BackgroundA number of early features can precede the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveTo test an online, evidence‐based algorithm to identify risk indicators of PD in the UK population.MethodsParticipants aged 60 to 80 years without PD completed an online survey and keyboard‐tapping task annually over 3 years, and underwent smell tests and genotyping for glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations. Risk scores were calculated based on the results of a systematic review of risk factors and early features of PD, and individuals were grouped into higher (above 15th centile), medium, and lower risk groups (below 85th centile). Previously defined indicators of increased risk of PD (“intermediate markers”), including smell loss, rapid eye movement–sleep behavior disorder, and finger‐tapping speed, and incident PD were used as outcomes. The correlation of risk scores with intermediate markers and movement of individuals between risk groups was assessed each year and prospectively. Exploratory Cox regression analyses with incident PD as the dependent variable were performed.ResultsA total of 1323 participants were recruited at baseline and >79% completed assessments each year. Annual risk scores were correlated with intermediate markers of PD each year and baseline scores were correlated with intermediate markers during follow‐up (all P values < 0.001). Incident PD diagnoses during follow‐up were significantly associated with baseline risk score (hazard ratio = 4.39, P = .045). GBA variants or G2019S LRRK2 mutations were found in 47 participants, and the predictive power for incident PD was improved by the addition of genetic variants to risk scores.ConclusionsThe online PREDICT‐PD algorithm is a unique and simple method to identify indicators of PD risk. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Background Hyposmia can develop with age and in neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is a 40-item smell test widely used for assessing hyposmia. However, in a number of situations, such as identifying hyposmic individuals in large populations, shorter tests are preferable. Methods We assessed the ability of shorter UPSIT subsets to detect hyposmia in 891 healthy participants from the PREDICT-PD study. Shorter subsets included Versions A and B of the 4-item Pocket Smell Test (PST) and 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT). Using a data-driven approach, we evaluated screening performances of 23,231,378 combinations of 1–7 smell items from the full UPSIT to derive “winning” subsets, and validated findings separately in another 191 healthy individuals. We then compared discriminatory UPSIT smells between PREDICT-PD participants and 40 PD patients, and assessed the performance of “winning” subsets containing discriminatory smells in PD patients. Results PST Versions A and B achieved sensitivity/specificity of 76.8%/64.9% and 86.6%/45.9%, respectively, while BSIT Versions A and B achieved 83.1%/79.5% and 96.5%/51.8%. From the data-driven analysis, 2 “winning” 7-item subsets surpassed the screening performance of 12-item BSITs (validation sensitivity/specificity of 88.2%/85.4% and 100%/53.5%), while a “winning” 4-item subset had higher sensitivity than PST-A, -B, and even BSIT-A (validation sensitivity 91.2%). Interestingly, several discriminatory smells featured within “winning” subsets, and demonstrated high-screening performances for identifying hyposmic PD patients. Conclusion Using abbreviated smell tests could provide a cost-effective means of large-scale hyposmia screening, allowing more targeted UPSIT administration in general and PD-related settings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00415-019-09340-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective: To review inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval practice at our institution, the Royal London Hospital, and measure changes following a quality improvement intervention. IVC filters are a preventive treatment for pulmonary embolism when anticoagulation is ineffective/contraindicated. Unless permanent filtration is required, all filters should undergo attempted retrieval within manufacturer’s recommendations with a success rate of ≥80 %. Methods: Retrospective audit of filters inserted between 2011 and 2014, followed by a quality improvement intervention and a second audit between 2015 and 2017. Clinical–radiological data were analysed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System and electronic patient records. Results: During the first audit, filter retrieval was attempted in 92% of cases, of which 82% underwent the procedure within manufacturer's recommendations and 86% were successful. During the second audit, an improvement across indicators was seen. Retrieval increased by 3% and was attempted in 95% of cases (92% of which were within manufacturer’s guidelines). Rate of retrievals within manufacturer’s guidelines increased by 10%. Filter retrieval success rate increased by 11% - to 97%. Conclusions: IVC filter retrieval practice at a single institution can be improved by implementing a simple audit intervention. Advances in knowledge: Filter retrieval practice has clinical and medicolegal implications. A simple quality intervention can substantially improve overall practice.