Continuous intestinal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa in advanced Parkinson's disease: efficacy, safety and patient selection

Funct Neurol. 2012 Jul-Sep;27(3):147-54.

Abstract

Long-term oral therapy with levodopa is associated with the development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia in a large percentage of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Motor complications are associated with a number of non-motor symptoms and have a negative impact on disability and quality of life. There are three therapeutic options available for the management of patients at this advanced stage: high frequency deep brain stimulation, continuous subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine, and continuous intestinal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa. On the basis of published data and in consideration of the risk-benefit profile of current therapeutic strategies, we here propose an algorithm to help clinicians select the most suitable treatment option for patients with advanced PD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbidopa / administration & dosage*
  • Carbidopa / pharmacokinetics
  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral / adverse effects
  • Infusions, Parenteral / methods
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / methods
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage*
  • Levodopa / pharmacokinetics
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Patient Selection*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa