Study on the characteristics of intestinal motility of constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND: Constipation is one of the most important nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and constipation of different severities is closely related to the pathogenesis of PD. PD with constipation (PDC) is considered a unique type of constipation, but its mechanism of formation and factors affecting its severity have been less reported. Understanding the gastrointestinal motility characteristics and constipation classification of PDC patients is essential to guide the treatment of PDC. In this study, the colonic transit test and high-resolution anorectal manometry were used to identify the intestinal motility of PDC to provide a basis for the treatment of PDC. AIM: To investigate the clinical classification of PDC, to clarify its characteristics of colonic motility and rectal anal canal pressure, and to provide a basis for further research on the pathogenesis of PDC. METHODS: Twenty PDC patients and 20 patients with functional constipation (FC) who were treated at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from August 6, 2018 to December 2, 2019 were included. A colonic transit test and high-resolution anorectal manometry were performed to compare the differences in colonic transit time, rectal anal canal pressure, and constipation classification between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, body mass index, or duration of constipation between the two groups. It was found that more patients in the PDC group exhibited difficulty in defecating than in the FC group, and the difference was statistically significant. The rectal resting pressure, anal sphincter resting pressure, intrarectal pressure, and anal relaxation rate in the PDC group were significantly lower than those in the FC group. The proportion of paradoxical contractions in the PDC group was significantly higher than that in the FC group. There was a statistically significant difference in the type composition ratio of defecatory disorders between the two groups (P < 0.05). The left colonic transit time, rectosigmoid colonic transit time (RSCTT), and total colonic transit time were prolonged in PDC and FC patients compared to normal values. The patients with FC had a significantly longer right colonic transit time and a significantly shorter RSCTT than patients with PDC (P < 0.05). Mixed constipation predominated in PDC patients and FC patients, and no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with PDC and FC have severe functional dysmotility of the colon and rectum, but there are certain differences in segmental colonic transit time and rectal anal canal pressure between the two groups.