In a nutshell
This study investigated the most common factors for hospital admission in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that factors such as infections or falls increase hospital stay among these patients.
Some background
PD is a chronic disease that affects brain cells. These cells control body functions and when affected by PD they lose their abilities. This causes physical symptoms such as tremors and mental symptoms such as sleep disorders and depression.
The rate of hospitalization in patients with PD is 1.44 times higher than non-PD patients. This causes an increase in PD associated deaths and increased financial burden for the patient and the hospital. It is important to identify the most common factors for hospitalization in patients with PD.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 9 other studies including information about 7162 patients with PD. Reasons for hospital admission for these patients were analyzed.
The most common factor for hospitalization was infections (22%). These included mostly lung and urinary infections. Followed by worsening of physical symptoms (19%), falls and fractures (18%), heart disease (13%), mental symptoms (8%) and gastrointestinal complications (7%).
The bottom line
This study suggested that infections, worsening of PD symptoms and falls and fractures are the main causes of hospitalization in patients with PD.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.
Published By :
Parkinsonism & related disorders
Date :
Feb 28, 2020
