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Patient reported outcomes regarding perianal disease and fecal incontinence in the community‐based inflammatory bowel disease population are poorly described. Dr Vollebregt and colleagues determined the impacts of perianal disease and faecal incontinence on quality of life and employment in inflammatory bowel disease patients. For this cross‐sectional study, a comprehensive survey was sent out to members of the Dutch National Crohn's and Colitis patient organisation. Validated questionnaires regarding fecal incontinence and active perianal disease were used to estimate its prevalences. The effect on the quality of life and on employment status was assessed in this inflammatory bowel disease population. The research team reported that a total number of 1092 returned questionnaires were used for analysis.
| | Fecal incontinence was reported in 57% of patients | | Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
In 57% of Crohn's disease, in 39% ulcerative colitis and in 4% patients unclassifiable inflammatory bowel disease was self‐reported. The 10% of patients with a stoma were excluded for continence related analyses. Fecal incontinence was reported in 57% of patients, was comparable between the different inflammatory bowel disease diagnoses and affected all 36‐Item Short Form Survey subscales adversely. Active perianal disease was reported in 39% with Crohn's disease, 16% with ulcerative colitis, and 20% unclassifiable inflammatory bowel disease patients. The researchers observed that fecal incontinence was more common in patients with perianal disease. When correcting for age, disease duration, inflammatory bowel disease‐related surgery and fecal incontinence, active perianal disease was independently affecting employment. Dr Vollebregt's team concludes, "Fecal incontinence and perianal disease are quality of life determining factors." "Fecal incontinence needs more attention among clinicians, and development of new therapies needs to be focussed on perianal disease."
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