P1075 Evaluation of characteristics of faecal urgency in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background Bowel urgency is one of the most bothersome symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). The Urgency Numerical Rating Scale (U-NRS) measures the degree of faecal urgency experienced over the past 24 hours by patients with UC on a scale of 0-10. We assumed that the scale has a large variance, as patients evaluate their own symptoms differently. The urge may be different quality for two patients with the same score. The score on the U-NRS may be influenced by the individual’s specific perception of symptoms (degree of pain, speed of urge). The objective of our study was to investigate the possible components of urgency using the U-NRS. Methods Patients with UC older than 18 years treated at our departments for at least 3 months and having complaints were enrolled in our study. The patients filled out our non-validated questionnaire with questions about fecal urgency (U-NRS), pain level, speed of urge, incontinence and lifestyle characteristics associated with incontinence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program. Results 205 patients were enrolled, median age was 40 years, the mean of disease duration was 11.8±9.4 years. The mean U-NRS score was 3.2±3.2, 64 patients (31%) had 0 score and 8 (4%) had 10 score. 12% of the patients (n=24) felt most difficult to hold mucus, 38% (n=77) stool and 31% (n=63) other secretions. 9% (n=19) had urge with every stool in the last 24 hours, 35% (n=71) had less than half of defecations. Patient reported outcome (PRO2) had a significant but weak correlation with U-NRS (ͳb=0.348 p=0.000)(Figure 1). The speed of urge defined more the level of urgency than the pain level (R2=0.798, F(1, 203)=803.86 p<0.001, β=0.894 vs R2=0.805, F(2, 202)=417.98, p<0.001, β=0.117). The duration of faeces holding in the last 7 days had significant connection to U-NRS (R2=0.211, F(1, 203)=54.432, p<0.001, β=-0.46). Patients using public restroom at least once during the last week had significantly higher score on U-NRS than other patients (4.6±3.1 vs 2.4±3 p<0.0001). The usage of diapers was also significantly more often in patients with higher U-RNS score (5.2±3.2 vs 2.9±3.1,p<0.0001). Faecal leakage both during the day and night was significiantly higher with higher U-NRS score (p<0.0001 for both) Conclusion Urgency is more defined by the speed of urge than the pain. Using public restroom, usage of diapers and faecal leakage are associated with higher U-NRS. Bowel urgency greatly affects the daily life of UC patients, therefore, it has to be taken into count in therapy managing. Figure 1