Long-term effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel in 177 Spanish patients with advanced Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Aim: To assess long-term effectiveness and tolerability of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in Spanish patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Patients & methods: This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective study.

Results: Data of 177 patients were analyzed. LCIG treatment led to a reduction in the percentage of daily 'off' time (16.2 vs 47.6% before LCIG), an increase in the percentage of daily 'on' time without disabling dyskinesia (55.6 vs 21.6%). Most patients experienced improvements in freezing of gait, tremor, dizziness, fatigue or flat mood. Adverse events related to levodopa, gastrostomy and technical issues were reported in 36.2, 42.4 and 43.5% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion: This study confirms the long-term effectiveness and safety profile of LCIG in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; dyskinesia; levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel; nonmotor symptoms; ‘off’ time.