Risk of fracture in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Summary

The aim of the study was to determine fracture risk in incident Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. This study showed that fracture risk assessment may be indicated among patients with PD, in particular when they have recently used selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or high-dose antipsychotics, or have a history of fracture, falling, low body mass index (BMI) or renal disease.

Introduction

PD is a movement disorder associated with falling and detrimental effects on bone. Both are recognized risk factors for fracture. Therefore, the aim was to determine fracture risk in incident PD patients stratified by treatment, severity, duration of disease and related comorbidities.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the UK General Practice Research Database (1987–2011). Each PD patient was matched by age, sex, calendar time and practice to a control patient without history of PD.

Results

We identified 4,687 incident PD patients. Compared to controls, a statistically significant increased risk was observed for any fracture (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.89; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.67–2.14), osteoporotic fracture (AHR, 1.99; 95 % CI, 1.72–2.30) and hip fracture (AHR 3.08; 95 % CI, 2.43–3.89). Fracture risk further increased with history of fracture, falling, low BMI, renal disease, antidepressant use and use of high-dose antipsychotics.

Conclusion

This study showed that incident PD patients have a statistically significant increased risk of fracture. Therefore, fracture risk assessment may be indicated among PD patients, who, besides the general risk factors for fracture, like increasing age and female gender, have recently used selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or high-dose antipsychotics or have a history of fracture, falling, low BMI or renal disease.     

Peri-operative management of patients with Parkinson’s disease

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of peri-operative medical and surgical complications. Multidisciplinary management, early recognition of potential complications, specialised care of medications and intra-operative protection of the vulnerable brain are all important aspects of the peri-operative management of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Advances in continuous dopaminergic treatment, development of a peri-operative Parkinson’s disease pathway and application of telemedicine are starting to play a role in improving peri-operative care. Management of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease is also evolving, with potential for incorporation of integrated care and changes in the anaesthetic management for deep brain stimulation surgery. There are new methods for localisation of target nuclei and increasing insight on the effects of anaesthetic drugs on microelectrode recordings and clinical outcomes. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease, but management is improving with better peri-operative care for patients.     

Comprehensive treatment for old patients with hip fractures

To observe the effect of comprehensive treatment for hip fracture in old people.     

Parkinson’s disease and hip fractures: Are complications and mortality rates increased?

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - The aim of this study was to assess patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in comparison with patients without PD for the...     

Dementia in Parkinson’s disease

Opinion statement One of the more recently recognized problems in treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is development of cognitive dysfunction and, in many cases, frank dementia. As patients with PD live longer, because of improved care and treatment of motor symptoms, dementia in PD is becoming a major contributor to morbidity in the illness. Prevalence studies suggest that up to 30% of patients with PD develop dementia. Dementia in PD patients is often a multifactorial condition. Neuropathologic changes caused by PD itself may cause memory loss. However, some patients with PD and memory decline also have pathologic changes that are more consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. Many PD patients have a mix of the two types of pathology. Other factors, such as underlying illnesses, medication side effects, and interaction of therapeutic agents, may contribute to cognitive changes in PD patients. Predictors of development of dementia in PD include advancing age and severity of neurologic symptoms, which may interact with one another to produce this effect. Recent work suggests that tobacco use also may increase risk of PD dementia, despite its possible protective effect against development of PD itself. Presence of psychiatric illness, especially depression, may interfere with cognition and exacerbate memory loss. Reduction in the dose of dopaminergic agents and of other medications may be helpful in partially improving cognitive function in some cases. The balance between improvement of motor function and preservation of cognitive abilities must be weighed, and it is important for clinicians to discuss this trade-off with patients and their families. At this time, there is no US Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacologic treatment for dementia in PD. However, medication used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, may slow progression of memory loss in some PD patients. Based on work from small double-blind studies, open-label trials, and case reports, cholinesterase inhibitors may be tried for treatment of dementia in PD, as long as the patient and caregivers understand that these agents are being used on an off-label basis. Surgical intervention, such as deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus, although useful for treatment of motor symptoms in some PD patients, does not improve cognitive function in most cases and may actually worsen cognition in patients with pre-existing dementia. There is no specific exercise regimen or dietary guidelines for patients with PD who develop dementia. However, patients should be encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle; this may improve overall well-being, which could impact positively on cognition function. Similarly, although assistive devices have not been developed for people with PD who have memory loss, any aid that increases mobility will probably improve mental and physical function. Clinicians should be mindful of the increased caregiver burden posed by PD patients who also have dementia. They should intervene appropriately to prevent caregiver distress and “burn out.” Herbal and nutritional supplements have not been shown in clinical trials to be beneficial for treatment of any type of dementia, and thus are not recommended for PD patients with cognitive decline.     

Psychosis in Parkinson’s disease

Opinion statement Psychotic symptoms are common and can be a major therapeutic challenge in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD-related psychosis is usually characterized by visual hallucinations or delusions and is most often induced by antiparkinsonian medications. However, other medical conditions, psychoactive medications, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and cognitive impairments are relevant risk factors. Patients with PD should be continually monitored for factors that can trigger the development of psychotic symptoms, including minor symptoms. This includes ongoing critical re-evaluation of the therapeutic regimen, with adjustments as indicated to optimize function across motor, cognitive, and psychiatric domains. Treatment strategies to reduce psychotic symptoms are determined by the clinical picture. “Benign” symptoms may require only education and reassurance. Antipsychotic medications are required for disabling symptoms and emergency hospitalization may be required for agitation that affects the safety of the patient or others. Medication management is often complex and includes elimination or reduction of antiparkinsonian agents (although this can compromise motor function), management of medical comorbidities, and use of atypical antipsychotics. Clozapine and quetiapine are regarded as the most safe and effective atypical neuroleptics in PD patients. Cholinesterase inhibitors can enhance cognition and may reduce psychotic symptoms.     

Depression in Parkinson’s disease

Opinion statement  

Pain in Parkinson’s disease

Opinion statement Pain is reported by nearly 50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In some patients, it can be more debilitating than the motor deficits. In order to identify the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient, it is useful to categorize pain syndromes as follows: 1) low DOPA (end of dose wearing off, diphasic, or early morning) painful states are associated with inadequate levels of dopamine receptor stimulation; 2) high DOPA (peak dose) painful states occur at times of maximum levodopa efficacy; and 3) many patients report pain that has no obvious relation to dopaminergic medications or may even be caused by other conditions. Low DOPA painful states are best treated by trying to provide more continuous dopaminergic stimulation and thereby reduce or prevent the number and duration of “off” periods. Adding or increasing the dose of direct-acting dopamine receptor agonists or of catechol-o-methyl transferase inhibitors is the best first-line strategy. Other approaches include increasing the frequency of immediate-release levodopa preparations or using controlled-release preparations. More invasive approaches should be considered only when simpler methods fail. These include deep brain stimulation to the pallidum or the subthalamic nucleus, or direct duodenal continuous infusion of levodopa in patients who are unable to undergo surgery. Pain associated with excessive dopaminergic stimulation usually is a result of dystonia or severe chorea. Reduction of levodopa is the first step in attempting to diminish high DOPA states, followed by reduction or cessation of other dopaminergic agents such as selegiline, catechol-o-methyl transferase inhibitors, or direct-acting dopamine receptor agonists. Adding amantadine can reduce chorea significantly and it should be tried if the potential and actual side effects are tolerable to the patient. Deep brain stimulation is a good final option if medication adjustments are ineffective. Nonspecific pains of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to treat. The effective use of central pain suppressant or analgesics is anecdotal and difficult to verify. In untreated early disease, generalized pain or pain related to joint or muscle immobility may be reduced by effective treatment of the underlying Parkinson’s disease.     

Two-year clinical outcomes associated with robotic-assisted subthalamic lead implantation in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Journal of Robotic Surgery - Few centers have routinely implemented robotic stereotactic systems for deep brain stimulator (DBS) placement. The present study compares clinical outcomes...     

Health related quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease two years following posteroventral pallidotomy

Summary. Background. There has been a new emphasis on the use of health related quality of life (HRQOL) measures for translating how a patients response to treatment is experienced by the patient. The purpose of this study was to describe patient reported HRQOL two years after surgery in subjects who underwent posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) for the treatment of Parkinsons disease (PD) and a subset of these same subjects four years following PVP.Method. A consecutive series of 52 subjects who were evaluated previously, prior to and at 4 months following PVP [3], received long term follow-up using mailed questionnaires. Twenty seven subjects (52% of the original sample) provided 2 year follow-up data and 15 of these subjects (29%) provided 4 year follow-up data. Severity of disease and subject reported HRQOL were evaluated.Findings. Immediately following surgery, there was a sharp decrease in all measures of severity of disease. While there were differing patterns of increasing severity of disease among the measures following the immediate postoperative assessment, all of the measures remained better than the pre-surgery values. The data showed a pattern of marked improvement in HRQOL at 4 months following PVP. Over the 2 years following surgery, there was a gradual deterioration toward preoperative levels that nevertheless remained better than preoperative HRQOL. For the group with data at 4 years following surgery, there was no significant further deterioration in HRQOL between 2 and 4 years, with the 4 year data also remaining better than the preoperative HRQOL reports.Conclusions. In spite of advanced severe PD and advanced age, subjects in this study reported better HRQOL at 2 years following PVP than they reported at entry into the study prior to surgery. Additionally, the 15 patients who were available for follow-up at 4 years also reported better HRQOL than they experienced prior to the surgery.     

Bilateral hydrosalpinx in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease

Purpose

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is uncommon in females. There are very few reports on the patients' obstetric and gynecological outcome. Hydrosalpinx causes pain and infertility. It is rare in nonsexually active teenagers. It may be because of an intrinsic disease of the fallopian tubes or secondary to surgery. Aim: to describe the relationship between hydrosalpinx and HD or its surgical approach; to report the impact of bilateral hydrosalpinx on fertility in HD.

Ultrasound in patients affected with Peyronie’s disease

Peyronies disease (PD, induratio penis plastica) is uncommon. Its etiology is unknown and the incidence is stated to be 1%, although more recent data suggest that it is higher. The symptoms are penile deviation and painful erection in association with penile plaques. The diagnosis is performed by palpation of the penis. X-ray diagnostics are only used to visualize the calcified plaques in soft tissue imaging, and the survey of plaque size and consistence is done by sonography with high reproduction. This enables the exact evaluation of treatment effects. By application of high frequency scanners (7–12 MHz) the extent and depth of the plaques can be estimated non-invasively in high resolution images. Furthermore, color coded duplex sonography and recording of Doppler spectra are used to assess hemo-perfusion in the penile vessels and the analysis of erectile dysfunction, often seen in combination with PD. Sonographic diagnosis appears as a valuable supplement and requirement for a successful therapy of PD.     

Spinal surgery in patients with Parkinson’s disease: experiences with the challenges posed by sagittal imbalance and the Parkinson’s spine

Only a few reports exist concerning biomechanical challenges spine surgeons face when treating Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with spinal deformity. We recognized patients suffering from spinal deformity aggravated by the burden of PD to stress the principles of sagittal balance in surgical treatment. Treatment of sagittal imbalance in PD is difficult due to brittle bone and (the neuromuscular disorder) with postural dysfunction. We performed a retrospective review of 23 PD patients treated surgically for spinal disorders. Mean ASA score was 2.3 (2–3). Outcome analysis included review of medical records focusing on failure characteristics, complications, and radiographic analysis of balance parameters to characterize special risk factors or precautions to be considered in PD patients. The sample included 15 female and 8 male PD patients with mean age of 66.3 years (57–76) at index surgery and 67.9 years (59–76) at follow-up. 10 patients (43.5%) presented with the sequels of failed previous surgery. 18 patients (78.3%) underwent multilevel fusion (C3 level) with 16 patients (69.6%) having fusion to S1, S2 or the Ilium. At a mean follow-up of 14.5 months (1–59) we noted medical complications in 7 patients (30.4%) and surgical complications in 12 patients (52.2%). C7-sagittal center vertical line was 12.2 cm (8–57) preoperatively, 6.9 cm postoperatively, and 7.6 cm at follow-up. Detailed analysis of radiographs, sagittal spinal, and spino-pelvic balance, stressed a positive C7 off-set of 10 cm on average in 25% of patients at follow-up requiring revision surgery in 4 of them. Statistical analysis revealed that patients with a postoperative or follow-up sagittal imbalance (C7-SVL >10 cm) had a significantly increased rate of revision done or scheduled (p = 0.03). Patients with revision surgery as index procedure also were found more likely to suffer postoperative or final sagittal imbalance (C7-SPL, 10 cm; p = 0.008). At all, 33% of patients had any early or late revision performed. Nevertheless, 78% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their clinical outcome, while 22% were either not satisfied or uncertain regarding their outcome. The surgical history of PD patients treated for spinal disorders and the reasons necessitating redo surgery for recalcitrant global sagittal imbalance in our sample stressed the mainstays of spinal surgery in Parkinson’s: If spinal surgery is indicated, the reconstruction of spino-pelvic balance with focus on lumbar lordosis and global sagittal alignment is required.     

Stabilisation of acute femoral fractures in Paget’s disease

Eleven cases of acute femoral fractures in patients with Paget’s disease are presented following stabilisation with the solid AO femoral nail. In three cases with severe deformity of the femur, reaming was required to enable implant insertion. No corticotomies were required. The median operation time was 55 (35–65) min. There was no operative mortality and no patient developed signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome/fat embolism. Skeletal stability was achieved in all cases. The reconstruction proximal locking option (spiral blade) was utilised in ten of the eleven cases. In all cases a 9 mm nail was inserted. One patient (pagetic sarcoma) died 23 months after surgery. Ten of the eleven fractures healed uneventfully. The mean time to union was 32 (26–42) weeks.

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Résumé  Nous présentons onze cas de fracture du fémur associée à la maladie de Paget que nous avons traité avec un enclouage solide verrouillé (SFN) de AO (Synthes). Dans trois cas la déformation du fémur était si sévère qu’il fallu faire un alésage du canal médullaire pour permettre l’introduction du clou. En aucun cas il a était nécessaire de faire une ostéotomie. Le temps médian opératoire était 55 minutes (35–65). La mortalité opératoire était nulle avec pas un seul cas de syndrome d’insuffisance réspiratoire ou d’embolie graisseuse pendant ou aprés l’opération. La stabilité de l’ostéosynthèse a été obtenue dans tous les cas. Dans 10 cas sur 11, l’option de verrouillage avec la lame spirale a été utilisé. Dans chaque cas un clou de 9 mm de diametre a été utilisé. Un malade (avec sarcome associéà la maladie de Paget) est mort 23 mois aprés la chirurgie. La consolidation de la fracture a étéétablie dans 10 cas sur 11 sans aucun problème. Le temps moyen d’union était 32 (26–42) semaines.

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Accepted: 5 September 1999     

Sleep disorders in Parkinson’s disease

Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) are frequent and have numerous etiologies. Both nighttime sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness can occur. The key to effective treatment is appropriate diagnosis. A careful interview of the patient and his or her bed partner provides direction for additional evaluations. Referral to a sleep specialist for quantitative studies is necessary to evaluate for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, and other sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be attributed to interrupted nighttime sleep or daytime medications (particularly the dopamine agonists) or it may be intrinsic to PD. When the diagnosis is established, treatment is directed toward the primary sleep disturbance. Fragmented sleep due to recurrence of PD symptoms may improve with the use of long-acting preparations of carbidopa/levodopa. Sleep apnea is treated using continuous positive airway pressure, and REM sleep behavior disorder may improve using pharmacologic interventions, although controlled trials are lacking. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements during sleep are treated with direct dopaminergic agonists at bedtime. Excessive daytime sleepiness related to the use of direct dopaminergic agonists may improve with dosage reduction or discontinuation. Stimulants such as modafinil may provide modest benefit.     

Nutritional therapies in Parkinson’s disease

Advise patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to consume a balanced diet, with special attention to adequate intake of dietary fiber, fluids, and macro- and micronutrients. Regularly reassess patients' nutritional history and anthropomorphic measures (height and weight), particularly in patients with advanced disease. PD-related psychosocial as well as physical and cognitive limitations increase susceptibility to subacute and chronic malnutrition. Nutritional requirements may change with PD progression or after surgical therapy for PD. Patients and caregivers may benefit from counseling by a dietician who is knowledgeable about the nutritional risks and needs of PD. Regularly inquire about dysphagia symptoms, and consider speech therapy consultation for clinical and modified barium-swallowing evaluations and management recommendations. Although non-oral delivery options of dopaminergic therapy are increasing, severe dysphagia may warrant percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement for nutritional support and more reliable PD medication dosing. Analyze vitamin B(12) and D concentrations at regular intervals. Both vitamins are frequently deficient in elderly persons but may not be routinely checked by primary care physicians. Record over-the-counter and nutritional supplement medications at each visit, and assist patients in periodically re-evaluating their potential benefits, side effects, drug interactions, and costs. To date, clinical trials of antioxidant vitamins and nutritional supplements have provided insufficient evidence to support routine use for PD in the clinic. Data from several clinical trials of antioxidant vitamins/nutritional supplements are expected in the near future. Consider altering medication dosing in relation to meals to help with mild to moderate motor fluctuations. Patients with severe motor fluctuations may benefit from adapting the 5:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio in their daily meals and snacks. Following a "protein redistribution" diet is logistically more difficult and less palatable, and therefore less frequently recommended. To ensure adequate protein intake, a registered dietician should supervise patients who follow either of these diets.     

Risk factors for short bowel syndrome in patients with Crohn’s disease

Purpose  

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) often need home parenteral nutrition for short bowel syndrome (SBS), as a result of frequent surgery and extended bowel resections. We conducted this study to evaluate the influence of the patient’s condition on the occurrence of SBS in CD.     

Surgical treatment of spinal disorders in Parkinson’s disease

Purpose

Most patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit alterations in the posture, which can in several cases give rise to spine deformities, both in the sagittal and the coronal plane. In addition, degenerative disorders of the spine frequently associated to PD, such as spinal stenosis and sagittal instability, can further impact the quality of life of the patient. In recent years, spine surgery has been increasingly performed, with mixed results. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the spinal disorders associated to PD, and the current evidence about their surgical treatment.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

Camptocormia, i.e., a pronounced flexible forward bending of the trunk with 7% prevalence, is the most reported sagittal disorder of the spine. Pisa syndrome and scoliosis are both common and frequently associated. Disorders to the spinopelvic alignment were not widely investigated, but a tendency toward a lower ability of PD patients to compensate the sagittal malalignment with respect to non-PD elderly subjects with imbalance seems to emerge. Spine surgery in PD patients showed high rates of complications and re-operations.

Conclusions

Disorders of the posture and spinal alignment, both in the sagittal and in the coronal planes, are common in PD patients, and have a major impact on the quality of life. Outcomes of spine surgery are generally not satisfactory, likely mostly due to muscle dystonia and poor bone quality. Knowledge in this field needs to be consolidated by further clinical and basic science studies.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

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