Differences Among Native Hawaiian, Asian, and White Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Research
• Population Health

Background:

• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) research has predominantly focused on White populations.
• Understanding ethnic variations in PSP is crucial for comprehensive care and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential differences in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) among White, East Asian (EA), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations in Hawaii.
• To compare clinical characteristics, including age of onset and survival rates, across different racial groups diagnosed with PSP.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 94 patients meeting Movement Disorder Society probable PSP criteria between 2006 and 2021.
• Comparison of age of onset, diagnosis, comorbidities, and survival rates using statistical tests (Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis, log-rank).

Main Results:

• Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) exhibited the youngest mean age of symptom onset and diagnosis (64.0/66.3 years).
• NHPIs had a significantly lower median survival rate (2 years) compared to East Asians (EAs) (4 years) and Whites (6 years).
• East Asians (EAs) and Whites also showed differences in age of onset and survival, with EAs being younger at onset than Whites.

Conclusions:

• This study suggests potential racial disparities in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
• Earlier onset and reduced survival in NHPIs warrant further investigation.
• Future research should explore genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors contributing to observed racial differences in PSP.