# Outcomes Following Constipation Treatments Between Parkinson’s Disease and Non‐Parkinson’s Disease Patients Evaluated by the Constipation Scoring System

## TL;DR

This study compared constipation treatment outcomes in Parkinson's disease and non-Parkinson's patients using a scoring system and found similar severity but differing symptom duration and laxative use.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world comparative data on constipation treatment outcomes between Parkinson's and non-Parkinson's patients using the Constipation Scoring System.

## Key findings

- Post-treatment constipation severity was similar between Parkinson's and non-Parkinson's patients.
- Parkinson's patients reported longer-standing constipation symptoms compared to non-Parkinson's patients.
- Laxative use patterns differed between the two groups, with distinct preferences observed.

## Abstract

The Constipation Scoring System (CSS) is a validated tool for assessing constipation severity and has been previously applied in Parkinson’s disease (PD) populations. However, comparative data on post‐treatment CSS outcomes between individuals with and without PD remain lacking. This study aimed to compare post‐treatment constipation severity between PD and non‐PD patients in real‐world clinical settings, with particular focus on neurology and gastroenterology outpatient clinics.

This retrospective chart review included 67 patients with PD from a neurology clinic and 50 non‐PD patients with constipation from a gastroenterology clinic. Baseline characteristics were retrieved from electronic medical records. Follow‐up assessments were conducted through direct or telephone interviews to evaluate constipation severity using the CSS. Additional data were collected on patients’ self‐reported intake of water, coffee, carbohydrates, and fiber, as well as exercise habits.

Post‐treatment CSS scores did not differ significantly between groups (PD: 6.07 ± 3.57 vs. non‐PD: 5.24 ± 2.84; p = 0.172), with most participants classified as having mild constipation. No significant differences were observed in daily water, coffee, or fiber intake, or in exercise habits. However, non‐PD patients reported significantly higher carbohydrate intake compared to PD patients (p = 0.003). PD patients more frequently reported long‐standing constipation symptoms (≥ 6 years) than non‐PD patients (p < 0.001). Patterns of laxative use also differed: while sennosides were most commonly used in both groups, non‐PD patients more frequently used lactulose and mucilin, whereas PD patients more commonly used Unison enemas (p = 0.020) and milk of magnesia (p = 0.070).

Although constipation severity and treatment outcomes were comparable between PD and non‐PD patients, PD patients more often experienced long‐standing symptoms and demonstrated distinct patterns of laxative use. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate standardized treatment protocols to better clarify treatment outcomes and inform clinical practice.