[Estimation of the prevalence of Parkinson's disease in Asturia, Spain. A pharmacoepidemiological study of the consumption of antiparkinson drugs].

INTRODUCTION

There are few studies of the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) and they have been done using different methodologies. So it is impossible to know its impact on public health in Asturias (Spain).

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of PD in Asturias, from the consumption of antiparkinson drugs (Therapeutic Group N04A) in the period between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1998.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We calculated the defined daily dose (DDD) per 100,000 inhabitants for each antiparkinson drug prescribed during the period studied. Records of prescriptions were obtained from the Pharmacy Sub-directorate of the Health and Consumption Ministry which covers 100% of the population.

RESULTS

Determination of the DDD per 100,000 inhabitants for prescriptions of levodopa was 199.13 (95% CI: 172.4-228.6) cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which means 2,115 patients with Parkinson's disease in Asturias (between 1,827 and 2,423). In the group aged under 65 years the estimated prevalence is 63.97 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 49.4-81.7), and for the group aged 65 years or more is 668.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 686.9-794).

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated prevalence of PD in Asturias (Spain) may be considered average-high as compared to neighboring countries. However, cases of PD in patients aged 65 years or more are fewer than in neighboring countries. The methodological differences between the different studies done prevents definite conclusions being drawn.