Objective: Guidelines recommend use of rotigotine patches as an option if Parkinson’s patients are unable to take their usual oral medication, but this strategy has not been tested in clinical trials. We audited outcomes for such patients in a large UK teaching hospital.
Background: This project was undertaken at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.
Method: In this retrospective study, data was extracted from the hospital’s electronic prescribing and medication administration system, Lorenzo. We examined data on every hospitalised Parkinson’s patient prescribed rotigotine at Royal Derby Hospital from January to June 2024. We recorded demographic data, mortality and institutionalisation. Outcome assessment last updated 13 Mar 2025. We excluded 9 patients who were taking rotigotine prior to admission and 5 patients who were prescribed rotigotine but never administered it.
Results: 56 patients were identified. 20 (35.7%) female, median age 80 (Interquartile range [IQR] 76-85.25). Median disease duration 6 years (IQR 3-12) data available for 53 patients. 30 (53.6%) were referred to Speech Therapy because of swallowing concerns. 18 (32.1%) died during index admission. 24 (42.9%) died within 6 months of admission and 30 (53.6%) died within 8 months of admission. Median survival was 224 days from admission. 38 patients were discharged, of these: 18 (47.4%) had no change to their care post admission, 9 (23.7%) were discharged with an increased package of care, 7 (18.4%) were fast track discharged for palliative care, 2 (5.3%) were institutionalised, 2 (5.3%) needed rehabilitation.
Conclusion: De novo use of rotigotine in hospitalised Parkinson’s patients is associated with poor outcomes. Likely, the need to use a rotigotine is a marker of advanced disease and poor prognosis but the possibility that rotigotine contributes to poor outcomes through inadequate control of motor symptoms or increased risk of delirium requires further study. Other non-oral dopamine replacement strategies should be explored.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
E. Kaye, K. Millington, R. Skelly. Mortality and Institutionalisation Following de Novo Use of Rotigotine Patches in Hospitalised Patients with Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/mortality-and-institutionalisation-following-de-novo-use-of-rotigotine-patches-in-hospitalised-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 5, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/mortality-and-institutionalisation-following-de-novo-use-of-rotigotine-patches-in-hospitalised-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/