CRP is a convenient and useful biomarker to predict early bacterial infection in older patients especially when other markers are atypical or not present.

Objective –  To examine the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Bankstown, Sydney, using the same methodology as a previous study in Randwick, Sydney, Australia (1998–1999). Participants and methods –  Twenty census districts (CDs) for the Bankstown local government area were randomly selected. Research personnel door‐knocked every household within the CDs to locate people aged ≥55 years. A structured questionnaire (containing four screening questions for PD) was administered to those agreeing to participate. Screened positive participants were invited to come for a clinical examination. This is a continuation of the previous study and data have been combined. Results –  Combining data for Bankstown and Randwick gave 1028 participants; crude prevalence, 780 per 100,000 (CI: 546–1077). In Bankstown, there were 501 participants aged ≥55 years (response rate 70%); 135 were screened positive with 101 (74.8%) agreeing to a clinical examination. The prevalence of PD in the Bankstown community was 3.4% (17 of 501) (95% CI: 1.98–5.43) for those aged ≥55 years; crude prevalence 776 per 100,000 (CI: 452–1241). Conclusion –  The combined results of two Sydney studies appear to indicate that Sydney has one of the highest prevalence estimates of PD in developed countries.

Aim: To describe the characteristics, outcomes and treatment complications of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who were treated at home and as outpatients in an ambulatory care program. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with PE who were treated in the ambulatory care unit during 2003. Ambulatory care unit data and medical record information were reviewed. Data collected included demographic and clinical data, standard clinical indicators of unplanned admission during treatment program, incidence of major bleeding, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and death within 3 months of admission into the ambulatory care program. Results: 130 patients with PE were treated: 46% were treated totally as outpatients and 54% as early discharge patients. Mean age was 66.4 years; 61% were women. The program was successfully completed for 89% of patients; one patient was lost to follow‐up. There were three episodes of major bleeding (2%; 95% CI, 0.5%–7%), all in patients aged > 70 years. Four patients died (3%; 95% CI, 0.8%–8%) within 3 months of admission into the program, but none in the first week, no death being directly attributable to PE. There were seven episodes of recurrent VTE (5%; 95% CI, 2%–11%). Conclusion: Appropriately selected patients with sub‐massive PE can be treated as outpatients and in the home. Although the outcome is good in most patients, a significant proportion will require admission, emphasising the need for a well defined protocol and close medical supervision. Further study will more closely define at‐risk patients and refine the care pathways.

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