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Parkinsonism and related disorders
Volume 16, Issue 3, Pages 218-221 (March 2010)


Eighteen month study of continuous intraduodenal levodopa infusion in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease: Impact on control of fluctuations and quality of life☆

V. Puentea, O. De Fabreguesb, C. Oliverasa, G. Riberab, C. Pont-Sunyera, R. Vivancoa, G. Cucurellaa, E. Giralta, T. Delgadob, C. Garciab, A. Seoanec, R. Campod


Received 15 October 2008; received in revised form 17 May 2009; accepted 29 July 2009.

Abstract
Symptom control, daily “on” time, and quality of life (QoL) of nine patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease was assessed following 18-months treatment with Continuous Intraduodenal Levodopa Infusion (CIDLI). Patients had severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesias and had previously received treatment with oral levodopa and dopamine agonists. There were significant improvements in patients' symptoms on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and QoL (Parkinson's Disease QoL Questionnaire; Schwab & England Capacity for Daily Living Scale; p < 0.05). Mean (±SD) daily “on” time increased from 6.1 ± 1.9 to 12.0 ± 3.4 h (p < 0.05). Improved QoL in APD was associated with CIDLI-related improvements in symptom control and increase in daily “on” time.