Interim analysis of long-term intraduodenal levodopa infusion in advanced Parkinson disease

Background - This interim 12-month analysis is a part of an open-label, observational, prospective study on health outcomes and cost impact of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG, Duodopa) in Parkinson disease (PD). The specific aim was to investigate clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects in routine care. Methods - Unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) was the primary efficacy measurement. PD QoL questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) assessed HRQoL. Subjects were assessed at baseline, >= 3 months after surgery, and then every 3 months. Results - Twenty-seven treatment-naive subjects when started with LCIG showed a decrease in UPDRS score that was statistically significant throughout the year: UPDRS total score (mean +/- SD), baseline = 52.1 +/- 16.1, N = 27, month 0 (first visit; at least 3 months after permanent LCIG) = 43.1 +/- 16.7, N = 27, P = 0.003; month 12 = 42.5 +/- 22.6, n = 25, P = 0.017. PDQ-39 results also showed a tendency for improvement: PDQ-39 (mean +/- SD), baseline = 33.6 +/- 10.8, N = 27, month 0 = 27.1 +/- 11.8, N = 27, P = 0.001; 12 months = 28.8 +/- 12.8, n = 23, P = 0.126. Conclusions - LCIG provides functional improvement beginning at first visit that is sustained for 12 months.