Acute Hospital Admissions of Individuals with a Known Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis in Ireland 2009-2012: A Short Report

Background: The rate of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is predicted to double by 2030 resulting in an even greater burden to an already struggling Irish health care system. There is a paucity of information regarding hospital utilisation among the PD population in an Irish context. Objective: To examine trends of acute hospital in-patient admissions of patients admitted with a secondary diagnosis of PD between 2009 and 2012 in Ireland. Method: Data concerning patients, aged over and under 65 years with a previously existing diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease were requested from the HIPE database for the years 2009-2012. Primary categories of interest were the top 10 principal diagnoses on admission, the top 10 principal procedures conducted, admission source and route, and final discharge destination. Results: 12,437 discharges were recorded for people with PD over the age of 65 years and 1,223 in those under 65 years in Republic of Ireland between 2009 and 2012. A steady rise in acute hospital admissions was noted in the over 65 group. The number of patients requiring long stay accommodation more than doubled across both age categories from admission to discharge status. The most common reasons for admission in all age ranges were acute lower respiratory infection; disorders of urinary system; pneumonia (organism unspecified); and pneumonitis due to solids and liquids (aspiration pneumonia). Conclusions: This report highlights a worrying trend towards increased rates of hospital admissions for pneumonia and infections for people living with PD in Republic of Ireland.