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Clinical aspects of bowel symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Author(s) -
Krogh K.,
Ostergaard K.,
Sabroe S.,
Laurberg S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2007.00900.x
Subject(s) - defecation , constipation , medicine , gastroenterology , obstructed defecation , parkinson's disease , disease
Background – The clinical importance of bowel symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains to be described in detail. Methods – A 33‐item questionnaire including background parameters, the Cleveland Constipation Score (CCS), and items from the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score was sent to 468 PD patients. Results were compared to a control group (CG) ( n = 45). A CCS of at least 15 was used to define severe constipation. Results – Four hundred and sixteen subjects (89%) responded. Median CSS was only 4 (range 0–21) in PD and 2 (range 0–13) in the CG ( P < 0.05). Severe constipation was found in 7% with PD and 0% in the CG ( P < 0.05). Incomplete emptying at defecation, need for assisted defecation and use of oral laxatives was reported more frequently by PD patients than by the CG (all P < 0.05). The severity of PD was associated with assisted defecation ( P < 0.001), unsuccessful attempts at defecation ( P < 0.001), incomplete emptying at defecation ( P < 0.05), and the CCS ( P < 0.01). Time since diagnosis was associated with infrequent defecation ( P < 0.0001) and the CCS ( P < 0.05). The use of levodopa was associated with less unsuccessful attempts at defecation ( P < 0.05). Conclusion – Most patients with PD only have minor constipation‐related symptoms. However, severe constipation is associated with time since diagnosis and severity of disease.