Effects of clonidine in women with fecal incontinence.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Some women with urge-predominant fecal incontinence (FI) have diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and a stiffer and hypersensitive rectum. We evaluated the effects of the α2-adrenergic agonist clonidine on symptoms and anorectal functions in women with FI in a prospective, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

We assessed bowel symptoms and anorectal functions (anal pressures, rectal compliance, and sensation) in 43 women (age, 58 ± 2 y) with urge-predominant FI, randomly assigned to groups given oral clonidine (0.1 mg, twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after administration of the medication, anal pressures were evaluated by manometry, and rectal compliance and sensation were measured using a barostat. Anal sphincter injury was evaluated

SUBMITTER: Bharucha AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3900592 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature