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Anorectal function in fluctuating (on‐off) Parkinson's disease: Evaluation by combined anorectal manometry and electromyography
Author(s) -
Ashraf Waseem,
Wszolek Zbigniew K.,
Pfeiffer Ronald F.,
Normand Marlene,
Maurer Kenneth,
Srb Faye,
Edwards Loraine L.,
Quigley Eamonn M. M.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.870100519
Subject(s) - electromyography , parkinson's disease , anorectal manometry , external anal sphincter , medicine , constipation , pelvic floor , anal sphincter , fecal incontinence , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anal canal , disease , physical therapy , gastroenterology , surgery , rectum
Anorectal dysfunction and constipation are well recognized in Parkinson's disease and may reflect the direct involvement of the gastrointestinal tract by the primary Parkinson's disease process. We hypothesized, therefore, that anorectal function would alter in parallel with fluctuations in motor function related to on‐ and off‐periods in Parkinson's disease, and employed combined anorectal manometry and electromyography to investigate anorectal function during both on‐ and off‐periods in patients with Parkinson's disease. Manometric recordings revealed a deterioration in voluntary sphincter squeeze during off‐periods (squeeze index, on versus off, mean ± SEM: 46.4 ± 11.1 versus 29.6 ± 7.9 mm Hg, p < 0.05); correspondingly, simultaneous electromyographic (EMG) recordings showed poor recruitment of external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles during off‐periods. A hypercontractile (“paradoxical”) rectosphincteric reflex response occurred during both on‐ and off‐periods, and was associated with an increase in EMG activity in the external sphincter and/or the puborectalis muscle. These changes in manometric and EMG parameters paralleled changes in overall motor function. These findings provide further support for the involvement of the pelvic floor musculature in the Parkinson's disease process and also provide EMG correlates for some of the manometric abnormalities described in Parkinson's disease.