BACKGROUND: Anal @entity322 due to internal sphincter dysfunction is not amenable to simple surgical repair. The alpha-adrenergic agonist @entity2647 produces contraction of the internal sphincter and raises resting pressure when applied topically in healthy volunteers. The effect of topical @entity2647 in the treatment of @entity1690 was investigated. METHODS: Thirty-six @entity1 (22 @entity1 ) aged 28-81 (mean 58) years with @entity322 and ultrasonographically structurally normal anal sphincter muscles were treated with topical 10 per cent @entity2647 and placebo gels, allocated in random order in a double-blind crossover study. Maximum resting anal sphincter pressure and anodermal blood flow were measured. A symptom questionnaire was completed and @entity322 score determined using a validated scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in @entity322 score, resting anal pressure and anodermal blood flow between the active and placebo treatments. Six @entity1 on active treatment and two on placebo experienced more than 75 per cent subjective improvement. Three @entity1 developed @entity56 to @entity2647 . CONCLUSION: This is the first study of the use of a topical pharmacological agent to treat @entity322 . This concentration of topical @entity2647 did not produce a significant improvement in symptoms or function. A subgroup of @entity1 may respond. Further studies are required with increased concentrations.

Randomized controlled trial of topical XXXX in the treatment of @entity322 .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients'] @entity1690 :: ('MESH:D046628', 'Disease') :: ['faecal incontinence due to internal sphincter dysfunction'] @entity322 :: ('MESH:D014549', 'Disease') :: ['faecal incontinence', 'incontinence'] @entity2647 :: ('MESH:D010656', 'Chemical') :: ['phenylephrine'] @entity56 :: ('MESH:D004342', 'Disease') :: ['allergic dermatitis']
@entity2647 :: (MESH:D010656,Chemical) :: ['phenylephrine']
