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Huntington’s Disease: Current Epidemiology and Pharmacological Management in UK Primary Care
- Source :
- Neuroepidemiology. 37:216-221
- Publication Year :
- 2011
- Publisher :
- S. Karger AG, 2011.
-
Abstract
- Background: Recent debate suggests Huntington’s disease (HD) may be more prevalent than previously reported. In addition, relatively little is known about current disease management. This study aims to provide epidemiological data and describe the pharmacological management of HD in the United Kingdom. Methods: A primary care research database was accessed to identify incident and prevalent HD cases between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008. Patients with Read codes denoting a definite diagnosis or possible diagnosis, and undiagnosed patients with a positive family history were identified. A subset of patients with a definite diagnosis and prescribed medication indicating symptom onset was also identified. Epidemiological data were estimated. Pharmacological prescriptions to HD patients from 2004 to 2008 were identified, and prescription frequencies were grouped according to the British National Formulary categories. Results: HD incidence estimates ranged from 0.44 to 0.78 per 100,000 person-years, and HD prevalence ranged from 5.96 to 6.54 per 100,000 of the population. Forty-four percent of pharmacological prescriptions targeted the central nervous system. Nearly half of the HD patients were prescribed antidepressants, and over 40% were prescribed analgesics. Conclusions: Although prevalence estimates fell short of figures suggested in recent debate, it is feasible that the true prevalence may be much higher than previously reported. Pharmacological management appears to rely heavily on central nervous system drugs and nutrition support. Many of these drugs are prescribed to HD patients for reasons other than the medication’s primary use. Further work is required to evaluate the impact of alternative management strategies, such as therapist intervention, counselling, and organisation support, on the patients’ quality of life.
- Subjects :
- Male
medicine.medical_specialty
Pediatrics
Epidemiology
Population
Read codes
Prevalence
medicine
Humans
Neuroepidemiology
Age of Onset
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Medical prescription
Family history
Formulary
Psychiatry
education
Analgesics
education.field_of_study
Primary Health Care
Nutritional Support
business.industry
Incidence
Pharmacoepidemiology
Antidepressive Agents
United Kingdom
Huntington Disease
Female
Neurology (clinical)
business
Central Nervous System Agents
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 14230208 and 02515350
- Volume :
- 37
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Neuroepidemiology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....fcea0be51745681dd468d31018c5a041