Key clinical point: Gastrointestinal symptoms are more common and severe in patients with Parkinson’s disease than in controls and may relate to an altered microbiome composition and reduced microbial diversity.

Major finding: The total Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale score was significantly higher in patients with Parkinson’s disease, compared with controls. Eight of the 15 symptoms assessed – heartburn, acid reflux, nausea or vomiting, borborygmus, increased flatus, decreased passage of stools, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and passing hard stools – were significantly increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Study details: A multicenter assessment of 167 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 100 controls from movement disorders clinics in Australia.

Disclosures: The author reported that she had no disclosures.