Η ΣΥΝΕΧΗΣ ΕΝΔΟΝΗΣΤΙΔΙΚΗ ΕΓΧΥΣΗ DUODOPA ΜΠΟΡΕΙ ΝΑ ΒΕΛΤΙΩΣΕΙ ΤΙΣ ΚΙΝΗΤΙΚΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΗ ΚΙΝΗΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΠΙΠΛΟΚΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΣΧΕΤΙΖΟΝΤΑΙ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΟΧΩΡΗΜΕΝΗ ΝΟΣΟ PARKINSON

Abstract

Advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with significant motor and non-motor complications. Motor complications include fluctuations, dyskinesias and unsteadiness and falls, whereas non-motor complications include dysarthria, dysphagia, dysautonomia, psychosis and cognitive decline. In advanced Parkinson’s disease continuous intestinal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa (Duodopa) gel has been approved for ameliorating PD-related motor complications. Here, we present the data from five patients who underwent placement of Duodopa pump for advanced PD and were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) prior to and two days after Duodopa pump initiation. These patients met the typical criteria for intestinal Duodopa infusion. This analysis revealed that the overall performance and ability to perform activities of daily living were significantly improved, and motor complications were significantly ameliorated with Duodopa treatment as compared to per os treatment. None of the patients presented a serious complication following Duodopa placement. Continuous intestinal infusion of Duodopa is therefore beneficial and acceptably safe in advanced Parkinson’s disease given that the indications and contraindications for this method are considered.