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01-12-2005 | Original Contribution

Selecting an Outcome Measure for Evaluating Treatment in Fecal Incontinence

Authors: Marije Deutekom, M.Sc., Maaike P. Terra, M.D., Annette C. Dobben, M.Sc., Marcel G. W. Dijkgraaf, Ph.D., Richelle J. F. Felt-Bersma, M.D., Ph.D., Jaap Stoker, M.D., Ph.D., Patrick M. M. Bossuyt, Ph.D.

Published in: Diseases of the Colon & Rectum | Issue 12/2005

PURPOSE

Various outcome measures exist to evaluate treatment in fecal incontinence, including descriptive, severity (fecal incontinence scoring systems), and impact (quality-of-life questionnaires) and diagnostic measures. We studied associations between changes after treatment for a number of outcome measures and compared them to patients’ subjective perception of relief.

METHODS

We analyzed data of 66 patients (92 percent female; mean age, 62 years) (Vaizey score, Wexner score, two impact scales, utility, resting pressure, and maximal incremental squeeze pressure) at baseline and after physiotherapy. In a standardized interview by phone, we asked patients to compare their situation before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in outcome measures were calculated. These changes were compared with patients’ subjective perception.

RESULTS

There was a high correlation between the changes in the Vaizey and the Wexner scores (r = 0.94, P < 0.01). Changes in Vaizey and Wexner scores correlated moderately with changes in maximum incremental squeeze pressure (r = −0.29, −0.30, both P < 0.05). Changes in utility and resting pressure were not correlated with changes in any of the other measurements (all r values between −0.086 and 0.18). Average severity scores (Vaizey and Wexner) were 1 point lower for patients who rated their situation as worse or equal (62 percent), 4 points lower for patients who reported their situation to be better (21 percent), and 9 points lower in patients who rated their situation much better (17 percent) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Severity measures are best related to patients’ subjective perception of relief.

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Title: Selecting an Outcome Measure for Evaluating Treatment in Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Marije Deutekom, M.Sc.
Maaike P. Terra, M.D.
Annette C. Dobben, M.Sc.
Marcel G. W. Dijkgraaf, Ph.D.
Richelle J. F. Felt-Bersma, M.D., Ph.D.
Jaap Stoker, M.D., Ph.D.
Patrick M. M. Bossuyt, Ph.D.
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Diseases of the Colon & Rectum / Issue 12/2005
Print ISSN: 0012-3706
Electronic ISSN: 1530-0358
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-005-0162-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Selecting an Outcome Measure for Evaluating Treatment in Fecal Incontinence

PURPOSE

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

PURPOSE

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

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