Care Management in Hospitalized Patients with Parkinson Disease: Review and Recommendations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24950/rspmi.2677Keywords:
Hospitalization, Parkinson Disease/complications, Parkinson Disease/therapy, Patient Care TeamAbstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and gait disturbances, as well as a variety of non-motor symptoms that significantly impact the functionality of individuals living with this diagnosis. PD is more prevalent in older adults, and as the disease progresses, complications such as falls, neuropsychiatric changes, and autonomic dysfunctions arise, often leading to prolonged and complex hospitalizations.
Hospitalizations in PD can be categorized into three groups: complications directly related to the disease, such as motor fluctuations and neuropsychiatric symptoms; indirect complications, such as aspiration pneumonia and trauma; and causes unrelated to PD. Managing these cases in a hospital setting is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
This study is a literature review on the management of individuals with PD during hospitalization, aiming to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations to optimize inpatient care. A systematic review of articles on hospital care in PD was conducted, addressing akinetic crisis, autonomic dysfunction, delirium, falls, infections, and therapeutic management. Based on the findings, clinical guidelines tailored to the Portuguese healthcare context were developed to improve the safety and efficacy of care provided to this vulnerable population.
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