Assessing anorectal function in patients with recurrent ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with an unclear etiology that can lead to irreversible changes in distal colonic function in chronic patients. This study investigated anorectal function in recurrent UC patients and identified influencing factors.

This prospective study enrolled 33 recurrent UC patients and 40 newly diagnosed patients from January 2019 to December 2022. Data collection included clinical records, scores, and anorectal function assessments. Regression analyses were used to identify factors impacting anorectal function.

Recurrent UC patients had higher baseline CRP and fecal calprotectin levels, increased anxiety and depression, and more severe fecal incontinence. They also had lower BMIs, serum Hb and albumin (ALB) levels, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores than did initial-onset UC patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that long disease duration (coef. − 0.376, P < 0.001) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.656, P < 0.001) independently influenced the initial sensation threshold in recurrent UC patients. Additionally, high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.073, P = 0.013) and high Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (coef. − 0.489, P = 0.001) were identified as two independent determinants of the defecation volume threshold. For the defecation urgency threshold, the independent factors included high disease duration (coef. − 0.358, P = 0.017) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.499, P = 0.001). Similarly, the sole independent factor identified for the maximum capacity threshold was high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.691, P = 0.001).

Recurrent UC patients had increased rectal sensitivity and compromised anorectal function, which significantly impacted quality of life. Proactively managing the disease, reducing UC relapses, and addressing anxiety are effective measures for improving anorectal function in these patients.