Problems related to levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease

Background Continuous levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) diminishes daily “off” time and dyskinesia in patients with advanced Parkinson′s disease (PD). Complications are common with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension tube (PEG‐J). Aim of the Study To report the clinical outcome of LCIG in patients with advanced PD in the years 2006–2014 at Helsinki University Hospital. Patients and Methods Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel treatment started following PEG‐J placement in patients with advanced PD after successful in‐hospital LCIG trial with a nasojejunal tube. Demographics, PEG‐J procedures, discontinuation of LCIG, complications and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. Results [mean (SD)] Sixty patients with advanced PD [age 68(7) years; duration of PD: 11(4) years] had LCIG treatment for 26(23) months. The majority of patients with advanced PD were satisfied with the LCIG treatment. For 51 patients (85%), the pump was on for 16 hr a day, and for nine patients (15%) it was on for 24 hr a day. After 6 months, the levodopa‐equivalent daily dose (LEDD) had increased by 30% compared to pre‐LCIG LEDD. Sixty patients underwent a total of 156 PEG‐J procedures, and 48 patients (80%) had a total of 143 complications. Forty‐six patients (77%) had 119 PEG‐J or peristomal complications, and 22 patients (37%) had a total of 25 other complications. The most common complications were accidental removal of the J‐tube in 23 patients (38%) and ≥5% weight loss in 18 patients (30%). Fifteen patients discontinued the LCIG after 21 (21) months. At the end of the follow‐up period of 33(27) months, 38 patients were still on LCIG and nine (15%) had died. Conclusion Most patients were satisfied with LCIG treatment. A few patients lost weight whereas the majority had complications with PEG‐J. When LCIG treatment is carried out, neurological and endoscopic units must be prepared for multiple endoscopic procedures. Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease receiving LCIG in the years 2006–2014 at Helsinki University Hospital were studied. Sixty patients underwent a total of 156 PEG‐J procedures, and 48 patients (80%) had a total of 143 complications; the most common complications were accidental removal of the J‐tube in 23 patients (38%) and ≥5% weight loss in 18 patients (30%). When LCIG treatment is carried out, neurological and endoscopic units must be prepared for multiple endoscopic procedures.