Pilot Study for the Evaluation of the Parameters of Activity of a Preparation of PHGG and Sodium Hyaluronate in Chronic Constipation in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms. In recent years it has become clear that motor symptoms are associated with non-motor and non-dopaminergic symptoms throughout the natural progression of the disease, and sometimes even before the onset of motor manifestations.

Chronic constipation is the most common gastrointestinal symptom reported by PD patients; it could be one of the manifestations of disease onset.

In the past, constipation was considered a side effect of neurological therapy, but more recent studies have evidenced that it is widely present in patients with early untreated PD too and it may precede of years the onset of motor symptoms.

The prevalence of constipation can reach 80% of patients with PD, with an incidence of decreased stool frequency (less than 3 bowel movements per week) of 57-67% of patients.

Although constipation should be interpreted as part of the disease, patients often don't link it to PD, with the result that it may be neglected or poorly managed. Moreover, continuous and incongruous use of laxatives, that are often used in increasing doses in order to maintain efficacy, may cause the onset of abdominal pain and diarrhoea with the risk of bowel incontinence and other side effects.