Apomorphine infusion improves quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. Researchers suggested that CSAI improves movement symptoms and quality of life of these patients.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disorder that affects certain brain cells. This disease can cause movement symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity and decreased balance. The standard therapy for these patients, levodopa, is associated with several negative effects. These include periods of decreased effectiveness. 

Apomorphine is another drug used for the treatment of PD. It is usually administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. It has been shown to reduce the periods of decreased effectiveness associated with levodopa treatment. However, it has a short effect. Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) uses an electronic delivery device (pump), in order to maintain constant blood levels of apomorphine. Prior studies showed that CSAI improves movement symptoms of patients with no signs of cognitive problems (difficulty in remembering, learning and concentrating). However, the effect of CSAI in patients with more severe disease is still not clear.

This study included information about 22 patients with PD without cognitive symptoms. All patients were evaluated for PD movement symptoms, cognitive problems and general quality of life before and 6 months after the start of CSAI. 

CSAI was associated with reduced movement symptoms, no change in cognitive or mental symptoms and improved quality of life. After the start of CSAI, patients had a 38% reduction in levodopa treatment.   

This study showed that CSAI is an effective treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

This study included a very small number of patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.