Is there an association between back pain and stress incontinence in adults with cystic fibrosis? A retrospective cross-sectional study

Back pain and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are common in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to establish whether there is an association between back pain, lung function and stress urinary incontinence and its relative risk.

This was a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of the Manchester Musculoskeletal Screening Tool (MMST) data. It includes pain, (Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ and VAS)) and International Consultation on Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) measures. Associations were tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Relative risk of developing symptoms was calculated the sig level was p=0.05.

ICIQ-UI-SF was associated with back pain (SF-MPQ) (Rho=0.32, p<0.001) and pain (VAS) (Rho=0.23, p<0.01). RR of developing SUI with back pain was 2; RR of developing back pain with SUI was 1.3.

An association is indicated between back pain (SF-MPQ and VAS), and SUI in adults with CF. This information is important when developing management strategies in the CF population.

Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society. 2017 May 02 [Epub ahead of print]

Jane E Ashbrook, Carol Shacklady, Sue Johnson, Gillian Yeowell, Peter Charles Goodwin

Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Rd, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom., Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester M15 6GX, United Kingdom., Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester M15 6GX, United Kingdom. Electronic address: .