Journal Article

Prevalence and impact of COVID-19 in Parkinson’s disease: evidence from a multi-center survey in Tuscany region

Giuntini Martina, Mazzucchi Sonia, Rossi, Carlo, Coleschi Piero, Vanni, Paola, Francesconi Alessio, Ramat Silvia, Ceravolo, Roberto, Morganti Riccardo, Ulivelli Monica, Novelli Alessio, Rossi, Simone, Frosini, Daniela, Bonuccelli Ubaldo, Menichetti Chiara, De Franco Valentino, Palermo, Giovanni, Napolitano Alessandro, Battisti, Carla, Raglione, Laura Maria, Del Prete Eleonora

2021

Overview

BackgroundIf Parkinson’s Disease (PD) may represent a risk factor for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is debated and there are few data on the direct and indirect effects of this pandemic in PD patients.ObjectiveIn the current study we evaluated the prevalence, mortality and case-fatality of COVID-19 in a PD cohort, also exploring possible risk factors. We also aimed to investigate the effect of lockdown on motor/non-motor symptoms in PD patients as well as their acceptability/accessibility to telemedicine.MethodA case-controlled survey about COVID-19 and other clinical features in PD patients living in Tuscany was conducted. In non-COVID-19 PD patients motor/non-motor symptoms subjective worsening during the lockdown as well as feasibility of telemedicine were explored.ResultsOut of 740 PD patients interviewed, 7 (0.9%) were affected by COVID-19, with 0.13% mortality and 14% case-fatality. COVID-19 PD patients presented a higher presence of hypertension (p < 0.001) and diabetes (p = 0.049) compared to non-COVID-19. In non-COVID-19 PD population (n = 733) about 70% did not experience a subjective worsening of motor symptoms or mood, anxiety or insomnia. In our population 75.2% of patients was favorable to use technology to perform scheduled visits, however facilities for telemedicine were available only for 51.2% of cases.ConclusionA higher prevalence of COVID-19 respect to prevalence in Tuscany and Italy was found in the PD population. Hypertension and diabetes, as for general population, were identified as risk factors for COVID-19 in PD. PD patients did not experience a subjective worsening of symptoms during lockdown period and they were also favorable to telemedicine, albeit we reported a reduced availability to perform it.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Coronaviruses / COVID-19 / Diabetes / Diabetes mellitus / Emotions / Fatalities / Hypertension / Mortality / Movement disorders / Neurodegenerative diseases / Neurology / Pandemics / Parkinson's disease / Population / Risk factors / Sleep disorders / Telemedicine