Huntington’s Disease: Current epidemiology and pharmacological management in UK Primary Care

Sackley, Catherine, Hoppitt, TJ, Calvert, M, Gill, P, Eaton, B, Yao, G and Pall, H (2011) Huntington’s Disease: Current epidemiology and pharmacological management in UK Primary Care. Neuroepidemiology, 37 (3-4). pp. 216-221. ISSN 0251-5350

Full text not available from this repository.

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.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Rehabilitation Sciences (former - to 2014)
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation
Depositing User: Catherine Sackley
Date Deposited: 29 Jan 2013 10:54
Last Modified: 15 May 2023 00:10
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/40997
DOI: 10.1159/000331912

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item