Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
This study links active UC inflammation to measurable anorectal dysfunction (greater rectal sensitivity, lower compliance/capacity) that helps explain common symptoms such as urgency and fecal incontinence. Some dysfunction persisted after treatment, indicating ongoing symptoms may need targeted evaluation and care.
Who Should Pay Attention
Patients with UC who have urgency, fecal incontinence, or tenesmus; gastroenterologists; pelvic floor clinicians; IBD researchers.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This prospective study used high-resolution anorectal manometry and rectal barostat testing to compare anorectal function in 36 patients with active ulcerative colitis versus healthy volunteers, assessed during active disease and again 4–6 months after treatment started.
The study found that active inflammation was associated with increased rectal sensitivity and reduced rectal compliance and capacity; many patients’ symptoms (incontinence, urgency, tenesmus) and barostat abnormalities improved after treatment but some dysfunction persisted — even in patients with histological remission.
The findings suggest anorectal dysfunction is linked to inflammatory severity and may partly persist after mucosal healing, highlighting that symptoms like urgency and incontinence in UC may reflect measurable changes in rectal physiology rather than only active inflammation.
If you have UC and ongoing urgency or incontinence after treatment, clinicians may consider evaluation for persistent anorectal dysfunction; this study supports the need for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches targeting rectal sensitivity and compliance, though it does not test specific treatments.
Keep In Mind
Summary is based on the article abstract. The study is prospective but from a single center with a modest sample; it shows associations and physiologic measurements rather than testing treatments. Barostat and HR‑ARM are specialized tests not universally available.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
PublisherWiley
AuthorsAna Sanahuja Martínez, Pilar Mas Mercader, Joan Tosca Cuquerella +8 more
Study typeJournal Article
Indexed viaCrossref
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedJul 15, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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