Session Information
Date: Monday, June 5, 2017
Session Title: Parkinsonism, MSA, PSP (Secondary and Parkinsonism-Plus)
Session Time: 1:45pm-3:15pm
Location: Exhibit Hall C
Objective: To identify causes, complications and outcomes of hospitalization in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
Background: Hospitalization is a known contributor to morbidity and mortality in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, but, there is scarce published data in patients with DLB. Understanding the causes, complications and outcomes of hospitalization in DLB may allow for development of strategies to prevent, decrease, or better manage hospitalization.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional chart review and analyzed data for patients with a diagnosis of DLB who were hospitalized at UFHealth from 2014-2015. Variables collected included age, living situation prior to hospitalization, home medications, reason for hospitalization, inpatient medications, hospital complications, duration of stay and discharge disposition. Results are presented descriptively.
Results: We reviewed 179 hospital presentations representing 121 distinct patients, where 58% were male; mean age 79±8. The most common reasons for presentation included worsened confusion-hallucinations (40%), falls (24%) and infection (23%). Prior to hospitalization, 64% of patients were living at home; 31% were taking an antipsychotic [quetiapine 56%, clozapine 8% and other 36%]. While hospitalized, 50% developed new or worsening confusion and 38% were prescribed antipsychotics [quetiapine 56%, clozapine 5% and other 39%]. The average length of stay was 7±8days. At discharge, only 52% returned to their living situation prior to admission; all others required a higher level of care.
Conclusions: Patients with DLB are at a high risk of hospitalization due to worsening confusion-hallucinations, falls, and infections which may ultimately lead to clinical deterioration and change in level of care. These disease complications suggest a need for both improved preventative strategies to reduce hospitalization as well as improved in-hospital management.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
C. Spears, A. Besharat, D. Martinez-Ramirez, L. Almeida, M. Armstrong. Causes, Complications and Outcomes of Hospitalization in Patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2017; 32 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/causes-complications-and-outcomes-of-hospitalization-in-patients-with-dementia-with-lewy-bodies/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2017 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/causes-complications-and-outcomes-of-hospitalization-in-patients-with-dementia-with-lewy-bodies/