PURPOSE: Biofeedback is considered an effective treatment for anal @entity322 , but a substantial proportion of @entity1 fails to improve. The purpose of this study was to identify the key predictors of outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and physiologic data of 145 @entity1 consecutively treated in our unit for anal @entity322 by biofeedback. Clinical evaluation was performed by means of a structured questionnaire that included previous history, symptoms of @entity322 , and bowel habit. Anorectal evaluation measured anal pressure profiles, neural reflexes, defecatory dynamics, rectal compliance, and rectal sensitivity. Biofeedback treatment was performed by a manometric technique with reinforcement sessions scheduled every three months and daily exercising at home. Six months after the onset of biofeedback treatment the clinical response was evaluated as good (improvement of @entity322 ) or poor (no improvement or worsening). RESULTS: Of 126 @entity1 (104 female; age range, 17-82 years) with at least six-month follow-up, 84 percent had a good response to treatment. By univariate analysis, several factors, such as age, history of @entity1142 , abnormal defecatory maneuver, and rectal compliance, were significantly related to treatment response, but by multivariate logistic regression only age and defecatory maneuver were independent predictors of the response. The association of both factors provided the best sensitivity and specificity; 48 percent of @entity1 younger than age 55 years and with abnormal defecatory maneuver had negative response to treatment, whereas 96 percent of @entity1 age 55 years or older with normal defecatory maneuver had a positive response. CONCLUSION: In @entity1 with anal @entity322 scheduled for biofeedback treatment, potential alterations of defecation should be first searched for and corrected, particularly in younger @entity1 .

Predictors of response to biofeedback treatment in anal XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity1142 :: ('MESH:D003248', 'Disease') :: ['constipation'] @entity322 :: ('MESH:D014549', 'Disease') :: ['incontinence']
@entity322 :: (MESH:D014549,Disease) :: ['incontinence']
