The West Berkshire COVID-19 Experience in Parkinson's patients

Aim

To examine at the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in West Berkshire and the movement disorders service.

Headlines

• During the first wave of the pandemic (March to August 2020) 52% of PD patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 died
• Face-to-face appointments with the West Berkshire outpatient movement disorders service was suspended, leading the team to be more innovative – they provided consultation by telephone and NHS England Attend Anywhere software

Key findings

Electronic patient record data showed 25 patients had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, either in the community or upon admission to hospital, between March and August 2020.

• Cough, shortness of breath, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms
• Frailty markers such as functional dependence (n=18), falls (n=16), dementia (n=12), and dysphagia (n=5) indicated advanced PD
• Procalcitonin levels, a biomarker for bacterial infection, were checked in eight patients. 17 received intravenous antibiotics
• 56% required oxygen therapy, but none were escalated to level two/three care due to multiple co-morbidities and frailty
• One patient was recruited to the RECOVERY trial
• 52% (n=13) people died, 10 in hospital and three in their nursing homes

Recommendations

To review data from the second wave, in light of new COVID-19 treatments.