title: Are topical oestrogens useful in faecal incontinence? Double-blind randomized trial.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a prospective double-blind randomized trial applying TE to the anal mucosa in postmenopausal women with FI.
  
  
  METHODS
  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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Colorectal Unit, Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. gpinedo@med.puc.cl
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pinedo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Zárate
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: León
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bellolio
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Molina
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Viviani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zúñiga
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003008:Cloprostenol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004964:Estriol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause
chemical_list: D003008:Cloprostenol; D004964:Estriol