Background

Growing evidence suggests that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) share similar pathological mechanisms and risk factors.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for a relationship between IBS and PD. Risk estimates from individual studies were pooled using random-effects models.

Results

Six articles involving 58,645 patients with PD were included in our meta-analysis. The overall risk for PD in IBS patients was significantly higher than that in the general population (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–1.75; p < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in risk between men (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.3–1.67; p < .001) and women (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.29–1.75; p < .001); however, older (≥65 years) IBS patients (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.3–1.59; p < .001) may be at higher risk for PD than younger (40–64 years) patients (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.64; p = .017).

Conclusion

Overall, the PD risk was higher in IBS patients than others, indicating that the intestinal disorder may serve as a warning sign for PD.