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. 2017 Nov;136(5):386-392.
doi: 10.1111/ane.12694. Epub 2016 Oct 10.

Parkinson's disease in Germany: prevalence and incidence based on health claims data

M Nerius  1   2   3 , A Fink  1   2 , G Doblhammer  1   2   3   4
Affiliations

Parkinson's disease in Germany: prevalence and incidence based on health claims data

M Nerius et al. Acta Neurol Scand. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Background: In Germany, epidemiological information on Parkinson's disease (PD) is rare and outdated. Considering aging populations, current prevalences and incidence rates about this age-related disease would be important for adequate public health planning.

Methods: We used newly available health claims data sets from the largest German health insurer dating 2004-2007 and 2007-2010 with an analysis population in the base years of 491 038 persons aged 50 and older. Quarter-specific information about ICD-10 diagnoses and PD drug prescriptions from the inpatient and outpatient sectors was used to validate PD cases. Estimations were presented for two validation strategies relying on repeated PD diagnoses (SIa) and on one PD diagnosis followed by at least one PD drug prescription (SIb).

Results: The standardized prevalence was 797 (SIb) to 961/100 000 persons (SIa), showing an age-specific increase up to category 85-89 and a decline thereafter. The standardized incidence rate was 192 to 229/100 000 person-years with a similar age-specific shape. Prevalences and incidences rates were higher for men compared to women in regard to age.

Conclusions: Health claims data are found to be suitable for PD assessment using the repeated diagnoses or PD drug prescriptions as necessary criteria.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; health claims data; incidence; prevalence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Age‐specific prevalences of Parkinson's disease by AOK claims and previous prevalence studies; logarithmic scale. Source: AOK claims data 2004, 2007
Figure 2
Figure 2
Age‐specific prevalences according to the SIa (black) and SIb (gray) validation strategies for men (A), women (B), and both sexes (C) displayed in a logarithmic plot. 95% confidences intervals are shown as error bars. AOK claims data 2004, 2007
Figure 3
Figure 3
Age‐specific incidence rates of Parkinson's disease by AOK claims and previous incidence studies; logarithmic scale. Source: AOK claims data 2004‐2007, 2007‐2010
Figure 4
Figure 4
Age‐specific incidence rates according to the SIa (black) and SIb (gray) validation strategies for men (A), women (B), and both sexes (C) displayed in a logarithmic plot. 95% confidences intervals are shown as error bars. Source: AOK claims data 2004‐2007, 2007‐2010
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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