In a nutshell
This study compared the effectiveness of continuous (non-stop) levodopa/carbidopa (LC) treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that this treatment is associated with improved outcomes for these patients.
Some background
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 7 to 10 million people worldwide. It causes symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and impaired movement and balance. The standard treatment is levodopa, which helps to control the physical symptoms initially. However, over time the symptoms come back (sometimes worse) between doses. Adding carbidopa to the treatment helps to control the levodopa “off” times.
Prior studies showed that continuous injection of levodopa into the stomach of patients was associated with fewer “off” times. However, it is not clear how a continuous oral treatment with LC may affect patients with PD.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of non-stop and standard treatment with LC in patients with PD.
This study included 18 patients with PD who have been experiencing “off” times. On day one, patients received their normal LC dose. On day 2, patients received non-stop LC treatment (sips of an LC mixture at 5 to 10-minute intervals). On day 3 patients received a single dose of LC followed by non-stop LC treatment.
During the non-stop treatment, the amount of LC in the blood was more stable. Also, the average “off” time decreased by 43%. Continuous LC treatment was also associated with fewer PD symptoms. No significant side effects were observed.
The bottom line
This study concluded that non-stop treatment with LC is associated with fewer “off” times in levodopa treatment.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants and a short follow-up. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Movement disorders: official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Date :
Jan 01, 2019
