Characterization of symptom severity and impact on four fecal incontinence phenotypes in women presenting for evaluation

AIM

To characterize symptom-specific distress and impact on quality of life (QOL) among women with urge, passive, and combined urge/passive fecal incontinence (FI) phenotypes. A secondary aim was to characterize FI symptom-specific distress and impact on women with a novel fourth phenotype, stress FI.

METHODS

Women with at least monthly FI from 2003 to 2017 were included. Participants completed the Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire (MMHQ) including MHQ and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Anorectal manometry (ARM) and endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) testing was performed. Total MHQ and FISI scores were compared across FI subtypes controlling for pertinent baseline covariates.

RESULTS

The cohort included 404 subjects, 220 meeting criteria for urge FI, 67 passive FI, and 117 combined urge/passive FI. On MHQ, women with combined urge/passive FI were most impacted (p < 0.01). FISI scores were significantly different from combined urge/passive FI having the greatest impact (38.1 ± 12.5) and urge FI (31.1 ± 11.3), p < 0.01 having the least. No differences were observed in ARM measurements or anal sphincter defects among the three groups (all p > 0.05). Twenty-nine subjects were identified with stress FI. There were no differences in overall MHQ or FISI scores or anal sphincter evaluation among the urge, passive, and stress FI groups (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Women with combined urge/passive FI have higher symptom distress and impact on QOL than urge or passive FI alone. Further research is needed to determine the significance of stress FI as a subtype and response to treatment.