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.

Automated summary

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms. Orthostatic hypotension, a disabling nonmotor feature, can be improved by continuous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel treatment.