STUDY OF PELVIC ORGAN DYSFUNCTION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

INTRODUCTION Pelvic organ dysfunction (urinary bladder, bowel and genital organs) is well recognized in Parkinsons disease (PD). However the incidence of this condition is not well established. AIM To ascertain the incidence and characteristics of pelvic organ dysfunction in patients with PD. METHODS This is a case control (questionnaire based) study. 100 patients with PD and 50 age matched controls were included in this study. Questionnaire based on Sakakibara R et al study regarding the three pelvic organ dysfunction was applied to the patients and controls. The findings were compared with age matched control subjects. All PD patients were on levodopa without dopamine agonists. The questionnaire assessed the bladder (nine questions), bowel (four questions) and sexual function (three questions for women, five for men). Each question was scored from 0(none)to 3(severe)with an additional quality of life(QOL)index scored from 0(satisfied)to 3(extremely dissatisfied). RESULTS As compared with the control group, the frequency of dysfunction in the PD group was significantly higher for constipation(58), difficulty in expulsion(54) ,diarrhea (13) urinary urgency(25), daytime frequency (43),nighttime frequency(52),urge incontinence(20), poor stream (men50),straining (19) decrease in libido (74), decrease in sexual intercourse(78), decrease in orgasm (50) and in men, decrease in erection(57) and ejaculation(46). The dissatisfaction score of PD patients was significantly higher for sexual dysfunction(56)compared to bladder(23)and bowel(30).