Use of antiparkinsonian agents in Castilla-La Mancha. Estimate of prevalence of Parkinson disease

Background: Research concerning the prevalence of Parkinson disease (PD) are scarce; in addition with different methodologies. Therefore it is not possible to determine its true impact on public health in Castilla-La Mancha (CLM), Spain.

Objective: Determine the prevalence of PD in CLM (332.0 and 332.1 of the ICD-9th revision) by the consumption of antiparkinsonian drugs.

Methods: Calculating the daily defined doses (DDD) per 100,000 inhabitants (10(5)) for each of the prescribed antiparkinsonian drugs (Therapeutic Group, N04A), during 1994-1996 for each of the province of CLM. The data from prescriptions have been obtained from the Pharmaceutical Service of the Health and Consume Ministry of Spain, which cover 100% of the population.

Results: The DDD determination's of L-Dopa per 10(5) inhabitants, a prevalence of 270.24 (IC 95%: 239.2-304.7) is estimated for the whole population. The consumption of L-Dopa by provinces and years (1994-1996) allows to know the distribution of PD in CLM.

Conclusions: The numbers obtained place to CLM in a middle-high prevalence; although methodological differences do not allow definitive conclusions.