Duodopa pump treatment in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease
Dan. Med. Bull. 57(6):A4155 (2010)
Published: June 2010
Patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) often develop motor complications, such as fluctuations and involuntary movements (known as dyskinesias).
In this study from Denmark, 12 PD patients were assessed for Duodopa pump therapy. Each patient had a permanent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube inserted, which contained a smaller intestinal tube terminating in the duodenum. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment initiation, using clinical rating scales and video recordings.
Objectively, all 12 patients experienced a significant reduction in fluctuations and dyskinesias, while achieving a better gait function. Three of the 12 patients received Duodopa as 24-hour treatment, with good effect on severe nocturnal dystonic pain observed. One patient suffered a severe complication (peritonitis).
The authors of this study concluded that Duodopa is able to relieve symptoms and has a stabilizing effect without side effects; however, the use of this procedure does entail a risk of surgical complications (peritonitis).
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