[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the perspective of Primary Care. Epidemiology and clinical-care characteristics].

UNLABELLED: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disease in primary care (PC), it represents a challenge for the family doctor, especially in home care.

OBJECTIVE

To know the incidence and prevalence of ALS in an area of ??PA management, the clinical characteristics and use of health resources.

DESIGN

Observational study.

LOCATION: PC-Direction Costa de Ponent, South Metropolitan Health Region, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with ALS ≥18 years diagnosed until 03/01/2017. Main measurements Age, sex, characteristics: form of appearance (spinal, bulbar, others), interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, percutaneous gastrostomy carriers, ventilation non-invasive or invasive. Identification in PC as a Complex Chronic Patient or with palliative needs (CCP). Inclusion in home care programs (PAD). Model of attention hospitable.

RESULTS

81 patients, mean age 65.6 years (± 11.7), men 49.4%. Shape of onset: spinal 69%, bulbar 21%, another 4%. Interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis 12 months. Identified as a CCP 13.6%, 29 patients (35.8%) included in PAD. Attended in comprehensive hospital model 79 patients (97.5%). Prevalence 6.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2017. Annual incidence between 1.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2012 and 3.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of percutaneous gastrostomy in ALS favors the identification as CCP or with palliative needs and inclusion in PAD. The use of non-invasive ventilation favors inclusion in PAD. The incidence and prevalence data for ALS are higher than those described above in the same area. Early identification is necessary of these patients in the chronic care models in PC teams.