Are topical oestrogens useful in faecal incontinence? Double-blind randomized trial

Autor: María Elena Molina, Alejandro J. Zarate, George Pinedo, Eduardo A. Garcia, Álvaro Zúñiga, F. León, Felipe Bellolio, Paola Viviani
Rok vydání: 2009
Předmět:
Zdroj: Colorectal Disease. 11:390-393
ISSN: 1463-1318
1462-8910
DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2008.01624.x
Popis: Background Histopathological studies have shown the presence of oestrogenic receptors in the anal sphincter, which presumes a role in muscular trophism for circulating oestrogens. This could explain the increase in faecal incontinence (FI) in postmenopausal women. Objective To evaluate the effect of topical oestrogens (TE) in controlling symptoms of FI in postmenopausal women. Hypothesis The application of TE in postmenopausal women with FI improves continence. Method We performed a prospective double-blind randomized trial applying TE to the anal mucosa in postmenopausal women with FI. Study period: 2005–2006. The patients were randomized into two groups: I – topical estriol, II – placebo. In both groups, the ointment was applied three times daily for a period of 6 weeks. We compared Wexner’s FI score and the FI quality of life scale, before commencing and after 6 weeks of application. Results In this period we evaluated 36 patients. Average age: 67 years (48–84). Group I: 18 patients and group II: 18 patients, one patient was excluded. Wexner’s FI score in group I was 11 (5–18) and 7 (0–19) with pre- and postapplication respectively (P = 0.002). Wexner’s FI score in group II was 12 and 9 with pre- and postapplication respectively (P = 0.013). When we compared the results between both groups, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.521). Conclusion There is improvement of continence in both groups that had the ointment applied; nonetheless this study could not show that TE improves FI more than a placebo does.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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