Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Epidemiological studies on the incidence of PD are important to better understand the risk factors for PD and determine the ...condition's natural history.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the incidence of PD and its variation by age and gender.
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for epidemiologic studies of PD from 2001 to 2014, as a previously published systematic review included studies published until 2001. Data were analyzed separately for age group and gender, and meta-regression was used to determine whether a significant difference was present between groups.
Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis of international studies showed rising incidence with age in both men and women. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the 80+ group, which may be explained by methodological differences between studies. While males had a higher incidence of PD in all age groups, this difference was only statistically significant for those in the age range 60-69 and 70-79 (p < 0.05).
PD incidence generally increases with age, although it may stabilize in those who are 80+.
Pharmacoresistance occurs in up to 30% of patients with epilepsy, and is most commonly associated with epilepsy of structural or metabolic origin, abnormal findings on brain imaging or examination, ...and failure to respond to the first two antiepileptic drugs. However, in patients presumed to have difficult to treat epilepsy, factors that might result in apparent treatment resistance (misdiagnosis of epilepsy, incorrect drug and/or dose, and lifestyle issues) must first be excluded and the diagnosis re-examined. Epilepsy is commonly misdiagnosed, especially in patients with syncope and psychogenic events. The initial steps in confirming the diagnoses of both epilepsy and pharmacoresistance are to obtain a detailed, reliable history and to conduct a careful review of all prior trials of antiepileptic drug therapy. Once the diagnoses of epilepsy and pharmacoresistance are confirmed, the seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, and expected course of the disorder dictate its medical and surgical management. Epilepsy surgery should be considered promptly in these patients, since few interventions are as effective as brain surgery in this setting, particularly in patients with focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This Review discusses the concept of pharmacoresistance and describes the approach to management of the patient with difficult to treat epilepsy, focusing on the important role of epilepsy surgery.
Survey research in healthcare is an important tool to collect information about healthcare delivery, service use and overall issues relating to quality of care. Unfortunately, physicians are often a ...group with low survey response rates and little research has looked at response rates among physician specialists. For these reasons, the purpose of this project was to explore survey response rates among physician specialists in a large metropolitan Canadian city.
As part of a larger project to look at physician payment plans, an online survey about medical billing practices was distributed to 904 physicians from various medical specialties. The primary method for physicians to complete the survey was via the Internet using a well-known and established survey company (www.surveymonkey.com). Multiple methods were used to encourage survey response such as individual personalized email invitations, multiple reminders, and a draw for three gift certificate prizes were used to increase response rate. Descriptive statistics were used to assess response rates and reasons for non-response.
Overall survey response rate was 35.0%. Response rates varied by specialty: Neurology/neurosurgery (46.6%); internal medicine (42.9%); general surgery (29.6%); pediatrics (29.2%); and psychiatry (27.1%). Non-respondents listed lack of time/survey burden as the main reason for not responding to our survey.
Our survey results provide a look into the challenges of collecting healthcare research where response rates to surveys are often low. The findings presented here should help researchers in planning future survey based studies. Findings from this study and others suggest smaller monetary incentives for each individual may be a more appropriate way to increase response rates.
Objectives To establish standards for early, cost-effective and accurate diagnosis, optimal therapies for seizures, and recommendations for evaluation and management of comorbidities for children and ...adults with Dravet syndrome, using a modified Delphi process. Methods An Expert Panel was convened comprised of epileptologists with nationally recognized expertise in Dravet syndrome and parents of children with Dravet syndrome, whose experience and understanding was enhanced by their active roles in Dravet syndrome associations. Panelists were asked to base their responses to questions both on their clinical expertise as well as results of a literature review which was forwarded to each panelist. Three rounds of on-line questionnaires were conducted to identify areas of consensus and strength of that consensus, as well as areas of contention. Results The Panel consisted of 13 physicians and 5 family members. Strong consensus was reached regarding typical clinical presentation of Dravet syndrome, range of EEG and MRI findings, need for genetic testing, critical information which should be conveyed to families at diagnosis, priorities for seizure control and typical degree of control, seizure triggers and recommendations for avoidance, first and second-line therapies for seizures, requirement and indications for rescue therapy, specific recommendations for co-morbidity screening and need for family support. Consensus was not as strong regarding later therapies, including vagus nerve stimulation and callosotomy, and for specific therapies of associated co-morbidities. Beyond initial treatment with benzodiazepines and use of valproate, there was no consensus on the optimal in-hospital management of convulsive status epilepticus. Conclusions We were able to identify areas where there was strong consensus that we hope will (a) inform health care providers on optimal diagnosis and management of patients with Dravet syndrome, (b) support reimbursement from insurance companies for genetic testing and Dravet-specific therapies, and (c) improve quality of life for patients with Dravet syndrome and their families by avoidance of unnecessary testing and provision of an early accurate diagnosis allowing optimal selection of therapeutic strategies.
Abstract This study evaluated the prevalence of tic disorders. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched, using terms specific to Tourette syndrome and tic disorders, for studies of incidence, ...prevalence, and epidemiology. Thirty-five studies reporting data from 1985-2011 on the incidence or prevalence of tic disorders in a defined population were included. One reported incidence, and 34 reported prevalence. Meta-analysis of 13 studies of children yielded a prevalence of Tourette syndrome at 0.77% (95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.51%). Prevalence is higher in boys: 1.06% of boys were affected (95% confidence interval, 0.54-2.09%) vs 0.25% of girls (95% confidence interval, 0.05-1.20%). Transient tic disorder comprised the most common tic disorder in children, affecting 2.99% (95% confidence interval, 1.60-5.61%). Meta-analysis of two studies assessing adults for Tourette syndrome revealed a prevalence of 0.05% (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.08%). The prevalence of tic disorders was higher in all studies performed in special education populations. Tic disorders are more common in children than adults, in boys than girls, and in special education populations. Parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and administrators should be aware of the frequency with which tic disorders occur, and ensure proper access to appropriate care.
Abstract The muscular dystrophies are a broad group of hereditary muscle diseases with variable severity. Population-based prevalence estimates have been reported but pooled estimates are not ...available. We performed a systematic review of worldwide population-based studies reporting muscular dystrophies prevalence and/or incidence using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. The search strategy included key terms related to muscular dystrophies, incidence, prevalence and epidemiology. Two reviewers independently reviewed all abstracts, full text articles and abstracted data using standardized forms. Pooling of prevalence estimates was performed using random effect models. 1104 abstracts and 167 full text articles were reviewed. Thirty-one studies met all eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. The studies differed widely in their approaches to case ascertainment, resulting in significant methodological heterogeneity and varied data quality. The pooled prevalence of DMD and BMD was 4.78 (95% CI 1.94–11.81) and 1.53 (95% CI 0.26–8.94) per 100,000 males respectively. The incidence of DMD ranged from 10.71 to 27.78 per 100,000. This is the first meta-analysis of worldwide prevalence estimates for muscular dystrophies. There is a need for more epidemiological studies addressing global estimates on incidence and prevalence of muscular dystrophies, utilizing standardized diagnostic criteria as well as multiple sources of case ascertainment.
Hydrocephalus is a debilitating disorder, affecting all age groups. Evaluation of its global epidemiology is required for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
To define age-specific global ...prevalence and incidence of hydrocephalus.
Population-based studies reporting prevalence of hydrocephalus were identified (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (1985-2017)). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two authors reviewed abstracts, full text articles and abstracted data. Metanalysis and meta-regressions were used to assess associations between key variables. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Main outcome of interest was hydrocephalus prevalence among pediatric (≤ 18 years), adults (19-64 years), and elderly (≥ 65) patients. Annual hydrocephalus incidence stratified by country income level and folate fortification requirements were obtained (2003-2014) from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR).
Of 2,460 abstracts, 52 met review eligibility criteria (aggregate population 171,558,651). Mean hydrocephalus prevalence was 85/100,000 95% CI 62, 116. The prevalence was 88/100,000 95% CI 72, 107 in pediatrics; 11/100,000 95% CI 5, 25 in adults; and 175/100,000 95% CI 67, 458 in the elderly. The ICBDSR-based incidence of hydrocephalus diagnosed at birth remained stable over 11 years: 81/100,000 95% CI 69, 96. A significantly lower incidence was identified in high-income countries.
This systematic review established age-specific global hydrocephalus prevalence. While high-income countries had a lower hydrocephalus incidence according to the ICBDSR registry, folate fortification status was not associated with incidence. Our findings may inform future healthcare resource allocation and study.
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