Long-term response to continuous duodenal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa gel in patients with advanced Parkinson disease: The Barcelona registry

Effects of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion on autonomic symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Autonomic failure has a major impact on the quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), especially in advanced stages of the disease. Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion is a well-established treatment for advanced PD with severe motor fluctuations and provides substantial benefit in managing some non-motor symptoms (NMS), such as sleep, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric issues. The effect of LCIG on autonomic symptoms is by contrast not well known. Here we performed a systematic review on the influence of LCIG therapy on autonomic dysfunction in PD individuals.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched for studies that included autonomic outcome measures in LCIG-treated PD individuals, limiting the search to articles written in English and published between January 2005 and June 2023. We evaluated improvement, stability, or worsening of gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular symptoms at six different timepoints according to clinimetric scale changes compared to baseline. Data on autonomic adverse events (AEs) possibly related to LCIG treatment were also collected.

RESULTS

Of the 1476 studies identified in the initial search, 16 ultimately met the inclusion criteria and underwent quality assessment and data extraction, with data from 1361 PD patients (18.3 months mean follow-up). Thirteen studies reported improvement or stability of gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular symptoms over the interventional period. One study found a worsening of cardiovascular symptoms and two of urological symptoms. Regarding safety, seven studies reported gastrointestinal (8.4%), urinary (0.5%), and cardiovascular (1.1%) autonomic LCIG-related AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

LCIG infusion may help to reduce the burden of autonomic symptoms in advanced PD. Prospective studies specifically addressing the effect of LCIG on autonomic function in advanced PD are warranted.

Shaping Outcomes: Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment and Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease-A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor, as well as numerous non-motor symptoms. Malnutrition in PD is correlated with levodopa-induced dyskinesia, decreased food intake, gastrointestinal symptoms and neurodegenerative processes. With disease progression, oral levodopa treatment becomes insufficient. One of the therapies used in advanced PD is levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel. Its effect on the weight and nutrition of PD patients is poorly understood. The aim of this prospective single-center observational cohort study was to assess the effect of this treatment on weight, body composition and biochemical parameter changes over a two-year-long observation. The mood, cognition and motor status of the patients were also assessed. Methods: This study included 15 patients with advanced PD treated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel. Body composition analysis, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, psychological assessments and disease control measurements were carried out over a span of two years after the initiation of therapy. Results: Significant improvement in disease management was observed. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and psychological assessments did not show significant differences. Among the body composition parameters, only resting metabolic rate and extracellular and intracellular water percentages were significantly affected. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a lack of negative effects of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel treatment on weight loss in patients with Parkinson's Disease in a 2-year long observation period. Furthermore, better disease management may result in a lower energy expenditure due to less time with dyskinesia. The limitations of our study include a small study group and limited follow-up.

Invasive therapies for Parkinson's disease: an adapted excerpt from the guidelines of the German Society of Neurology

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by hypokinetic motor symptoms, tremor, and various non-motor symptoms with frequent fluctuations of symptoms in advanced disease stages. Invasive therapies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), ablative therapies, and continuous subcutaneous or intrajejunal delivery of dopaminergic drugs via pump therapies are available for the management of this complex motor symptomatology and may also impact non-motor symptoms. The recent update of the clinical guideline on PD by the German Neurological Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie e.V.; DGN) offers clear guidance on the indications and applications of these treatment options.

METHODS

The guideline committee formulated diagnostic questions for invasive therapies and structured them according to the PICOS framework (Population-Intervention-Comparisons-Outcome-Studies). A systematic literature review was conducted. Questions were addressed using the findings from the literature review and consented by the guideline committee.

RESULTS

Specific recommendations are given regarding (i) the optimal timing for starting invasive therapies, (ii) the application of DBS, (iii) the use of pump therapies in advanced PD, (iv) the indications for ablative procedures, and (iv) selecting the most appropriate therapy according to individual patient characteristics.

CONCLUSION

This review is an adapted excerpt of the chapters on the use of invasive therapies in PD of the novel German guideline on PD. Clear recommendations on the use of treatment options for advanced PD are provided.

Non-Motor Fluctuations in Parkinson's Disease: Underdiagnosed Yet Important

Non-motor fluctuations (NMFs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly affect patients' well-being. Despite being identified over two decades ago, NMFs remain largely underrecognized, undertreated, and poorly understood. While they are often temporally associated with motor fluctuations (MFs) and can share common risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms, NMFs and MFs are currently considered distinct entities. The prevalence and severity of NMFs, often categorized into neuropsychiatric, sensory, and autonomic subtypes, vary significantly across studies due to the heterogeneous PD populations screened and the diverse evaluation tools applied. The consistent negative impact of NMFs on PD patients' quality of life underscores the importance of further investigations via focused and controlled studies, validated assessment instruments and novel digital technologies. High-quality research is essential to illuminate the complex pathophysiology and clinical nuances of NMFs, ultimately enhancing clinicians' diagnostic and treatment options in routine clinical practice.

Direct Initiation of Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion After a Positive Levodopa Challenge Test in Advanced Parkinson's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is an established treatment option in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). LCIG treatment is usually initiated with a nasojejunal tube (NJT) test phase before percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy (PEG-J) tube installation. However, some centers have used direct initiation with PEG-J. Data comparing these approaches are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the risks and benefits of direct PEG-J initiation after a positive levodopa challenge test (LCT) for selected patients compared to initiation with a temporary NJT test phase.

METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive advanced PD patients commenced LCIG-treatment between February 2016 and December 2019 at Helsinki University Hospital. Of them, 11 (33%) selected patients had direct initiation without an NJT test phase. Treatment discontinuations and adverse events during the first 6 months of treatment were evaluated retrospectively. The duration of hospital stay related to the initiation of the treatment was compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Between the direct initiation and NJT test phase groups, there were no significant differences in treatment discontinuations (0 vs. 1, respectively); the number of inner tube or PEG-J tube replacements (1 vs. 3); or infection complications (1 vs. 3) during the first 6 months of treatment. Direct initiation significantly reduced the hospital stay related to treatment initiation (mean 7 vs. 9 days, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For selected patients, the direct initiation of LCIG after a positive LCT, without a temporary NJT test phase, appears safe and does not lead to additional treatment discontinuations or complications.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease: if when and how

INTRODUCTION

Sleep dysfunction occurs in various forms and is a bothersome and intrusive non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Frequently undiagnosed, their poor management can have a great impact on the quality of life of PD patients and their caregivers.

AREAS COVERED

This article covers the safety and efficacy of pharmacological strategies for the management of the most frequent sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Non-pharmacological aspects are also discussed, but these are not the main focus. Literature searches using electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Library) and systematic checking of references from review articles/other reports were performed.

EXPERT OPINION

Melatonin and clonazepam are the most commonly used therapies for the management of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). The most used pharmacological wake-promoting agents in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are modafinil and caffeine. Poor nocturnal sleep quality is usually linked to EDS, thus proper sleep hygiene is recommended. As nocturnal motor symptoms are commonly associated with sleep fragmentation and early morning off, optimization of dopaminergic treatment during nighttime is highly recommended for the proper management of insomnia. Further interventions include eszopiclone and melatonin for the management of insomnia. Therapeutic options for restless legs syndrome (RLS) include calcium channel alpha-2-delta ligands and low-dose dopamine agonists (DA). Further confirmatory evidence is needed before the general recommendation of these treatments.

The efficacy and safety of gene therapy approaches in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Despite existing treatments, there remains an unmet need for therapies that can halt or reverse disease progression. Gene therapy has been tried and tested for a variety of illnesses, including PD. The goal of this systematic review is to assess gene therapy techniques' safety and effectiveness in PD clinical trials.

METHODS

Online databases PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane were used to screen the studies for this systematic review. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using standard tools.

RESULTS

Gene therapy can repair damaged dopaminergic neurons from the illness or deal with circuit anomalies in the basal ganglia connected to Parkinson's disease symptoms. Rather than only treating symptoms, this neuroprotective approach alters the illness itself. Medication for gene therapy is currently administered at the patient's bedside. It can hyperactivate specific brain circuits associated with motor dysfunction. PD therapies are developing quickly, and there aren't enough head-to-head trials evaluating the safety and effectiveness of available treatments. When choosing an advanced therapy, patient-specific factors should be considered in addition to the effectiveness and safety of each treatment option.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to conventional therapies, gene therapy may be advantageous for PD. It may minimize side effects, relieve symptoms, and offer dependable dopamine replacement.

Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel for Parkinson's Disease over 11 years: One Center's "Real-World" Experience

BACKGROUND

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Limited data are available regarding long-term benefits and complications in Canada. Objective of the study was to review long-term experience and clinical outcomes in PD patients with LCIG therapy over 11 years in a multidisciplinary University clinic setting.

METHODS

Chart review was done on PD patients with LCIG from 2011 to 2022. Data collected: dosing, UPDRS-III motor scores, OFF times, hours with dyskinesias, MoCA, complications, discontinuation reasons, and nursing time requirements.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients received LCIG therapy with a mean follow-up of 3.25±2.09 years. UPDRS-III scores showed reduction of 15% from baseline (mean 35.9) up to 4 years (mean 30.4). Daily OFF time improved from baseline (mean 7.1 ± 3.13 hours) up to 5 years (mean 3.3 ± 2.31 hours; -53.5%; p < 0.048), and dyskinesias remained stable. Nursing time averaged 22 hours per patient per year after PEG-J insertion and titration. Most common complications were PEG-J tube dislodgement and stoma site infection (0-3zero to three events/patient/year). Serious side effects were seen in four (12%) patients resulting in hospitalization and/or death. Nine patients (27.2%) discontinued the treatment due to lack of improved efficacy over oral therapy or development of dementia and 10 (30%) died of causes unrelated to LCIG infusion.

CONCLUSION

Patients on LCIG showed improved motor function over 5-year follow-up. Serious complications were uncommon. Dedicated nursing time is required by LCIG-trained nurses in a multidisciplinary setting for optimum management.

Levodopa-Entacapone-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel in the Treatment of Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Single Center Real-World Experience

Levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion is a relatively new treatment option for advanced Parkinson's disease. We aimed to describe and analyze the characteristics of de novo levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel therapy in 20 consecutive patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. We assessed the profile of motor complications by evaluating the following: motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and the freezing phenomenon at baseline (before the testing period) and before discharge. The treatment significantly reduced the duration of daily hours spent in off time compared with baseline pre-treatment values from a mean of 4.8 ± 0.9 h/day to a mean of 1.4 ± 0.5 h per day (p < 0.001). The duration and severity of peak-dose dyskinesia were also significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Out of the 10 patients who reported freezing, 8 did not present this complication at the pre-discharge assessment. Significant improvements were observed in Hoehn and Yahr scale scores in both the on and off states. The levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel therapy was well tolerated during the follow-up period immediately after initiation. Despite a relatively severe stage of the disease, all patients experienced a significant improvement in motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and the freezing phenomenon.

Starting with 24-h levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel at initiation in a large cohort of advanced Parkinson's disease patients

Continuous intra-jejunal infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is a long-term proven and effective treatment in advanced Parkinson's Disease (APD). Efficacy and safety of 16-h administration of LCIG has already been established. Additional benefits of 24-h LCIG administration have been reported in several case series and small clinical studies. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the characteristics of patients who needed 24-h LCIG from the beginning of the DAT (device-aided treatment) with those who remained with the standard 16-h LCIG treatment and to identify particular motives if any. We initiated LCIG in 150 patients out of which in case of 62 patients (41,3%) due to unsatisfactory initial clinical benefits continuous 24-h LCIG was deemed necessary. Despite the subjective complaints and more severe clinical condition, at baseline evaluation we found statistically significant differences between 16-h LCIG cohort and 24-h LCIG cohort only in case of incidence of freezing (47% vs 65%, p = 0.03) and sudden off (32% vs 48%, p = 0.04). Wake hours/daytime LCIG does not always sufficiently improve the patient's quality of life in some patients due to persistent nighttime troublesome symptoms. Instead of labeling the patient as a non-responder, it is worth trying the 24-h LCIG dosage in a carefully selected group of patients, as there is currently no consensus on reliable criteria that serve the decision in these patients.

Long-term effects of intrajejunal levodopa infusion on sleep in people with advanced Parkinson's disease

Background

Sleep disturbances are commonly encountered in people with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). In these stages, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is recommended for improving motor symptoms, some non-motor dysfunctions, and quality of life in these patients. This study aimed to assess the effects of LCIG on sleep in PD in a longitudinal study.

Study design

An open-label observational study in patients with advanced PD undergoing LCIG treatment was carried out.

Measures and outcomes

In total, 10 consecutive advanced people with PD were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months and 1 year, respectively, of LCIG infusion. Sleep parameters were assessed with several validated scales. We assessed the evolution of sleep parameters under LCIG infusion over time and the effects on sleep quality.

Results

Significant improvement following LCIG was observed in PSQI total score (p = 0.007), SCOPA-SLEEP total score (p = 0.008), SCOPA-NS subscale (p = 0.007), and AIS total score (p = 0.001) at 6 months and 1 year, compared to the baseline. The PSQI total score at 6 months correlated significantly with the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, version 2 (PDSS-2) "disturbed sleep" item at 6 months (p = 0.28; R = 0.688), while the PSQI total score at 12 months significantly correlated with the PDSS-2 total score at 1 year (p = 0.025, R = 0.697) and with the AIS total score at 1 year (p = 0.015, R = 0.739).

Conclusion

LCIG infusion demonstrated beneficial effects on sleep parameters and sleep quality, which were constant over time for up to 12 months.

Why do 'OFF' periods still occur during continuous drug delivery in Parkinson's disease?

Continuous drug delivery (CDD) is used in moderately advanced and late-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) to control motor and non-motor fluctuations (‘OFF’ periods). Transdermal rotigotine is indicated for early fluctuations, while subcutaneous apomorphine infusion and levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel are utilised in advanced PD. All three strategies are considered examples of continuous dopaminergic stimulation achieved through CDD. A central premise of the CDD is to achieve stable control of the parkinsonian motor and non-motor states and avoid emergence of ‘OFF’ periods. However, data suggest that despite their efficacy in reducing the number and duration of ‘OFF’ periods, these strategies still do not prevent ‘OFF’ periods in the middle to late stages of PD, thus contradicting the widely held concepts of continuous drug delivery and continuous dopaminergic stimulation. Why these emergent ‘OFF’ periods still occur is unknown. In this review, we analyse the potential reasons for their persistence. The contribution of drug- and device-related involvement, and the problems related to site-specific drug delivery are analysed. We propose that changes in dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic mechanisms in the basal ganglia might render these persistent ‘OFF’ periods unresponsive to dopaminergic therapy delivered via CDD.

Long-term safety, discontinuation and mortality in an Italian cohort with advanced Parkinson's disease on levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion

INTRODUCTION

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is an effective treatment in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) with consolidated evidence of clinical efficacy. However, only few studies have assessed long-term safety, causes of discontinuation, mortality, and relative predictors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 79 PD patients treated with LCIG between 2005 and 2020 in two Italian Neurological Centers, recording all adverse events (AEs), including weight loss (WL). Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the time to discontinuation and survival. Cox proportional hazard model was employed to identify predictors of discontinuation and mortality, while Pearson's correlation was used to analyze predictors of WL.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 47.7 ± 40.5 months and the median survival from disease onset was 25 years. There were three cases of polyradiculoneuropathy Guillain-Barre syndrome-like, all occurred in the early years of LCIG treatment. Twenty-five patients died (32%), 18 on LCIG (including one suicide) and seven after discontinuation. The mean WL was 3.62 ± 7.5 kg, which correlated with levodopa dose at baseline (p = 0.002), levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) baseline (p = 0.017) and off-duration (p = 0.0014), but not dyskinesia. Peristomal complications emerged as a negative predictor of discontinuation (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

LCIG has a relatively satisfactory long-term safety profile and efficacy and a relatively low rate of discontinuation. Peristomal complications may represent a predictor of longer duration of therapy. According to the mortality analysis, LCIG patients show a long lifespan. Delaying the initiation of LCIG does not affect the sustainability of LCIG therapy.

An update on advanced therapies for Parkinson's disease: From gene therapy to neuromodulation

Advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by increasingly debilitating impaired movements that include motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. At this stage of the disease, pharmacological management can result in unsatisfactory clinical benefits and increase the occurrence of adverse effects, leading to the consideration of advanced therapies. The scope of this review is to provide an overview of currently available therapies for advanced PD, specifically levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel, continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, radiofrequency ablation, stereotactic radiosurgery, MRI-guided focused ultrasound, and deep brain stimulation. Therapies in clinical trials are also discussed, including novel formulations of subcutaneous carbidopa/levodopa, gene-implantation therapies, and cell-based therapies. This review focuses on the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of the various therapies and also considers patient-specific characteristics that may influence treatment choice. This review can equip providers with updated information on advanced therapies in PD to better counsel patients on the available options.

A Review on Response to Device-Aided Therapies Used in Monogenic Parkinsonism and GBA Variants Carriers: A Need for Guidelines and Comparative Studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is in some cases predisposed-or-caused by genetic variants, contributing to the expression of different phenotypes. Regardless of etiology, as the disease progresses, motor fluctuations and/or levodopa-induced dyskinesias limit the benefit of pharmacotherapy. Device-aided therapies are good alternatives in advanced disease, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, and continuous subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine. Candidate selection and timing are critical for the success of such therapies. Genetic screening in DBS cohorts has shown a higher proportion of mutation carriers than in general cohorts, suggesting that genetic factors may influence candidacy for advanced therapies. The response of monogenic PD to device therapies is not well established, and the contribution of genetic information to decision-making is still a matter of debate. The limited evidence regarding gene-dependent response to device-aided therapies is reviewed here. An accurate understanding of the adequacy and responses of different mutation carriers to device-aided therapies requires the development of specific studies with long-term monitoring.

Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Improves Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease—Prospective Pilot Interventional Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently considered progressive neurodegeneration of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Widespread neuropathological changes lead to a complex clinical presentation with typical motor (hypokinesia, tremor, and rigidity) and various nonmotor symptoms. Orthostatic hypotension is one of the most disabling nonmotor features contributing to increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life (QoL). Our study aimed to disclose the effect of a continuous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) on symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Nine patients indicated for LCIG and eight matched patients on optimized medical treatment (OMT) were examined with scales for orthostatic symptoms (SCOPA-AUT), nonmotor symptoms and motor fluctuations (MDS-UPDRS), and QoL (PDQ39) at both baseline and after six months. The scores of “light-headedness after standing” and “fainting” decreased in the LCIG group compared to the OMT group. Treatment with LCIG was associated with a significantly higher decrease in the score of “light-headedness after standing”. Change in the PDQ39 correlated positively with fluctuation improvement and with change in the scores of both “light-headedness” and “fainting”. LCIG treatment improved symptoms of orthostatic hypotension in patients with PD mainly by a reduction in motor complications. Decreased severity in both motor and nonmotor fluctuations was connected also with improved QoL. Continuous treatment with LCIG should be considered not only in the case of severe motor fluctuation but also in patients with nonmotor fluctuations responsive to dopaminergic treatment.

PEG-J replacement for duodenal levodopa infusion in Parkinson’s disease patients: a retrospective study

Background

Reducing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies with jejunal extension tubes (PEG-J) related complications is vital to the long-term preservation of duodenal levodopa infusion (DLI) in advanced Parkinson’s disease (APD). Here, we provide data on the frequency of complications for both the standard “pull” and the non-endoscopic, radiologic assisted, “push” replacement PEG-J techniques in APD.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all patients treated with DLI from October 2009 to January 2020 at the Movement Disorders Center. Patients features and demographics, PEG-J procedures, causes for any discontinuation, reported complications and mortality were collected. In this cohort, PEG-J replacements were performed using the standard “pull” procedure or the radiologic assisted “push” method. Descriptive statistical analysis, t-test and paired t-test with False Discovery Rate correction was performed.

Results

This retrospective study included 30 APD patients [median age 72 ± 5.6 years; mean disease duration 17.2 + 5.7 years]. Mean treatment duration was 35.6 (30.6) months. Overall, 156 PEG-J procedures were performed, and Nineteen patients (63.3%) had a total of 185 reported complications, 85 of which were peristomal complications. 17 (56.6%) underwent 100 replacement procedures due to complications. The most commonly reported complication for replacement was J-tube dislocation (36%). One patient discontinued treatment after 6 months, due to peripheral neuropathy. Six patients died for causes not related to DLI. PEG-J replacements performed with the “push” method had a higher turnover (5.6 vs. 7.6 mo.), but fewer reported complications (67 vs. 75%).

Conclusion

The overall rate of complications was lower for “push” technique. This result might have been due to a higher replacement turnover that acted as a protective factor.

Single-Center Study of 103 Consecutive Parkinson's Disease Patients with Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel

Background

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) effectively reduces off time and dyskinesia and increases on time in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, patients with LCIG-infusion experience frequent complications and some discontinue treatment early on.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to find predictive factors for early dropout from the LCIG infusion, analyze the treatment burden on the tertiary health care system, and explore changes in medication during the LCIG treatment.

Methods

LCIG-infusion was administrated to 103 patients between July 2006 and May 2020 at the Helsinki University Hospital, accumulating 350 years of follow-up data. We evaluated, retrospectively, changes in medication during treatment, discontinuation of the infusion, and adverse events from the patient records.

Results

Living alone was a predictive factor for early dropout (OR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.03-14.66; P = 0.045). The treatment burden on the tertiary health care system increased after the initiation of LCIG infusion mostly because of common complications related to the infusion system (median change of in- and out-patient visits +1, P = 0.03). Mean levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) rose from baseline to 6 months (1246.7 vs. 1684.9, P = 0.001) and stabilized thereafter. Patients commonly switched from "polypharmacy" to "LCIG-only" or "LCIG + oral levodopa" medication-groups during long-term treatment.

Conclusions

Recurrent complications related to the infusion system increase the treatment burden on tertiary healthcare system after the initiation of LCIG-infusion. Most patients continue long-term with the infusion. Few patients discontinue infusion during the first year after initiation and living alone appears to be a risk factor for this outcome.

Effects of Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel on Dyskinesia and Non-Motor Symptoms Including Sleep: Results from a Meta-Analysis with 24-Month Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

In advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), dyskinesias and non-motor symptoms such as sleep dysfunction can significantly impair quality of life, and high-quality management is an unmet need.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze changes in dyskinesia and non-motor symptoms (including sleep) among studies with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in patients with advanced PD.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review identified relevant studies examining LCIG efficacy. Outcomes of interest were dyskinesia (UDysRS, UPDRS IV item 32), overall non-motor symptoms (NMSS), mentation/behavior/mood (UPDRS I), and sleep/daytime sleepiness (PDSS-2, ESS). The pooled mean (95% confidence interval) change from baseline per outcome was estimated for each 3-month interval with sufficient data (i.e., reported by≥3 studies) up to 24 months using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Seventeen open-label studies evaluating 1243 patients with advanced PD were included. All outcomes of interest with sufficient data for meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvement within 6 months of starting LCIG. There were statistically significant improvements in dyskinesia duration as measured by UPDRS IV item 32 at 6 months (-1.10 [-1.69, -0.51] h/day) and 12 months (-1.35 [-2.07, -0.62] h/day). There were statistically and clinically significant improvements in non-motor symptoms as measured by NMSS scores at 3 months (-28.71 [-40.26, -17.15] points). Significant reduction of NMSS burden was maintained through 24 months (-17.61 [-21.52, -13.70] points). UPDRS I scores significantly improved at 3 months (-0.39 [-0.55, -0.22] points). Clinically significant improvements in PDSS-2 and ESS scores were observed at 6 and 12 months in individual studies.

CONCLUSION

Patients with advanced PD receiving LCIG showed significant sustained improvements in the burden of dyskinesia and non-motor symptoms up to 24 months after initiation.

Diagnosis and Management of Pain in Parkinson's Disease: A New Approach

Pain is a frequent and disabling non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). The recently proposed PD Pain Classification System (PD-PCS) allows for an association of pain with PD to be determined before being allocated to the main pain mechanism (i.e. nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic). In this article, previous studies on treatments for pain in PD are summarized according to the pain mechanisms. A mechanistic approach to treatment is discussed. We suggest that the first step should be optimizing dopaminergic therapy before other therapy is started. When these treatments remain unsuccessful, further causes of pain must be considered. The role of drugs, invasive treatments, and physiotherapeutic interventions are discussed with a focus on older PD patients and considering polypharmacy, altered pharmacokinetics, and comorbidities.

Managing Advanced Parkinson Disease

Advanced Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with treatment-related motor fluctuations and reduced ability to perform activities of daily living. Progression of non-motor symptoms and medication-induced adverse effects complicate focused approach to motor symptom management, frequently accelerating reduced quality of life. It is thus critical for clinicians to consider disease progression versus therapeutic contributions when balancing management decisions. Such an approach requires careful recognition of inflection points resulting from therapeutic decisions and should prompt consideration of reduced pharmacologic burden and increased reliance on non-pharmacologic strategies in advanced disease. The successful approach to advanced PD requires a multidisciplinary effort focused on improving the patient's and family's quality of life, sometimes requiring sacrifice of motor symptom benefit. Here, we emphasize management strategies in advanced PD, focusing on the need to balance the therapeutic approach across advancing motor symptoms, progressive non-motor features, and potential pharmacologic adverse effects.

Body mass index variations in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion: A case control study versus standard of care and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

BACKGROUND

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is an advanced therapy for patients with Parkinson Disease (PD). Weight loss has been pointed out as an adverse event of LCIG infusion.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To compare weight changes between three groups of PD patients: patients treated with LCIG, patients within the first year of subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and patients treated exclusively with oral treatment during 1 year of follow up.

METHODS

Patients treated with LCIG were retrospectively matched by age, gender, disease duration and Hoehn and Yahr to patients undergoing STN-DBS and to patients both receiving the standard of care treatment and unwilling advanced therapies (SOC). Clinical features and weight were collected at baseline, and 12 months after introducing the treatment (LCIG and STN-DBS groups) or for one year of treatment (SOC).

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included in each group. They had no differences in clinical and demographic features, except for cognitive impairment. There was a mean weight (-5.8kg ±6.8) and BMI (-2.1kg/m²±2.6) reduction in the LCIG group after 12 months, while there was a slight weight loss in the SOC (-1.4kg ±3.1) and a weight increase in the STN-DBS group (5.4kg ±4.7). Differences of weight were statistically different between, LCIG and STN-DBS (P<0.001), LCIG and SOC (P=0.002) and STN-DBS and SOC (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows a significant weight reduction after starting LCIG infusion compared to the other groups. Weight loss should be closely monitored in patients treated with LCIG.

Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusion in Parkinson's Disease: A Single-Center, Long-Term Follow-Up Study of the Causes for Discontinuation

(1) Background: Subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (SCAI) is one of the three main treatment options for motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). The adherence to SCAI is generally considered to be low due to adverse events and because it is perceived as a treatment option to be used for a limited period only. We evaluated the reasons for discontinuation of SCAI in relation to when patients stopped treatment. (2) Methods: We reviewed the medical records of PD patients treated with SCAI at a single center, capturing patient demographics and the reasons for cessation of SCAI. (3) Results: 101 patients were included in the analysis, with a median time on treatment of 6.34 years. The main reasons for stopping SCAI were adverse events, death, and dissatisfaction with treatment. In the first 6 years of treatment, the predominant side effects leading to discontinuation were somnolence and hallucinations. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that SCAI can be an effective long-term treatment option for advanced PD, but it requires careful patient selection, a high level of communication with the patient and carer, and rigorous monitoring of the effects of treatment and for any adverse events so they can be promptly managed.

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.

Combining Device-Aided Therapies in Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series and a Literature Review

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and subcutaneous apomorphine infusion are device-aided therapies (DATs) for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). We present a case series from the Cretan PD Registry who required 2 DATs for optimal management along with a systematic review of similar studies.

Cases

From 2009 to 2020, we retrospectively studied all PD patients who were simultaneously treated with 2 DATs. Six patients on DBS required an infusion treatment for persisting or re-emergent fluctuations because of disease progression. Two patients on LCIG infusion received DBS as a levodopa-sparing strategy because of drug-induced complications. Fluctuations and quality of life improved in all patients.

Literature review

We identified 4 case series, 1 prospective and 1 retrospective study that included a total of 50 DBS-treated patients who required an infusion therapy. Improvement in motor outcomes, assessed in different ways, was a constant finding.

Conclusions

Selected PD patients on 1 DAT may experience additional benefit from a second DAT, for several reasons along the course of their disease. Although infusion therapies optimize dopaminergic drug delivery in fluctuating DBS-treated patients, DBS added on LCIG treatment has an additive symptomatic effect that allows levodopa dose reduction in patients with drug-induced side effects.

Intrajejunal Infusion of Levodopa/Carbidopa for Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

Advanced Parkinson's disease is inconsistently defined, and evidence is lacking in relation to device‐aided therapies. To update existing reviews of intrajejunal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa (LCIG), we performed a literature search for relevant articles (to November 3, 2020) using PubMed supplemented by hand searching. Retrieved articles were categorized by relevance to identified research questions, including motor complications and symptoms; nonmotor symptoms; functioning, quality of life, and caregiver burden; optimal timing of treatment initiation and administration duration; discontinuation; and complications. Most eligible studies (n = 56) were open‐label, observational studies including relatively small patient numbers. LCIG consistently reduces OFF time and increased ON time without troublesome dyskinesia with varying effects regarding ON time with troublesome dyskinesia and the possibility of diphasic dyskinesia. More recent evidence provides some increased support for the benefits of LCIG in relation to nonmotor symptoms, quality of life, activities of daily living, and reduced caregiver burden. Patient age does not appear to significantly impact the effectiveness of LCIG. Discontinuation rates with LCIG (~17%–26%) commonly relate to device‐related issues, although the ability to easily discontinue LCIG may represent a potential benefit. LCIG may be a favorable option for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who show predominant nonmotor symptoms and vulnerability to complications of other advanced therapy modalities. Larger, well‐controlled studies, including precise investigation of cost effectiveness, would further assist treatment selection. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Comprehensive assessment of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel for Turkish advanced Parkinson’s disease patients

Background/aim

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is an effective treatment modality in the management of advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) despite frequent adverse events and different rates of dropouts. Efficacy and safety data regarding Turkish patients on LCIG are limited. This study aims to report in detail the efficacy and adverse effect profile of LCIG among advanced PD patients from a Turkish center for movement disorders.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two patients (50% male) who started receiving LCIG between December 2014 and March 2020 were recruited. The efficacy of LCIG was assessed with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III), Clinical Global İmprovement (CGI) scale, and Quality of Life scale (PDQ8). Improvements in gait disorders and nonmotor features were also questioned. Adverse events (AE) were collated into 3 topics: related to percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J), device-related, and LCIG infusion-related.

Results

Mean age and pre-LCIG disease duration were 66.7 (8.8) and 13.3 (8.0) years respectively. UPDRS III scores and H-Y scale assessments significantly improved. Better quality of life scores, clinical global improvements, and improvements in dysarthria, dysphagia, and gait were observed. None of our patients dropped out or died during a mean 17.5-month (12.3) period. Overall 20 (90.9%) patients experienced at least one AE. Twelve patients had PEG-J–related complications; three had acute abdomen. Eight (36.4%) patients had device-associated problems. Half of the patients required at least one additional endoscopic procedure and 7 had a device replaced. Mean body weight decreased from 69.5 to 62.5 kg and seven patients had newly onset PNP at a follow-up electromyography. Dyskinesia related to LCIG infusion was observed in 5 (22.7%) patients. There was no significant increase in hallucination among patients.

Conclusion

LCIG is an efficient treatment modality in the management of Turkish patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Although most of the patients had at least one AE, none of them dropped out. Patient selection, patient compliance, and collaborative management are important steps affecting the success of modality.

24-Hour Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel: Clinical Experience and Practical Recommendations

Infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG; also designated carbidopa-levodopa enteral suspension) for 16 hours is a standard treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, and clinical observations suggest that 24-hour LCIG infusion may further reduce symptoms. This review provides practical advice on the management of patients transitioning to 24-hour LCIG infusion. We review available clinical data for 24-hour infusion and discuss adjustments to dosing, recommendations for monitoring, and management of patient concerns, based on our clinical experience. Data from multiple studies suggest that LCIG may improve non-motor symptoms. Although few studies have examined 24-hour LCIG infusion, available data indicate that certain patients may benefit from around-the-clock treatment. Studies of 24-hour LCIG infusion are limited by small sample sizes and open-label study designs, which may hamper translation to clinical practice. In our experience, we have found that patients may benefit from 24-hour infusion when reductions in nocturnal symptoms and improvements to quality of sleep are needed. Levodopa-unresponsive freezing of gait or poorly controlled troublesome dyskinesias may also indicate a patient may benefit from 24-hour infusion. Dose adjustments, especially of the nocturnal rate, are typically necessary and, as with 16-hour infusion, patients should be monitored for autonomic dysfunction; overnight wearing off symptoms; weight changes; fluctuations in plasma levels of vitamins B₆/B₁₂, folate, and homocysteine; changes in sleep patterns; or worsening of hallucinations, delusions, and/or nightmares. Available data and our clinical experience suggest that 24-hour LCIG may be warranted among selected patients who have poorly controlled nocturnal fluctuations or early morning "off" symptoms.

Mass spectrometry imaging identifies abnormally elevated brain l-DOPA levels and extrastriatal monoaminergic dysregulation in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia

l-DOPA treatment for Parkinson's disease frequently leads to dyskinesias, the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood. We used MALDI-MSI to map the distribution of l-DOPA and monoaminergic pathways in brains of dyskinetic and nondyskinetic primates. We report elevated levels of l-DOPA, and its metabolite 3-O-methyldopa, in all measured brain regions of dyskinetic animals and increases in dopamine and metabolites in all regions analyzed except the striatum. In dyskinesia, dopamine levels correlated well with l-DOPA levels in extrastriatal regions, such as hippocampus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and cortical areas, but not in the striatum. Our results demonstrate that l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia is linked to a dysregulation of l-DOPA metabolism throughout the brain. The inability of extrastriatal brain areas to regulate the formation of dopamine during l-DOPA treatment introduces the potential of dopamine or even l-DOPA itself to modulate neuronal signaling widely across the brain, resulting in unwanted side effects.

Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Long-Term Outcome in Parkinson's Disease: Focus on Dyskinesia

Background

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment has shown variable effect on dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

To identify PD patients who are likely to have troublesome dyskinesia under LCIG treatment and describe the pharmacokinetic-dynamic profile and dyskinesia phenomenology of those patients.

Methods

PD patients were assessed for clinical and therapeutic variables, before LCIG treatment (T0) and at last outpatient visit (T1). Sub-groups of patients with and without "troublesome dyskinesia" (UPDRS IV, item 33 ≥2), matched for disease and LCIG treatment duration, underwent a pharmacokinetic-dynamic assessment.

Results

We included 53 PD patients. After a mean of 51.7 ± 34.1 months of LCIG treatment, "off-time" was significantly reduced, whereas, dyskinesia duration/disability did not change. The multivariate regression model, adjusted for LCIG treatment duration, showed that being female increases the risk of presenting troublesome dyskinesia at T1 (odds ratio [OR] = 9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4-37.4) that was also significantly associated to longer off periods at T1 (OR= 4.4; 95% CI = 1.1-14.3). Female patients showed a higher risk for a higher dyskinesia score at T1 (sum of the items 32 and 33: P = 0.001). Patients with troublesome dyskinesia showed a tendency for a lower motor benefit and the appearance of more severe dyskinesia despite similar levodopa plasma concentration.

Conclusion

Dyskinesia should be carefully monitored in patients undergoing LCIG, with particular caution for female patients. Whether combined clinical and pharmacodynamic assessments could be helpful to manage patients with troublesome dyskinesia under LCIG treatment needs further evaluation in a larger group of patients.

LCIG in treatment of non-motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease: Review of literature

BACKGROUND

For managing nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion is of interest as it shows lesser plasma fluctuations of both drugs as compared to oral levodopa-carbidopa (LC).

OBJECTIVES

To highlight LCIG effect in NMS among advanced PD patients and appraise the currently available literature.

METHODS

PubMed screening (till 2020) of 184 articles was done, of which 51 were selected. Among them, 23 original articles relevant to the research question were included, of which 6 were then excluded after careful reading of full articles. The 17 relevant studies of the review provide Grade C level of evidence of efficacy.

RESULTS

LCIG is beneficial in improving or relieving various NMS especially (mood, cognition/memory, sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, urinary symptoms, and quality of life questionnaires) in patients with advanced PD. Amelioration of motor functions or direct relations may lead to improvement in NMS PD patients using LCIG. Adverse events noted in patients treated with LCIG include pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain, stoma infection, reversible peripheral neuropathy, local tube problems, impulse control disorder, and weight loss. Serious adverse events were mostly found to be unrelated to LCIG.

CONCLUSIONS

LCIG provides an uninterrupted intestinal levodopa infusion by percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J). It effectively decreases plasma fluctuations of levodopa and reduces motor instability and NMS burden in advanced PD. However, adequate dose modification and individualization of therapy are essential for optimal effect.

Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion Therapy Discontinuation: A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis of 204 Treated Patients

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. In the advanced stages, the continuous delivery of levodopa (LD) as levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) has demonstrated significant improvement of motor and nonmotor complications and improvement of the patients' quality of life (QoL). Despite the growing global experience with this treatment, anumber of unsolved practical issues remain, and currently, the data on the reasons that can lead to the discontinuation of LCIG are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to analyze the causes that led to the discontinuation of LCIG therapy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, after 10 years of experience with LCIG as a therapeutic option in advanced PD, we analyzed the data of all dropout cases among the 204 patients that initiated LCIG therapy in two Romanian centers.

RESULTS

Of the 204 patients enrolled, 43 patients dropped out. Disease duration until LCIG infusion was significantly longer (11.67±4.98 vs 9.44±3.44) and the overall clinical picture more sever (both regarding motor symptoms and cognitive decline) in dropout patients (compared to patients who continued treatment). The dropout patients also presented significant differences regarding the incidence of polyneuropathy (32.5% vs 11.18%). The main cause of discontinuation was death.

CONCLUSION

The causes of discontinuation from LCIG therapy in Romanian patients are similar to those from other centers; however, the rate of dropouts is somewhat lower. The clinician's experience in selecting and treating the patients in advanced stages of PD can increase therapeutic adherence. Also, the presence of a well-trained caregiver along with the availability of a proper aftercare system is mandatory for maintaining the long-term benefits of the therapy and the overall best outcome possible. Targeted prospective studies are needed to confirm whether a more severe stage of the disease and cognitive impairment at the time of initiation, respectively, the association of polyneuropathy can be considered as predictive factors for dropout.

Predictors of Time to Discontinuation of Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:

Continuous intra-duodenal infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is a well-established therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffering from motor complications despite optimized treatment with oral dopaminomimetics. However, time to discontinuation of treatment with LCIG varies considerably between patients, ranging from a few months to more than ten years. To improve the selection of candidates for LCIG, knowledge of prognostic factors is of paramount importance.

Objective:

To explore baseline predictors of time to discontinuation of LCIG.

Methods:

In this two-center retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical files of 98 PD patients treated with LCIG between April 2006 and December 2015 (53% male; mean age: 66.2 years; mean disease duration: 12.3 years). Baseline patient characteristics were used as covariates in Cox regression models.

Results:

During follow-up (mean observation time: 2.6 years; range: 0.1–9.3) eighteen patients discontinued treatment (18.4%), while seven patients died (7.1%). Median duration of treatment with LCIG, estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis, was 7.8 years (95% CI: 6.7–9.0). Disease duration (in years) at baseline was a statistically significant predictor of time to discontinuation of LCIG (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75–0.96, p = 0.006). All other characteristics studied, e.g. age >70 years, did not show statistically significant associations with the total duration of treatment with LCIG.

Conclusion:

Our findings show a low overall rate of discontinuation of LCIG infusion, with a median duration of treatment of 7.8 years. Shorter disease duration at baseline appeared to be a predictor of earlier discontinuation of LCIG.

Subclinical affective and cognitive fluctuations in Parkinson's disease: a randomized double-blind double-dummy study of Oral vs. Intrajejunal Levodopa

BACKGROUND

Chronic levodopa treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) may promote undesirable motor and non-motor fluctuations. Compared to chronic oral levodopa treatment, continuous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in advanced PD reduces motor fluctuations. However, differences in their effect on acute non-motor changes were not formally demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study to compare acute non-motor changes between intermittent oral immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa (LC-IR) and LCIG.

METHODS

After > 12-h OFF, thirteen PD patients chronically treated with LCIG and without history of non-motor swings, were allocated to receive first, LCIG infusion plus three oral doses of placebo, or placebo infusion plus three oral doses of LC-IR. Over-encapsulated oral medication (LC-IR or placebo) was administered every 2 h. We monitored plasmatic levels of levodopa, motor status (UPDRS-III), mood, anxiety, and frontal functions at baseline (0-h) and hourly after each oral challenge.

RESULTS

Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed significant group by treatment interaction indicating more fluctuations of levodopa plasma levels with LC-IR. No significant interactions were seen in the temporal profile of motor status, anxiety, mood and cognition. However, point-to-point parametric and nonparametric tests showed a significant more marked and more sustained improvement in anxiety scores under LCIG. A significant improvement of mood and verbal fluency was seen a + 3-h only under LCIG.

DISCUSSION

Our sample of advanced PD patients exhibited moderate but significant non-motor fluctuations. LCIG was associated with a more favorable profile of acute affective and cognitive fluctuations that was particularly expressed at the first part of the infusion curve.

Long-term effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel on motor and non-motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease: results of the Italian GLORIA patient population

Introduction

The GLORIA registry included 375 advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 24-month levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment in routine medical care. This analysis focuses on the Italian population, 60 patients treated with LCIG in 7 specialised PD care centres.

Methods

Hours of “Off” and “On” time were assessed with a modified version of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part IV items 39 and 32. Motor fluctuations, dyskinesia, non-motor symptoms, quality of life and safety were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 42 (70%) out of 60 patients completed the registry. LCIG treatment reduced “Off” time (− 3.3 ± 2.7 h at month 24 (M24), P < 0.0001), increased “On” time with dyskinesia (− 2.6 ± 5.2 h at M12, P = 0.0160), and improved UPDRS II and UPDRS III total scores at M24 (− 4.5 ± 10.6, P = 0.0333 and − 4.9 ± 11.7, P = 0.0229, respectively), Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS) total score (− 21.8 ± 28.5, P < 0.0001) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-8 item (PDQ-8) total score (− 12.5 ± 23.9, P = 0.0173) versus previous oral therapy. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) possibly or probably related to treatment were reported in 16 (28.6%) patients. Decreased weight (7.1%), polyneuropathy (7.1%) and abdominal pain (5.4%) were the most frequent ADRs while device malfunction (5.4%) and medical device change (5.4%) were the most reported device complaints.

Conclusions

LCIG improved motor fluctuations, non-motor symptoms and quality of life over 24 months while tolerability was consistent with the established safety profile.

Long-term Apomorphine Infusion Users Versus Short-term Users: An International Dual-center Analysis of the Reasons for Discontinuing Therapy

OBJECTIVES

A retrospective analysis at 2 specialist centers was undertaken to determine the long-term efficacy of subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (APO), rates and reasons for discontinuation, and factors that might contribute to discontinuation.

METHODS

Demographics, clinical outcomes data, and reasons for discontinuation were collected for patients treated with APO at Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Bangkok, Thailand (n = 36) and Fundacion Jimemez Diaz Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain (n = 16).

RESULTS

There were 19 (52.7%) patients in the Thai cohort and 10 (62.5%) patients in the Spanish cohort who discontinued treatment within around 6 months of initiation, most commonly due to skin nodules (Thai cohort) and perceived lack of efficacy (Spanish cohort). Those who continued APO tended to stay on treatment. In both cohorts, APO resulted in significant reductions in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale 3 motor scores, daily OFF time, and levodopa-equivalent dose in patients who subsequently stopped therapy, suggesting APO is clinically effective even when "lack of efficacy" is stated as a reason for discontinuing. Daily OFF hours after APO therapy was found to be a significant predictive factor for APO discontinuation with an odds ratio of 5.952 (P = 0.040). The cutoff point that determined APO discontinuation was calculated to be 1.75 or more OFF hours (sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 63.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Apomorphine infusion is a minimally invasive therapy and therefore very easy to discontinue if difficulties arise. This fact might explain the high dropout rate of this technique. Successful long-term adherence to APO therapy requires a multidisciplinary health care team approach including regular patient follow-up and assessment and prompt resolution of queries and concerns.

Multicenter study of levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel in Parkinson’s disease: the Turkish experience

Background/aim

Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in a series of Turkish patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Materials and methods

We had telephone calls with 54 patients from 11 neurology centers who were on LCIG treatment, and 44 patients or their caregivers were included in an eight-item survey between September 2015 and June 2016. The reliability and validity of the survey were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients for every question separately.

Results

Average age of the patients were 63.48 and the duration of PD was 12.79 years. Average LCIG treatment period was 15.63 months. Percentages of the patients who reported they were ‘better’ after LCIG treatment were as follows: 80% for time spent off, 55% for dyskinesia, 65% for tremor, 85% for gait disorder, 50% for pain, 50% for sleep disorders, 42.5% for depression, 32.5% for incontinence, and 70% for activities of daily living. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.795 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was reliable for the items.

Conclusion

As detected by a survey performed by telephone calls with good interrater reliability, patients with PD improve with LCIG treatment in many aspects of the disease.

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.

Comparison Between Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion and Subthalamic Nucleus Deep-Brain Stimulation for Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Currently, some advanced treatments such as Levodopa-Carbidopa intestinal gel infusion (LCIG), deep-brain stimulation (DBS), and subcutaneous apomorphine infusion have become alternative strategies for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, which treatment is better for individual patients remains unclear. This review aims to compare therapeutic effects of motor and/or non-motor symptoms of advanced PD patients between LCIG and DBS.

Methods: We manually searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) and reference lists of included articles published until April 04, 2019 using related terms, without language restriction. We included case-controlled cohort studies and randomized-controlled trials, which directly compared differences between LCIG and DBS. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration, was utilized to assess the quality of the included studies. Two investigators independently extracted data from each trial. Pooled standard-mean differences (SMDs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by meta-analysis. Outcomes were grouped according to the part III and part IV of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and adverse events. We also descriptively reviewed some data, which were unavailable for statistical analysis.

Results: This review included five cohort trials of 257 patients for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between LCIG and subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on UPDRS-III and adverse events comparisons: UPDRS-III (pooled SMDs = 0.200, 95% CI: −0.126–0.527, P = 0.230), total adverse events (pooled RRs = 1.279, 95% CI: 0.983–1.664, P = 0.067), serious adverse events (pooled RRs = 1.539, 95% CI: 0.664–3.566, P = 0.315). Notably, the improvement of UPDRS-IV was more significant in STN-DBS groups: pooled SMDs = 0.857, 95% CI: 0.130–1.584, P = 0.021. However, the heterogeneity was moderate for UPDRS-IV (I² = 73.8%).

Conclusion: LCIG has comparable effects to STN-DBS on motor function for advanced PD, with acceptable tolerability. More large, well-designed trials are needed to assess the comparability of LCIG and STN-DBS in the future.

Motor and non-motor outcomes in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease treated with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel: final results of the GREENFIELD observational study

Introduction

The GREENFIELD observational study assessed the effect of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) on motor and non-motor symptoms, and the related impact on patient quality of life and caregiver burden up to 8 years.

Methods

Final results of a large Italian cohort of patients who started LCIG in routine care between 2007 and 2014 are presented. Comparison between baseline (before LCIG) and follow-up visits on yearly basis (visit 2/3) is reported. Primary endpoint was Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-IV) Item 39; secondary endpoints were UPDRS I and II, dyskinesia items, PD Quality of Life Questionnaire-39, Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2, Gait and Falls Questionnaire, Questionnaire on Impulsive Disorders, and Relative Stress Scale.

Results

Overall, 145 patients from 14 centers were assessed with a mean time since LCIG start of 2.8 ± 1.7 years at visit 2. The mean UPDRS-IV item 39 score showed significant reductions compared to baseline (mean score 2.0 ± 0.81) at visit 2 (mean score 0.9 ± 0.69; − 55%; p < 0.001) and at visit 3 (mean score 1.0 ± 0.75; − 50%; p < 0.001). At visit 3, significant reductions were observed for dyskinesia duration score (− 28%; p < 0.001), dyskinesia disability (− 40%; p < 0.001), and painful dyskinesia (− 50%; p < 0.001). Overall, 40 (27.6%) patients experienced 49 serious adverse events which were considered related to PEG/J procedure or to device in 16.3% of the cases.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the long-term efficacy of LCIG on PD symptoms as well as on activities of daily living. The adverse events were consistent with the established LCIG safety profile.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00415-019-09337-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors to Consider in the Selection of Dopamine Agonists for Older Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Dopamine agonists (DAs) are frequently used in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD), a complex multisystem disorder influenced substantially by age-related factors. Over 80% of PD patients present after age 60 years and may have clinical features exacerbated by age-related comorbidities or decline in physiological compensatory mechanisms. Pharmacotherapy for motor symptoms in older persons is more likely to involve exclusive use of levodopa combined with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor throughout the course of the illness. Non-ergot DAs, such as pramipexole, rotigotine and ropinirole, may be used as de novo monotherapy for the control of motor symptoms in older persons, although they are less efficacious than levodopa therapy. DAs may also be considered as adjunct therapy in older persons when motor symptoms are no longer adequately controlled by levodopa or when motor fluctuations and dyskinesia appear. DAs may be used cautiously in older persons with cognitive impairment and orthostatic hypotension but should be avoided when there is a history or risk of psychosis or impulse control disorders.

Cost-utility analysis of levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel (Duodopa) in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease in patients in Scotland and Wales

AIMS

To carry out a cost-utility analysis comparing the cost-effectiveness of levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) with standard of care (SOC) in patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease (aPD) unsuitable for apomorphine or deep brain stimulation (DBS). LCIG is the only treatment option in this small, but clinically important, population.

METHODS

A Markov model with 25 disease states based on disease stage and off-time status plus death. Patients enter the model with aPD spending >50% of their waking day in the off-state. Patients progress through the model in 6-monthly cycles for 20 years to approximate lifetime treatment and capture long-term costs and effects of therapy. Inputs are based on LCIG clinical trials for clinical outcomes and health state utilities, the literature for health state transitions and use UK-based input data wherever possible (drug costs, disease/adverse event management costs, discontinuation rates, mortality rates).

LIMITATIONS

Data collection can be challenging in this small, elderly population with advanced disease, therefore some model inputs were estimated, rather than collected directly. It was assumed that a reduction in off-time was the only benefit after the first year of treatment with LCIG; this is a conservative approach, since there may be additional clinical benefits.

RESULTS

There is a considerable incremental gain in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for patients treated with LCIG of 1.26 QALY with an associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £52,110. If the impact on caregivers is included, the ICER reduces to £47,266.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases where there is an orphan population, with no alternative treatment options, HTA assessments have a broader decision-making framework and the ICER is interpreted in this context. In the setting of a very small population, with considerable unmet need, LCIG represents value for money, as reflected by funding approval across the UK.

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and weight loss in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Weight loss (WL) is a frequent yet under-recognized complication of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion, as well as a milestone of Parkinson's disease (PD) disability progression. The complex association between WL, poor nutritional status, motor complications and PD progression, however, remains unclear.

METHODS

Consecutive consenting patients with PD treated with LCIG (n = 44; PD duration, 18.3 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled in an open-label observational study assessing the extent of WL occurring during LCIG treatment. As secondary aims, we correlated the nutritional status, as detected by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, with the severity of motor symptoms [Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III], motor complications (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part IV), activities of daily living (Schwab and England scale), cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), difficulties in feeding (Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire) and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD).

RESULTS

There was an average WL of 9.9 ± 10.5% (7.6 ± 7.1 kg) over an LCIG treatment period of 51.6 ± 28.5 months. The extent of WL correlated with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia (P < 0.05). The nutritional status correlated with motor symptom severity (P < 0.01), dysphagia (P < 0.01) and LEDD (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss may occur in patients with PD undergoing LCIG in correlation with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia. Regardless of the extent of WL, the nutritional status correlated with higher LEDD, as well as with indices of disease progression, such as motor symptom severity and dysphagia.

Dyskinesias and levodopa therapy: why wait?

Throughout the years there has been a longstanding discussion on whether levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease should be started in early vs. later stages, in order to prevent or delay motor complications such as fluctuations and dyskinesias. This controversial topic has been extensively debated for decades, and the prevailing view today is that levodopa should not be postponed. However, there is still fear associated with its use in early stages, especially in younger patients, who are more prone to develop dyskinesias. Even though dyskinesias are linked to levodopa use in Parkinson's disease, it has been shown that starting with a different medication (such as dopamine agonists) will not significantly delay their onset once levodopa is introduced. Since levodopa provides better symptomatic control, and other drugs may be associated with notable side effects, it is our view that there is insufficient evidence to justify levodopa-sparing strategies. The physician should try to assess each patient individually, taking into account motor and non-motor demands, as well as risk factors for potential complications, finding the optimum treatment strategy for each one. The following article provides an historical narrative perspective, as well as a literature review of those intrinsic and modifiable risk factors that have been associated with levodopa-induced dyskinesias, which should be taken into consideration when choosing the therapeutic strategy in individual Parkinson's disease patients.

Can suitable candidates for levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel therapy be identified using current evidence?

Advanced Parkinson's disease (APD) is characterized by increased functional disability, caused by motor complications, the presence of axial symptoms, and emergent disease- and drug-related non-motor symptoms. One of the advanced therapies available is intrajejunal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG); however, patient selection for this treatment is sometimes difficult, particularly because of overlapping indications with other alternatives. In recent years, strong evidence has supported the use of LCIG in treating motor fluctuations associated with APD, and several clinical studies provide emerging evidence for additional benefits of LCIG treatment in certain patients. This article provides an overview of the published literature on the benefits, limitations, and drawbacks of LCIG in relation to PD symptoms, the psychosocial impact of the disease, and the quality of life of patients, with the aim of determining candidates for whom treatment with LCIG would be beneficial. According to current evidence, patients with APD (defined as inability to achieve optimal control of the disease with conventional oral treatment), a relatively well-preserved cognitive-behavioral status, and good family/caregiver would count as suitable candidates for LCIG treatment. Contraindications in the opinion of the authors are severe dementia and active psychosis.