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

BackgroundMost studies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) have been conducted in White populations. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify whether differences exist for patients with PSP among Whites, East Asians (EAs), and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) in Hawaii. MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective study of patients meeting Movement Disorder Society probable PSP criteria (2006-2021). Data variables included age of onset and diagnosis, comorbidities, and survival rate. Variables were compared across groups using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and log-rank tests. ResultsA total of 94 (59 EAs, 9 NHPIs, 16 Whites, and 10 Others) patients were identified. Mean age +/- standard deviation (in years) of symptom onset/diagnosis were both youngest in NHPIs (64.0 +/- 7.2/66.3 +/- 8.0) followed by Whites (70.8 +/- 7.6/73.9 +/- 7.8), then EAs (75.9 +/- 8.2/79.2 +/- 8.3) (P < 0.001). Median survival from diagnosis was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in NHPIs (2 years) compared with EAs (4 years) and Whites (6 years). ConclusionsThere may be racial disparities for PSP, and studies are needed to identify genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic contributions. (c) 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.