Improving the management of Parkinson's disease: the experience of hospitalisation and a novel mri-based diagnostic tool

Muzerengi, Sharon (2017). Improving the management of Parkinson's disease: the experience of hospitalisation and a novel mri-based diagnostic tool. University of Birmingham. M.D.

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Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) motor and non-motor symptoms progress relentlessly leading to frequent hospitalisations and an increase in the economic and societal burden of the disease. A major challenge in assessing treatments which can potentially reduce neurodegeneration, is the lack of tools that can be used to identify individuals with early PD with high sensitivity and specificity. There were several facets to this thesis, which were aimed at addressing these issues. Firstly a retrospective analysis of PD hospital admissions was conducted to provide background data on hospitalisation and clinical coding accuracy. A systematic review of literature for interventions to reduce hospital admissions was performed. Effect of treatments for PD motor symptoms on hospitalisation was also evaluated. Lastly, screening of potential lanthanide and 19 Fluorine based MRI probes for future use as diagnostic tools in PD was conducted. Results of these studies highlight significant underreporting of PD hospitalisation which has a negative effect on PD resource allocation. A lack of robust evidence for measures which reduce PD admissions was demonstrated. Although the initial attempts to develop a novel MRI sensitive tool for use in PD were negative, the study refined a protocol that has potential for use in screening future probes.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Higher Doctorates > M.D.)

Award Type:

Higher Doctorates > M.D.

Supervisor(s):