The West Berkshire COVID-19 Experience in Parkinson's patients
Poster
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.
More Parkinson's Academy COVID-19 Projects
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Parkinson's Academy, our original and longest running Academy, houses 22 years of inspirational projects, resources, and evidence for improving outcomes for people with Parkinson's. Led by co-founder and educational director Dr Peter Fletcher, the Academy has a truly collegiate feel and prides itself on delivering 'the things you can't get from books' - a practical learning model which inspires all Neurology Academy courses.