Duodenal levodopa infusion for advanced Parkinson's disease: 12-month treatment outcome

Mov Disord. 2007 Jun 15;22(8):1145-9. doi: 10.1002/mds.21500.

Abstract

We assessed prospectively clinical and quality of life changes in 9 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; H&Y > or = 3) with severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesia who started continuous daily levodopa duodenal infusion through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Seven patients completed the follow-up period. Duration of "off" periods and time with disabling dyskinesia shortened significantly in all patients (P < 0.01). Total daily dose of levodopa infused did not differ from baseline equivalents. There were significant improvements in UPDRS-II (activities of daily living) and -IV (motor complications) in the "on" condition (P < 0.02), and in four PDQ-39 domains (mobility, activities of daily living, stigma, bodily discomfort; P < 0.05). Two patients withdrew for adverse events. Our results demonstrate that a satisfactory therapeutic window can be achieved and maintained for several months in advanced PD patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Duodenum
  • Dyskinesias / diagnosis
  • Dyskinesias / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa