Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Associated Factors in Women with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Urogynecology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are chronic conditions affecting multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system.
• Pelvic floor muscles can be impacted by SARDs, potentially leading to pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of PFD symptoms (urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, pelvic organ prolapse) in women with SARDs compared to a control group.
• To determine the association between SARDs and the development of PFDs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 326 women (224 with SARDs, 102 controls).
• Data collected included demographics, PFD symptoms, and obstetric history.
• Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Women with SARDs reported significantly higher rates of PFD symptoms, including urinary incontinence, nocturia, anal incontinence (flatus and fecal), pelvic organ prolapse, and genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder.
• SARDs were significantly associated with PFD, flatus incontinence, fecal incontinence, dyspareunia, and vaginismus.

Conclusions:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction is substantially more prevalent in women with SARDs.
• Women with SARDs were 1.8 to 5.2 times more likely to report PFD symptoms compared to women without SARDs.