Fecal Incontinence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background

Fecal incontinence (FI) is frequently reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with IBD registry.

Results

Three hundred forty-seven patients had Crohn disease and 145 had ulcerative colitis. 14.2% of patients reported FI. FI was associated with active disease. FI was not associated with disease location, phenotype, or perianal involvement. Greater than 50 years of age or 15 years of disease increased the odds of FI and remission decreased the odds of FI.

Conclusions

Further research into the mechanism of FI in IBD is needed.

Lay Summary

Patients with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are equally affected by fecal incontinence. The factors that increase a patient’s risk include symptomatic disease, increased disease duration, and age >50 years-old. Gender, disease location, and medications did not increase the risk.