In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (Duopa) on improving severe motor symptoms for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This analysis concluded that Duopa appears to improve symptoms in these patients.
Some background
A combination of levodopa and carbidopa is the cornerstone of Parkinson's disease therapy. Over time, however, complications can occur.
In advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, motor symptoms and dyskinesias (involuntary movements) are partly due to changes in levodopa levels in the blood. Duopa is a gel form of levodopa/carbidopa. It is given as a continuous infusion into the small intestine via a pump that is surgically implanted. This helps to reduce variability in levodopa levels in the blood. Whether use of duopa improves motor disability in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease remains under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed the results of three other studies investigating the effectiveness of Duopa gel for advanced PD. These studies involved 38 patients total. The follow-up periods ranged from 3 weeks to 6 months. Hoehn and Yahr scale (HY, a 1 to 5 scale that rates motor disability) scores were ranked as either Best (lower HY score after treatment) or Worst (higher HY score after treatment).
Overall, HY scores decreased by 0.25 units (Best) and 0.38 units (Worst). These were statistically significant. 50% of patients improved by at least 1 unit on the HY scale for either Best or Worst scores. 39% of patients had no change. 5.26% of patients had poorer Best or Worst scores.
The bottom line
This analysis concluded that duopa appears to improve symptoms in advanced PD patients with severe motor symptoms.
The fine print
The authors are employed by Abbott Product Operations, which operates under Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturers of duopa.
Published By :
Parkinsonism & related disorders
Date :
Jun 01, 2012
