Severe gastrointestinal complications in patients with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion

Endoscopic Complications Are More Frequent in Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment via JET-PEG in Parkinson's Disease Patients Compared to Nutritional PEG in Non-Parkinson's Disease Patients

Background: To date, no studies comparing complication rates between patients with nutritional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (N-PEG) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy (JET-PEG) for treatment administration have been published. Our study aimed to compare complication rates and the number of re-endoscopies between N-PEG and JET-PEG patients. Methods: Individuals requiring N-PEG or JET-PEG insertion between 2014 and 2021 were included in this single-center retrospective observational study. Complications were divided into time-related medical and technical complications. Reasons for post-insertion re-endoscopies and their number were also analyzed. Results: Eighty-seven subjects, 47 (54.02%) in JET-PEG group and 40 (45.98%) in the N-PEG group, were included. Early and technical complications were more frequent in JET-PEG vs. N-PEG subjects (70% vs. 10% [p < 0.001], and 54.5% vs. 5.1% [p < 0.001], respectively). The presence of psychiatric disease was associated with a higher number of early complications (p < 0.002). All three types of complications were significantly more frequent in subjects where a healthcare professional did not handle PEG (p < 0.001). Subjects with JET-PEG required a higher number of re-endoscopies compared to the N-PEG group (57.1% vs. 35%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Complications are significantly more common in individuals with JET-PEG than those with N-PEG, which can be attributed to higher mobility in PD patients.

Acalculous cholecystitis associated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal infusion therapy: A case report

Continuous intra jejunal infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is one of the primary therapies for improving advanced Parkinson's disease symptoms. Placement of the jejunal catheter through the abdominal wall for drug administration requires a percutaneous interventional procedure called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). PEG is considered a safe and straightforward procedure, and it is performed very commonly in clinical practice. In the context of LCIG treatment, severe adverse events have been identified, such as intestinal bleeding and acute abdomen [1], but acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) has never been reported.

The Long-Term Impact of Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel on 'Off'-time in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG; carbidopa/levodopa enteral suspension) has been widely used and studied for the treatment of motor fluctuations in levodopa-responsive patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) when other treatments have not given satisfactory results. Reduction in 'off'-time is a common primary endpoint in studies of LCIG, and it is important to assess the durability of this response. This systematic literature review was conducted to qualitatively summarise the data on the long-term effects of LCIG therapy on 'off'-time.

METHODS

Studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid on 30 September 2019. Studies were included if they reported on patients with PD, had a sample size of ≥ 10, LCIG was an active intervention and 'off'-time was reported for ≥ 12 months after initiation of LCIG treatment. Randomised clinical trials, retrospective and prospective observational studies, and other interventional studies were included for selection. Data were collected on: 'off'-time (at pre-specified time periods and the end of follow-up), study characteristics, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II, III and IV total scores, dyskinesia duration, quality of life scores, non-motor symptoms and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included in this review. The improvement in 'off'-time observed shortly after initiating LCIG was maintained and was statistically significant at the end of follow-up in 24 of 27 studies. 'Off'-time was reduced from baseline to end of follow-up by 38-84% and was accompanied by a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life. Stratified analysis of 'off'-time demonstrated mean relative reductions of 47-82% at 3-6 months and up to 83% reduction at 3-5 years of follow-up. Most studies reported significant improvements in activities of daily living and motor complications. Most frequent adverse events were related to the procedure or the device.

CONCLUSION

In one of the largest qualitative syntheses of published LCIG studies, LCIG treatment was observed to provide a durable effect in reducing 'off'-time.

INFOGRAPHIC

Video Abstract.

Improving the Delivery of Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Approved and Emerging Therapies

Levodopa is the most effective drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but its use as an oral medication is complicated by its erratic absorption, extensive metabolism and short plasma half-life. On long-term use and with disease progression, there is a high incidence of motor and non-motor complications, which remain a major clinical and research challenge. It is widely accepted that levodopa needs to be administered using formulations that result in good and consistent bioavailability and the physiologically relevant and continuous formation of dopamine in the brain to maximise its efficacy while avoiding and reversing 'wearing off' and dyskinesia. However, the physicochemical properties of levodopa along with its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile make it difficult to deliver the drug in a manner that fulfils these criteria. In this review, we examine the problems associated with the administration of levodopa in Parkinson's disease and how the use of novel technologies and delivery devices is leading to a more consistent and sustained levodopa delivery with the aim of controlling motor function as well as non-motor symptoms.

An evaluation of subcutaneous apomorphine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Heterogeneity of symptoms and individual variability of progression characterizes Parkinson's disease. Unmet therapeutic needs include a cure, disease modification, and improvement of available marketed dopamine-substituting compounds. Personalized treatment, tailored to the patients' needs and symptoms, aims to ameliorate impaired motor behavior and non-motor features. Injection or infusion of apomorphine is a therapeutic option for more advanced patients with severe levodopa associated motor complications.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review summarizes the subcutaneous administration, efficacy, and side effects of the non-ergot derivative dopamine agonist apomorphine following a non-systematic literature research.

EXPERT OPINION

Subcutaneous apomorphine hydrochloride application rapidly terminates intervals with severe motor impairment with bolus injections. Oscillation of motor behavior well responds to continuous apomorphine infusions. Long-term application of the commercially available apomorphine hydrochloride solution sooner or later affects skin and oral mucosa. Onset of skin nodules associated with subcutaneous tissue inflammation probably results from the antioxidant preservative sodium metabisulfite in the apomorphine solution. Addition of another better tolerated and safer antioxidant instead of sodium metabisulphite or use of an already available concentrated apomorphine-free base formulation will enhance its future use, its tolerability, safety, and acceptance of subcutaneous and sublingual application.

Recent Clinical Advances in Pharmacotherapy for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Onset of involuntary movement patterns of the face, body and limbs are known as dyskinesia. They mostly appear in association with long-term levodopa (L-dopa) therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. Consequences include patient distress, caregiver embarrassment and reduced quality of life. A severe intensity of this motor complication may result in troublesome disability; however, patients typically prefer motor behaviour with slight, non-troublesome dyskinesia to 'OFF' states. Pharmacotherapy of dyskinesia is complex. Continuous nigrostriatal postsynaptic dopaminergic receptor stimulation may delay onset of L-dopa-associated dyskinesia, while non-physiological, 'pulsatile' receptor stimulation facilitates appearance of dyskinesia. In the past, there have been many clinical trial failures with compounds that were effective in animal models of dyskinesia. Only the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist amantadine has shown moderate antidyskinetic effects in small well-designed clinical studies. Amantadine is an old antiviral compound, which moderately improves impaired motor behaviour. Recently, there has been a resurgence of its use due to the US Food and Drug Administration approval of an extended-release (ER) amantadine formulation for treatment of L-dopa-induced dyskinesia. This pharmacokinetic innovation improved dyskinesia and 'OFF' states in pivotal trials, with a once-daily oral application in the evening. Amantadine ER provides higher and more continuous amantadine plasma bioavailability than conventional immediate-release formulations, which require administration up to three times daily.

Migration of a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrojejunostomy Tube into the Colon with Small Intestinal Telescoping

Continuous duodenal levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel delivery by a gastrostomy infusion system improves control of Parkinson's disease. The overall complication rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy were reported to be 41% and 59% for immediate and delayed adverse events, respectively. A 72-year-old woman underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy using the delivery system noted above. Abdominal pain and vomiting occurred 3 months later. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a longitudinal ulcer extending from the lower gastric body to the ileum end, with small intestinal telescoping. Colonoscopy showed a large bezoar of food residue that was attached around the tip of the tube, reaching the ascending colon, which may have acted as an anchor. Thus, the gastric antrum and small intestine were shortened with telescoping. This complication was resolved by crushing the bezoar with forceps during colonoscopy and can be prevented by consuming a fiber-free diet and periodic exchanges of the tube using esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Endoscopic management of duodenal levodopa-carbidopa therapy of advanced Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

treatment of intraduodenal levodopa using percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an alternative therapy in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. There are few studies that have evaluated the endoscopic aspects of this technique.

OBJECTIVES

to describe our experience and adverse events regarding this technique in advanced Parkinson's disease.

METHOD

a retrospective study was performed from January 2007 to January 2019 in a tertiary healthcare center.

RESULTS

thirty-seven patients aged 65.1 ± 10.3 years were included in the study, 21 were male and the disease duration was ten years (1-26). The median follow-up was 16 months (1-144). The device was successfully placed in all cases. The persistence rate with the PEG-D at the end of follow-up was 62.2%. The system was removed in 14 patients, seven due to neurological impairment, four because of the decision of the patient and three due to related events. Fifty-nine adverse events occurred in 23 patients (62.2%, 0.63 per patient-year), four of which were severe (8.1%, 0.05 per patient-year). Minor adverse events included 14 (37.8%) related to the stoma, six (16.2%) to the gastric tube and 15 (40.5%) to the duodenal tube. Forty-four system replacements were performed in 20 patients (54.1%, 0.52 per patient-year). Male sex, age over 70 and a higher comorbidity index were associated with a greater likelihood of persistence of the system (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.62; OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32-0.86; OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.99, respectively). No predictors of adverse events associated with PEG-D were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for the continuous delivery of duodenal levodopa is a highly effective technique. Adverse events are common, although most are resolved by endoscopy.

Evaluating ADS5102 (amantadine) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease patients with dyskinesia

Introduction: Amantadine is an old, antiviral compound that moderately ameliorates impaired motor behaviour in Parkinson's disease. Its current resurgence results from the novel retarded release amantadine hydrochloride formulation, ADS5102, which has also received approval for the treatment of levodopa-related involuntary movements known as dyskinesia. Areas covered: This non-systematic, narrative drug evaluation discusses the value of ADS5102 for patients with Parkinson's disease. ADS5102 is orally applied once daily in the evening. This capsule provides higher and more continuous amantadine plasma concentrations than conventional amantadine immediate release formulations with their two to three times daily intake plan. Expert opinion: ADS5102 was superior to placebo in clinical trials. They aimed for the amelioration of motor complications, particularly at 'OFF' periods and with dyskinesia in fluctuating levodopa treated patients with Parkinson's disease. Side effects and tolerability were similar to the well-known effects of conventional amantadine formulations. ADS5102 simplifies treatment and improves compliance problems in the long run. The marketing of ADS5102 outside the US will be complex for return of research costs and investments required for its manufacturing. Indeed, worldwide institutional price regulation scenarios often only consider new therapeutic mode of actions as being innovative as opposed to old drugs with improved pharmacokinetic behaviour.

Fistulization of J-PEG Jejunal Tube into the Colon in a Patient Treated with Duodopa® Infusion: A Case Report

The continuous delivery of a levodopa/carbidopa gel suspension (Duodopa®) into the small bowel through a jejunal tube inserted via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy represents a new treatment method in advanced Parkinson disease. Some severe device-related complications have been described in the last few years. Some of them are associated with phytobezoar formation at the pigtail of the catheter. We present the case of a Parkinson disease patient treated with the Duodopa infusion system complicated by jejunal tube fistulization into the colon. We suggest a possible treatment strategy for this complication, which has not been described in the literature to date.

An Observational Study of the Effect of Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel on Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Advanced Parkinson's Disease Patients

Introduction

Continuous delivery of levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) by percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients reduces variability in plasma levels, providing better control of motor fluctuations (“on” and “off” states). The MONOTREAT study assessed the effect of LCIG on activities of daily living, motor and non-motor symptoms, and quality of life in advanced PD patients.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included patients with advanced, levodopa-responsive PD with either 2–4 h of “off” time or 2 h of dyskinesia daily. Patients received LCIG via PEG-J for 16 h continuously. Effectiveness was assessed using Unified PD Rating Scale parts II and III, the Non-Motor Symptom Scale, and the PD Questionnaire-8.

Results

The mean (SD) treatment duration was 275 (157) days. Patients experienced significant improvement from baseline in activities of daily living at final visit (p < 0.05) as well as at months 3 and 6 (p < 0.0001). Patients also experienced significant improvements from baseline in quality of life and non-motor symptoms at all time points (p < 0.001 for all). Specifically, patients manifested significant improvements in mean change from baseline at every study visit in five of nine non-motor symptom score domains: sleep/fatigue, mood/cognition, gastrointestinal tract, urinary, and miscellaneous. One-third of patients (32.8%) experienced an adverse event; 21.9% experienced a serious adverse event; 11.1% discontinued because of an adverse event.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant and clinically relevant improvements in measures of activities of daily living, quality of life, and a specific subset of non-motor symptoms after treatment with LCIG.

Funding

AbbVie Inc.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-017-0571-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Problems related to levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Continuous levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) diminishes daily "off" time and dyskinesia in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Complications are common with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension tube (PEG-J).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To report the clinical outcome of LCIG in patients with advanced PD in the years 2006-2014 at Helsinki University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel treatment started following PEG-J placement in patients with advanced PD after successful in-hospital LCIG trial with a nasojejunal tube. Demographics, PEG-J procedures, discontinuation of LCIG, complications and mortality were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS MEAN SD

Sixty patients with advanced PD [age 68(7) years; duration of PD: 11(4) years] had LCIG treatment for 26(23) months. The majority of patients with advanced PD were satisfied with the LCIG treatment. For 51 patients (85%), the pump was on for 16 hr a day, and for nine patients (15%) it was on for 24 hr a day. After 6 months, the levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) had increased by 30% compared to pre-LCIG LEDD. Sixty patients underwent a total of 156 PEG-J procedures, and 48 patients (80%) had a total of 143 complications. Forty-six patients (77%) had 119 PEG-J or peristomal complications, and 22 patients (37%) had a total of 25 other complications. The most common complications were accidental removal of the J-tube in 23 patients (38%) and ≥5% weight loss in 18 patients (30%). Fifteen patients discontinued the LCIG after 21 (21) months. At the end of the follow-up period of 33(27) months, 38 patients were still on LCIG and nine (15%) had died.

CONCLUSION

Most patients were satisfied with LCIG treatment. A few patients lost weight whereas the majority had complications with PEG-J. When LCIG treatment is carried out, neurological and endoscopic units must be prepared for multiple endoscopic procedures.

Levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension in advanced Parkinson's disease: clinical evidence and experience

The duration of action of oral levodopa becomes shorter as Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses. Patients with advanced PD may develop potentially disabling motor fluctuations and abnormal involuntary movement (dyskinesia), which cannot be managed with optimized oral or transdermal PD medications. The progressively worsening symptoms can have a substantial impact on the patient quality of life (QoL). Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is delivered continuously via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension (PEG-J). LCIG is licensed for the treatment of levodopa-responsive advanced PD in individuals experiencing severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesia when available combinations of antiparkinsonian medications have not given satisfactory results. Initial evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of LCIG came from a number of small-scale studies, but recently, three prospective studies have provided higher quality evidence. A 12-week double-blind comparison of LCIG with standard levodopa therapy, a 52-week open-label study extension of the double-blind study, and a 54-week open-label safety study, demonstrated significant improvements in 'off' time and 'on' time without troublesome dyskinesia, and QoL measures that were maintained in the longer term. There are also observations that LCIG may be effective treatment for nonmotor symptoms (NMS) although the evidence is limited. There is a need for further research on the efficacy of LCIG in reducing NMS, dyskinesia and improving QoL. This review surveys the clinical evidence for the effectiveness and tolerability of LCIG in the management of advanced PD and highlights some practical considerations to help optimize treatment.

EuroInf: a multicenter comparative observational study of apomorphine and levodopa infusion in Parkinson's disease

Subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (Apo) and intrajejunal levodopa infusion (IJLI) are two treatment options for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and refractory motor complications, with varying cost of treatment. There are no multicenter studies comparing the effects of the two strategies. This open-label, prospective, observational, 6-month, multicenter study compared 43 patients on Apo (48.8% males, age 62.3 ± 10.6 years; disease duration: 14 ± 4.4 years; median H & Y stage 3; interquartile range [IQR]: 3-4) and 44 on IJLI (56.8% males, age 62.7 ± 9.1 years; disease duration: 16.1 ± 6.7 years; median H & Y stage 4; IQR, 3-4). Cohen's effect sizes (≥0.8 considered as large) were "large" with both therapies with respect to total motor, nonmotor, and quality-of-life scores. The Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) with Apo showed moderate improvement, whereas sleep/fatigue, gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual dimensions of the NMSS showed significantly higher improvement with IJLI. Seventy-five percent on IJLI improved in their quality-of-life and nonmotor symptoms (NMS), whereas in the Apo group, a similar proportion improved in quality of life, but 40% in NMS. Adverse effects included peritonitis with IJLI and skin nodules on Apo. Based on this open-label, nonrandomized, comparative study, we report that, in advanced Parkinson's patients, both IJLI and Apo infusion therapy appear to provide a robust improvement in motor symptoms, motor complications, quality-of-life, and some NMS. Controlled, randomized studies are required.

Unwanted effects and interaction of intrajejunal levodopa/carbidopa administration

INTRODUCTION

Levodopa is the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. After a number of years on treatment, fluctuations and dyskinesias may develop. Hence, invasive treatment measures are often needed (escalation therapy).

AREAS COVERED

Twenty years ago, a levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) that can be infused directly into the jejunum was developed. This provides for continuous dopaminergic stimulation. For the past 10 years, LCIG has been licensed in some countries and its marketing approval is pending in the USA. It is endowed with very good efficacy, and in studies, it has proven to be superior to oral drug treatment. Continuous dopaminergic stimulation is also assured, and fluctuations and dyskinesias are significantly reduced. However, this technique involves an invasive procedure with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and attendant surgical and postsurgical complications. Besides, there are problems related to the pump and tube. Vitamin deficiency and polyneuropathies are other drawbacks.

EXPERT OPINION

LCIG is a beneficial and very useful treatment option as escalation therapy for Parkinson's disease. While the side effects are not insignificant, they are justifiable in view of the severity of the disease. Attention must be paid, in particular, to malabsorption, with monitoring at baseline and in the course of treatment.

Therapy for Parkinson's disease: what is in the pipeline?

Despite advances in the treatment of Parkinson's disease there are still many unmet needs, including neuroprotection, treatment of motor complications, treatment of dyskinesia, treatment of psychosis, and treatment of nondopaminergic symptoms. In this review, I highlight the obstacles to develop a neuroprotective drug and some of the treatment strategies recently approved or still in clinical trials designed to meet these unmet needs.

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion in advanced Parkinson's disease: a 7-year experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion is nowadays becoming an established therapeutic option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with fluctuating symptoms unresponsive to conventional oral treatment. As the implementation of LCIG therapy is increasing, there is a need for safety and efficacy data from current clinical practice.

METHODS

All PD patients treated with LCIG at our centre over a 7-year period were analysed to determine the duration of treatment, retention rate, reasons for discontinuation, LCIG efficacy in motor complications, modifications of concomitant therapy and adverse events.

RESULTS

Of the 59 patients, seven subjects (12%) died of causes unrelated to LCIG infusion and 11 patients (19%) discontinued therapy prior to the cut-off date. Duodopa improved motor complications and over 90% of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life, autonomy and clinical global status. The most common adverse events were dislocation and kinking of the intestinal tube.

CONCLUSIONS

LCIG infusion is effective for the long-term treatment of advanced PD patients and exerts a positive and clinically significant effect on motor complications with a relatively low dropout rate.