Integrated safety of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel from prospective clinical trials

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.

Current and novel infusion therapies for patients with Parkinson's disease

Advanced Parkinson's disease is characterized by periods of poor mobility, dyskinesia and progressive decline in functional independence of the affected person despite the manipulation of levodopa doses and the introduction of supplemental therapies such as catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors, monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors and dopamine agonists. The implementation of drug delivery systems allows to bypass problems related to irregular and often unpredictable intestinal absorption of oral levodopa, which significantly affects its bioavailability and contributes to the development and persistence of motor complications. Subcutaneous apomorphine and levodopa/carbidopa jejunal infusion systems have been available for many years and their efficacy is confirmed by randomized studies and long-term experience in many centers worldwide. Recently, a new formulation of levodopa/carbidopa infusion gel that includes the catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor Entacapone has been introduced to the market. The use of entacapone allows to reduce total daily dose of administered levodopa. Two different soluble formulations of levodopa/carbidopa (ND0612 and ABBV-951) have completed clinical development, and both can ensure subcutaneous delivery by a portable pump infusion system. ABBV-951 uses a foslevodopa/foscarbidopa formulation, both prodrugs to improve absorption and tolerability. Both systems provide effective improvement of motor complications and are likely to expand the therapeutic options in advanced patients. Future efforts should focus on the earlier detection of patients who are candidates for device-aided therapies, increasing appropriate referral and broadening the availability of these treatments globally.

A systematic review of the potential consequences of abnormal serum levels of vitamin B6 in people living with Parkinson's disease

The prevalences of polyneuropathy and epilepsy are higher in people living with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) when compared to older adults. Vitamin B6 is widely available and affordable. PwPD are at higher risk of having abnormal serum levels of vitamin B6, which are associated with polyneuropathy and epilepsy that are potentially preventable and treatable. Potential contributors to abnormal B6 levels in PwPD include age, dietary habits, vitamin supplement misuse, gastrointestinal dysfunction and complex interactions with levodopa. The literature on the potential consequences of abnormal B6 levels in PwPD is limited by a small number of observational studies focused on polyneuropathy and epilepsy. Abnormal B6 levels have been reported in 60 of 145 PwPD (41.4% relative frequency). Low B6 levels were reported in 52 PwPD and high B6 levels were reported in 8 PwPD. There were 14 PwPD, polyneuropathy and low B6. There were 4 PwPD, polyneuropathy and high B6. There were 4 PwPD, epilepsy and low B6. Vitamin B6 level was low in 44.6% of PwPD receiving levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel and in 30.1% of PwPD receiving oral levodopa-carbidopa. In almost all studies reporting low B6 in PwPD receiving oral levodopa-carbidopa, the dose of levodopa was ≥1000 mg/day. Rigorous epidemiological studies will clarify the prevalence, natural history and clinical relevance of abnormal serum levels of vitamin B6 in PwPD. These studies should account for diet, vitamin supplement use, gastrointestinal dysfunction, concurrent levels of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, formulations and dosages of levodopa and other medications commonly used in PwPD.

Enhancing Self-Management of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes Through the Implementation of a Standardized Education and Assessment Pathway: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Intraduodenal infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube with jejunal extension is a treatment option to reduce motor and nonmotor complications in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease when oral therapy no longer provides sufficient benefit. Medication management is of central focus; however, there was no standardized patient education on stoma-site care and tube maintenance, leading to the development of stoma-site complications. As a quality improvement (QI) initiative, a standardized education and assessment pathway was developed and implemented in an urban academic outpatient clinic to enhance patient self-management and reduce stoma-site complications. A retrospective chart review was conducted to establish baseline incidence of cutaneous stoma-site complications. QI interventions were implemented using a rapid-cycle improvement model. Routine stoma assessments by a nurse who specializes in wound, ostomy, and continence care were implemented at set points, and patient education on PEG tube care and maintenance was reinforced at each session. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in moderate-to-severe tube and stoma-site-related complication. Implementation of a similar standardized education and assessment pathway in patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes may lead to a decrease in stoma-site-related complications and overall better patient self-management.

Adverse effects of levodopa/carbidopa intrajejunal gel treatment: A single-center long-term follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

Levodopa/carbidopa intrajejunal gel (LCIG) is an effective therapeutic strategy to overcome levodopa-induced motor complications in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it requires invasive percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) and may be associated with serious adverse effects (AE). In this study, we aimed to evaluate long-term AEs related to LCIG treatment in a large homogenous cohort of advanced PD patients.

METHODS

One hundred three consecutive PD patients were regularly monitored for LCIG-related, PEG-J-related, and device-related AEs up to 14 years. Incidence of AEs was studied in time applying a time-to-event analysis and Cox proportional hazard model with age, disease duration, gender, and recurrent AE as covariates. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was estimated at each visit and compared to HRQoL before the LCIG treatment.

RESULTS

Among 296 AEs noted, 48.8% were LCIG-related, 32.4% PEG-J-related, and 19.6% device-related. While most of the studied AEs steadily accumulated throughout the follow-up period, 24.3% of the patients (95% CI 10.1%-36.3%) experienced PEG-J-related AE already within the first days after the PEG-J insertion. Cox model revealed that older patients had higher probability of psychosis, PEG-J- and device-related AEs (p < .05, p < .05, and p = .02) and suggested increased recurrence risk in those with early PEG-J and device-related AEs. Despite relatively high incidence of AEs, HRQoL significantly increased in the follow-up period (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

AEs related to LCIG treatment are common. Therefore, careful patient selection and monitoring throughout the treatment is recommended, especially in those with early side effects. Nevertheless, LCIG significantly improves HRQoL in advanced PD patients on a long term.

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.

Practical pearls to improve the efficacy and tolerability of levodopa in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Levodopa is the most effective medication for the treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several factors may affect the efficacy and tolerability of levodopa. These include the timing, dosage and administration of levodopa, concomitant drugs, food, PD-associated non motor symptoms, and various neurologic and non-neurologic comorbidities. If not appropriately addressed, these issues may limit levodopa efficacy, tolerability, and compliance.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the basics of the metabolism of orally administered levodopa, its side effects, and the factors that may affect its tolerability and efficacy. We provide several practical pearls to improve the tolerability and efficacy of levodopa.

EXPERT OPINION

Protein-rich food delays and reduces levodopa absorption. Hence, levodopa should preferably be administered in a relatively empty stomach. Carbidopa dosing is crucial as it not only enhances the entry of levodopa into the central nervous system, but also reduces levodopa's peripheral adverse effects. Patients experiencing the early side effects such as nausea/vomiting should be prescribed with anti-nausea medications that do not block dopamine receptors. Non-oral routes of administration can be used to obviate persistent gastrointestinal side effects. Implementation of these and other tips may help improve the tolerability and efficacy of levodopa.

Interventions for preventing falls in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Most people with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience at least one fall during the course of their disease. Several interventions designed to reduce falls have been studied. An up-to-date synthesis of evidence for interventions to reduce falls in people with PD will assist with informed decisions regarding fall-prevention interventions for people with PD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions designed to reduce falls in people with PD.

SEARCH METHODS

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases and two trials registers were searched on 16 July 2020, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. We also conducted a top-up search on 13 October 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions that aimed to reduce falls in people with PD and reported the effect on falls. We excluded interventions that aimed to reduce falls due to syncope.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane Review procedures. Primary outcomes were rate of falls and number of people who fell at least once. Secondary outcomes were the number of people sustaining one or more fall-related fractures, quality of life, adverse events and economic outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

This review includes 32 studies with 3370 participants randomised. We included 25 studies of exercise interventions (2700 participants), three studies of medication interventions (242 participants), one study of fall-prevention education (53 participants) and three studies of exercise plus education (375 participants). Overall, participants in the exercise trials and the exercise plus education trials had mild to moderate PD, while participants in the medication trials included those with more advanced disease. All studies had a high or unclear risk of bias in one or more items. Illustrative risks demonstrating the absolute impact of each intervention are presented in the summary of findings tables. Twelve studies compared exercise (all types) with a control intervention (an intervention not thought to reduce falls, such as usual care or sham exercise) in people with mild to moderate PD. Exercise probably reduces the rate of falls by 26% (rate ratio (RaR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.87; 1456 participants, 12 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Exercise probably slightly reduces the number of people experiencing one or more falls by 10% (risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.00; 932 participants, 9 studies; moderate-certainty evidence).  We are uncertain whether exercise makes little or no difference to the number of people experiencing one or more fall-related fractures (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.17; 989 participants, 5 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Exercise may slightly improve health-related quality of life immediately following the intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.17, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.01; 951 participants, 5 studies; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether exercise has an effect on adverse events or whether exercise is a cost-effective intervention for fall prevention. Three studies trialled a cholinesterase inhibitor (rivastigmine or donepezil). Cholinesterase inhibitors may reduce the rate of falls by 50% (RaR 0.50, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.58; 229 participants, 3 studies; low-certainty evidence). However, we are uncertain if this medication makes little or no difference to the number of people experiencing one or more falls (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.14230 participants, 3 studies) and to health-related quality of life (EQ5D Thermometer mean difference (MD) 3.00, 95% CI -3.06 to 9.06; very low-certainty evidence). Cholinesterase inhibitors may increase the rate of non fall-related adverse events by 60% (RaR 1.60, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.01; 175 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). Most adverse events were mild and transient in nature.  No data was available regarding the cost-effectiveness of medication for fall prevention. We are uncertain of the effect of education compared to a control intervention on the number of people who fell at least once (RR 10.89, 95% CI 1.26 to 94.03; 53 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence), and no data were available for the other outcomes of interest for this comparisonWe are also uncertain (very low-certainty evidence) whether exercise combined with education makes little or no difference to the number of falls (RaR 0.46, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.85; 320 participants, 2 studies), the number of people sustaining fall-related fractures (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.40 to 5.32,320 participants, 2 studies), or health-related quality of life (PDQ39 MD 0.05, 95% CI -3.12 to 3.23, 305 participants, 2 studies). Exercise plus education may make little or no difference to the number of people experiencing one or more falls (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.07; 352 participants, 3 studies; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether exercise combined with education has an effect on adverse events or is a cost-effective intervention for fall prevention.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Exercise interventions probably reduce the rate of falls, and probably slightly reduce the number of people falling in people with mild to moderate PD.  Cholinesterase inhibitors may reduce the rate of falls, but we are uncertain if they have an effect on the number of people falling. The decision to use these medications needs to be balanced against the risk of non fall-related adverse events, though these adverse events were predominantly mild or transient in nature. Further research in the form of large, high-quality RCTs are required to determine the relative impact of different types of exercise and different levels of supervision on falls, and how this could be influenced by disease severity. Further work is also needed to increase the certainty of the effects of medication and further explore falls prevention education interventions both delivered alone and in combination with exercise.

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.

The impact of tube replacement timing during LCIG therapy on PEG-J associated adverse events: a retrospective multicenter observational study

Background

Levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment, a unique drug delivery system for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), is covered by health insurance in Japan since September 2016. Various LCIG procedure/device-associated adverse events (AEs) have been reported; however, reports on their treatment have been limited. This is the first multicenter study to clarify the frequency and timing of device-related AEs.

Methods

Between September 2016 and December 2018, 104 patients introduced to the LCIG treatment for advanced PD in 11 hospitals were included. The patients’ characteristics, AEs incidence, AEs time, and tube exchange time were investigated.

Results

The median follow-up period was 21.5 months. Minor AE cases were 29.4%, whereas major AE cases were 43.1%. Majority of major AEs (n = 55, 94.8%) were managed with endoscopic treatment, such as tube exchange. Few severe AEs required surgical treatment (n =3, 5.2%). The mean (range) exposure to percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) was 14.7 (0–33) months. One year after the LCIG treatment introduction, 55 patients (54.0%) retained the original PEG-J tube. The mean PEG-J tube exchange time was 10.8 ± 7.0 months in all patients, 11.6 ± 4.7 and 10.5 ± 7.7 months in patients with scheduled exchange and who underwent exchange due to AEs, respectively.

Conclusions

Some device-related AEs occurred during the LCIG treatment; however, only few were serious, most of which could be treated with simple procedures or tube replacement with endoscopy. Therefore, the LCIG treatment is feasible and safe and is a unique treatment option for PD, requiring endoscopists’ understanding and cooperation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-021-02269-7.

Close relationships in Parkinson´s disease patients with device-aided therapy

OBJECTIVES

Deep brain stimulation, continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, and levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, together called device-aided therapies (DAT), are introduced when oral and transdermal pharmacotherapy are not enough for a satisfactory control of Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms. Solid relationships are central to an individual's well-being, but the impact of close relationships in advanced PD remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of close relationships between PD patients and their partners following the initiation of DAT and to examine the relationship structures in these relationships.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective quantitative multicenter pilot study wherein 41 couples, patients with advanced PD and their partners, retrospectively rated their relationship satisfaction before the start of DAT, after one year of DAT and at the time of the interview. The couples also answered the Experiences in Close Relationships-Questionnaire of Relational Structures (ECR-RS).

RESULTS

Partners more often report changes in relationship satisfaction than patients between baseline and both 1 year after start of DAT (p = .049) and last evaluation (p = .041). The ECR-RS data reported significantly higher avoidance score for partners (p = .005) and significantly higher anxiety score for patients (p = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

The close relationship wherein one part has PD and receives DAT has a high risk of being unequal. Prospective studies are needed for further clarification of the interplay between advanced PD, DAT, and close relationships, this in order to improve pre- and postinterventional support for PD patients receiving DAT, as well as their partners.

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.

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

Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: a narrative review

The presence of respiratory symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been known since the first description of the disease, even though the prevalence and incidence of these disturbances are not well defined. Several causes have been reported, comprising obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and changes in the central ventilatory control, and different pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated accordingly. In our review, we encompass the current knowledge about respiratory abnormalities in PD, as well as the impact of anti-Parkinsonian drugs as either risk or protective factors. A description of putative pathogenetic mechanisms is also provided, and possible treatments are discussed, focusing on the importance of recognising and treating respiratory symptoms as a key manifestation of the disease itself. A brief description of respiratory dysfunctions in atypical Parkinsonism, especially α-synucleinopathies, is also provided.

This review addresses current knowledge about respiratory dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease, from the aetiopathology to pharmacological and invasive treatments, describing the different clinical phenotypeshttps://bit.ly/2X7OLtN

Parkinson's disease: etiopathogenesis and treatment

The concept of 'idiopathic' Parkinson's disease (PD) as a single entity has been challenged with the identification of several clinical subtypes, pathogenic genes and putative causative environmental agents. In addition to classic motor symptoms, non-motor manifestations (such as rapid eye movement sleep disorder, anosmia, constipation and depression) appear at prodromic/premotor stage and evolve, along with cognitive impairment and dysautonomia, as the disease progresses, often dominating the advanced stages of the disease. The key molecular pathogenic mechanisms include α-synuclein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairment of protein clearance (associated with deficient ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosomal systems), neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The involvement of dopaminergic as well as noradrenergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and adenosine pathways provide insights into the rich and variable clinical phenomenology associated with PD and the possibility of alternative therapeutic approaches beyond traditional dopamine replacement therapies.One of the biggest challenges in the development of potential neuroprotective therapies has been the lack of reliable and sensitive biomarkers of progression. Immunotherapies such as the use of vaccination or monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated, toxic α-synuclein.as well as anti-aggregation or protein clearance strategies are currently investigated in clinical trials. The application of glucagon-like peptide one receptor agonists, specific PD gene target agents (such as GBA or LRRK2 modifiers) and other potential disease modifying drugs provide cautious optimism that more effective therapies are on the horizon. Emerging therapies, such as new symptomatic drugs, innovative drug delivery systems and novel surgical interventions give hope to patients with PD about their future outcomes and prognosis.

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.

Access and Use of Device-Aided Therapies for Parkinson's Disease in Denmark

Background

In Denmark's five regions, there is potential inequality in access to device-aided therapy (DAT) for Parkinson's disease (PD) based on structural or socioeconomic factors. It is unclear how long DAT is maintained and affects concomitant medication.

Objectives

To investigate access to DAT by comparing the proportion of patients with DBS, subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (SCAI), or levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in Danish regions 2008-2016 and describe demographics of patients, changes in use of comedication, and maintenance of DAT.

Methods

This work is a retrospective nationwide population-based registry analysis generated by combining various registries and statistics in Denmark.

Results

From 2008 to 2016, 612 patients started DAT. There were statistically significant differences in the number of patients starting DAT between the Capital Region (99.5 per 1,000) and both Central Jutland (66.6 per 1,000) and North Jutland (70.6 per 1,000; P < 0.05). Among DBS and LCIG patients, respectively, 4% and 42% were aged ≥70 years, 68% and 63% were men (vs. 59% in the general PD population; P < 0.05 for DBS), 73% and 63% had a partner (vs. 62% in the general PD population), and 73% and 71% had a qualifying education (vs. 63% in the general PD population; P < 0.05). Use of PD-related medication decreased significantly from 4 years before to 4 years after DAT. Eighty-one percent of the patients who started LCIG, alive 4 years later, had maintained this treatment.

Conclusions

There is unequal access to DAT in the Danish regions, and political and social considerations are warranted to address structural and socioeconomic causes.

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.

COVID-19: An Early Review of Its Global Impact and Considerations for Parkinson's Disease Patient Care

While many infectious disorders are unknown to most neurologists, COVID-19 is very different. It has impacted neurologists and other health care workers, not only in our professional lives but also through the fear and panic within our own families, colleagues, patients and their families, and even in the wider public. COVID-19 affects all sorts of individuals, but the elderly with underlying chronic conditions are particularly at risk of severe disease, or even death. Parkinson's disease (PD) shares a common profile as an age-dependent degenerative disorder, frequently associated with comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular diseases, so PD patients will almost certainly fall into the high-risk group. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the risk of COVID-19 in PD based on the susceptibility to severe disease, its impact on PD disease severity, potential long-term sequelae, and difficulties of PD management during this outbreak, where neurologists face various challenges on how we can maintain effective care for PD patients without exposing them, or ourselves, to the risk of infection. It is less than six months since the identification of the original COVID-19 case on New Year's Eve 2019, so it is still too early to fully understand the natural history of COVID-19 and the evidence on COVID-19-related PD is scant. Though the possibilities presented are speculative, they are theory-based, and supported by prior evidence from other neurotrophic viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. Neurologists should be on high alert and vigilant for potential acute and chronic complications when encountering PD patients who are suspected of having COVID-19.

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.

Safety of Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease Receiving ≥2000 mg Daily Dose of Levodopa

Background

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) provides continuous levodopa administration and clinical benefits to patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). This report evaluates long-term safety and efficacy of high-dose LCIG in PD patients.

Methods

Data were collected from several prospective, phase III clinical studies and an observational registry. The phase III program (N = 412) included four multicenter studies: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study and three open-label studies extending ≥12 months. GLORIA (N = 412) included four multicenter studies: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study and three open-label studies extending ≥12 months. GLORIA (.

Results

A total of 72 of 412 (17.5%) patients required dosages ≥2000 mg/day LCIG in the phase III program and 47 of 375 (12.5%) patients in GLORIA. Baseline demographics and disease severity were similar between dosage groups with more men in the high-dosage group. Compared with the <2000 mg/day dosage group, patients requiring ≥2000 mg/day LCIG had higher rates of AEs/ADRs including polyneuropathy; improvements in "Off" time and discontinuations due to AEs were similar between dosage groups and lower for discontinuations due to ADRs reported in GLORIA.

Conclusions

Patients who require ≥2000 mg/day LCIG exhibited a safety profile comparable to the established safety/tolerability of LCIG with similar clinical improvements. Higher AEs were noted but within what is accepted for LCIG. Continuous administration of LCIG is beneficial to advanced PD patients who require very high doses of levodopa.

A post hoc comparison of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel daytime monotherapy vs polytherapy safety and efficacy in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease: Results from 6 phase 3/3b open-label studies

Introduction

As Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses, the number/frequency of PD medications tend to increase, which is correlated with decreased patient compliance and suboptimal control of PD symptoms. We investigated efficacy and safety of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) daytime monotherapy (with or without nighttime oral levodopa-carbidopa) compared with polytherapy (LCIG with ≥1 adjunctive PD therapy) in advanced PD patients.

Methods

This post hoc descriptive study compared LCIG stable daytime monotherapy with LCIG stable polytherapy in all six phase 3/3b open-label studies from both US and international sites; because of study design variability, pooling data for comparison was not appropriate. Efficacy assessments included PD diary data (mean change from baseline in “Off” time and “On” time with or without troublesome dyskinesia), mean Unified PD Rating Scale scores (Parts II and III), and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) summary index. Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

Overall, LCIG daytime monotherapy and polytherapy demonstrated similar efficacy/safety profiles in advanced PD patients, regardless of treatment duration or population. LCIG monotherapy vs. polytherapy groups experienced similar mean decreases in “Off” time (4.6 vs. 4.1 h/day) and similar increases in “On” time without troublesome dyskinesia (4.6 vs. 4.1 h/day). In most studies, PDQ-39 summary index scores were reduced from baseline by ≥5 points, regardless of patient population or study duration. Adverse events not related to the procedure/device were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that, for appropriate patients, LCIG monotherapy can provide a more simplified treatment option with similar efficacy and safety.

•

Advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) often requires a large number of medications

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Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is administered continuously

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LCIG monotherapy vs. polytherapy was assessed in six phase 3/3b studies

•

LCIG monotherapy and polytherapy had similar efficacy and safety profiles

•

LCIG monotherapy may provide a more simplified treatment option for advanced PD

Beyond 10 years of levodopa intestinal infusion experience: Analysis of mortality and its predictors

INTRODUCTION

Although levodopa/carbidopa intestinal infusion (LCIG) proved a sustained efficacy on Parkinson's disease (PD) motor fluctuations, there is a lack of studies on mortality of LCIG patients. In this study, we aimed at analyzing mortality and its predictors in a cohort of 105 PD patients treated with LCIG for over 10 years.

METHODS

The death rate, death causes, mortality predictors, and serious adverse events (SAEs) were analyzed. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the influence of several demographic and clinical factors on mortality, and a binary logistic regression to evaluate the association between SAEs number and mortality. Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank test was used for a survival comparison between patients with an early drop-out (within 3 years since LCIG start) and patients continuing LCIG.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight advanced PD patients treated with LCIG were included. During follow-up, 34.7% of patients died at a mean age of 74.7 years, with a mean survival time of 4.6 years since LCIG start and 18 years since PD onset. The only predictor of mortality identified was the Mini Mental State Examination score at LCIG start (p:0.034). A total of 222 SAEs occurred in 87.9% of LCIG patients. The number of SAEs did not correlate with the mortality of LCIG patients (p:0.370). No survival difference exists between early drop-out patients and those continuing LCIG (p:0.341).

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not indicate an association between SAEs or LCIG treatment duration and mortality and highlight the importance of cognitive alterations as a mortality predictor of LCIG patients.

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.

Emergencies and critical issues in Parkinson's disease

Complications from Parkinson’s disease may develop over the disease course, sometimes unexpectedly, and require prompt or even urgent medical intervention. The most common are associated with aggravation of motor symptoms; serious non-motor complications, such as psychosis, orthostatic hypotension or sleep attacks, also occur. Here we review such complications, their clinical presentation, precipitating factors and management, including those related to using device-aided therapies. Early recognition and prompt attention to these critical situations is challenging, even for the Parkinson’s disease specialist, but is essential to prevent serious problems.

Technique and outcome of percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy for continuous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel for treatment of Parkinson's disease

Objective: A new method of drug delivery via the small bowel, continuous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG), for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) has been developed and shown to improve patients' quality of life. Levodopa is infused directly and continuously into the proximal jejunum via a percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy (PEG-J) tube that is connected to a portable infusion pump. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and outcomes of our PEG-J technique performed in advance of LCIG therapy in patients with advanced PD. Material and methods: We reviewed the cases of 37 patients who underwent PEG-J for LCIG therapy at our hospital between November 2016 and May 2018. Pull-through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and gastropexy were performed in all patients. The J-tube was inserted through the PEG tube and placed beyond the ligament of Treitz endoscopically under fluoroscopic guidance. After two weeks, the gastropexy sutures were removed. Results: PEG-J with placement of the tube beyond the ligament of Treitz was successful in all 37 patients. Median procedure time was 26.4 min. Median hospital stay after the procedure was 16 days. Median follow-up with the PEG-J tube in place was 11 months. There were five procedure-related complications (13.5%) and 13 device-related complications (35.1%). There was no death related to the procedure. Conclusions: Our PEG-J technique can be performed safely in patients with advanced PD, and favorable outcomes have been achieved to date.

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.

[Analysis of PEG-J associated complications in 14 adult patients treated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel]

We analyzed 14 patients in our hospital, who underwent levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J). The PEG-J related complications were observed in 10 patients (71.4%). Detailed complications are as followings: J-tube related complications such as kinking (3 cases, 21.4%), pump malfunctions (3 cases, 21.4%), skin troubles in the gastrostoma (7 cases, 50.0%), duodenal perforation, peritonitis, and ulcers (2 cases, 14.3%). These results indicated that the sufficient care for PEG-J associated complications are important in LCIG treatment.

Adjunctive Therapies in Parkinson's Disease: How to Choose the Best Treatment Strategy Approach

End-of-dose motor fluctuations are regarded as one of the core troublesome symptoms by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Treatment of levodopa (L-dopa)-induced motor fluctuations is still an unmet medical need. L-dopa is the gold standard in the treatment of motor PD symptoms; notwithstanding, a wide range of adjunct therapies are currently available for the treatment of end-of-dose motor fluctuations. Additionally, device-aided therapies, such as deep brain stimulation, L-dopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, and on-demand injection or continuous apomorphine infusion, may be considered when oral treatments are not sufficient to control motor fluctuations. In spite of the several evidence-based reviews and guidelines available, there is no agreement on which add-on therapy should be started first or its optimal timing. Equally challenging is the choice and timing between device-aided therapies. Herein, we propose a general overview of oral and device-aided treatments for PD patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations, offering two possible algorithms that can guide clinicians during the therapeutic decision process.

24-hour levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel may reduce troublesome dyskinesia in advanced Parkinson's disease

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is effective for the control of motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study is to report the reduction of dyskinesias after transitioning from 16 to 24-h/day LCIG infusion. From a cohort of 74 PD patients treated with LCIG for motor fluctuations, we identified 12 patients that were treated with 24-h per day infusion with the aim to control troublesome daytime dyskinesia. Clinical, demographic, dyskinesia rating scales were evaluated. Daytime dyskinesia was reduced in 75% (9/12) patients following treatment with 24-h therapy, including 7 who were compared with 16-h therapy and 2 that were transitioned from oral dopaminergic therapy to 24-h LCIG. Combining the data from all 12 subjects, troublesome dyskinesias were reduced during 24-h LCIG; UPDRS 4.1 (time spent with dyskinesias) mean change was -1.5 ± 0.75, p = 0.010 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and UPDRS 4.2 (functional impact of dyskinesias) mean change was -1.7 ± 0.90, p = 0.016, without changing their UPDRS part 3 "ON" scores (p = 0.138) or H&Y (p = 0.157). In 5 patients, improvement in dyskinesia occurred despite an overall increase in the total daily levodopa dose. None of the patients had worsening of dyskinesia after a median follow-up of 28 months. 24-h per day infusion of LCIG may be a useful strategy in the management of troublesome dyskinesias in PD patients with disabling dyskinesias resistant to attempts to optimise 16-hours per day therapy. We postulate that this may be due to a pharmacodynamic as opposed to pharmacokinetic mechanism.

[Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel treatment introduced by surgical gastrostomy in a patient of Parkinson's disease after Billroth II gastrojejunostomy]

A 68-year-old man, who had received Billroth II gastrojejunostomy because of duodenal ulcer at the age of 20, was diagnosed to have Parkinson's disease at age 57 years. The drug therapy has been effective in the first 10 years, however, recently he was suffering from troublesome dyskinesia and wearing-off in spite of diligent drug adjustments. Although the indication of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment was good, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was difficult because of abdominal adhesion. Therefore, we introduced LCIG by surgical gastrostomy. After LCIG therapy, wearing-off and dyskinesia disappeared. This is the first case of Parkinson's disease patient with LCIG therapy by surgical gastrostomy in Japan.

Implementing Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel for Parkinson Disease: Insights from US Practitioners

Background

Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG, designated in the United States as carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension, CLES) was approved in the United States in 2015 for the treatment of refractory motor fluctuations in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Many neurologists in the United States have not had personal experience with implementation and management of the unique delivery system for this treatment.

Methods and Findings

This educational review was developed to provide practitioners with an understanding of LCIG use from the clinician's point of view. Practical recommendations for the use of LCIG from the early planning stages through long‐term patient management were compiled from the published literature, regulatory guidance, and clinical experience. Among the topics reviewed were: assembling a multidisciplinary treatment team, identifying treatment candidates, patient/care partner education, procedural considerations, post‐procedural care, LCIG initiation and titration, troubleshooting issues, and ongoing monitoring. For most of these steps, a considerable amount of individualization is possible, which allows clinicians to tailor protocols based on the needs of their teams, the healthcare system, and the patient and care partner. Although clinical practices are heterogeneous, themes of early planning, ongoing education, and a team‐based approach to management are universal.

Conclusions

By using established protocols and insights gleaned from experienced practitioners, clinicians who are unfamiliar with LCIG can more feasibly incorporate this treatment option into their armamentarium for treating PD motor fluctuations.

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel: 'dismantling the road blocks of a journey'

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel offers superior treatment to standard oral therapy in selective patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The costs involved in instituting and maintaining this treatment are high but largely mitigated with the quality of life years the treatment offers. Key to this is ensuring a high retention rate once the treatment is instituted. We outline factors and considerations from our experience and viewpoints at each stage of the process to address in this 'journey' patients undertake that can help maximise retention rates and benefits.