Blood factors help predicting outcomes of patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effectiveness of blood factors predicting the outcomes of patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggested that certain blood factors can help to predict outcomes and deciding for the best treatment.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder that affects the brain cells. These cells control body functions and mental functions. Therefore, when their abilities are lost it causes symptoms such as tremors. Prognostic factors are needed for both body and mental symptoms. These factors can help predict disease outcomes which help to decide for the best-personalized treatment.

Blood factors such as vitamin D, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), uric acid, and C reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with Parkinson's disease outcomes. However, the use of these factors as prognostic factors remains to be studied.

This study included information about 624 patients with PD. These patients were divided into groups according to the severity of their disease. Blood factors were assessed through blood samples.

ApoA1 and CRP blood levels were different across the severity groups. Patients with severely impaired movement, poor mental well-being and poos sleep had a reduced level of ApoA1 and CRP.

Reduced ApoA1 and vitamin D, as well as increased CRP, were strongly associated with worse performance of daily living activities. Higher uric acid levels were also linked to slightly worse motor function.  

This study suggested that blood factors such as ApoA1, vitamin D, and CRP help to predict the outcomes of patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study included results from blood factors only measured at the start of the study, without a follow-up. Further studies are necessary.