Colonic transit time in progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease

Objective Gastrointestinal (GI) function in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has not been reported, in contrast with extensive studies of GI function in Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to investigate GI function in PSP and PD. Methods A GI questionnaire for constipation and an objective colonic transit time (CTT) test were performed in 8 patients with PSP (6 men and 2 women; mean age, 74.6 years, mean duration of disease, 2.9 years), 36 patients with PD (19 men and 17 women; mean age, 75.6 years, mean duration of disease, 2.6 years), and 8 age-matched normal control subjects (4 men and 4 women; mean age, 73.6 years). Results A GI questionnaire showed constipation in 2 (25%) PSP; 23 (64%) PD; and none (0%) control, without statistical significance. A CTT test showed total CTT of 63.2 +/- 33.9 hours in PSP; 69.6 +/- 42.8 hours in PD; and 45.2 +/- 40.3 hours in control, without statistical significance. In contrast, right CTT in PSP (P < .05) and PD (P < .01) was significantly prolonged from that in control. Conclusions Subjective constipation is uncommon, but prolonged CTT is observed in PSP. This GI feature needs appropriate management and care, which might reflect PSP's brainstem/sacral spinal cord pathology.