Objective: To report the role and impact of Duopa on non-motor Parkinsonian symptoms in patients with deep brain stimulation within a month from starting therapy.

Background: Duopa (levodopa/carbidopa gel) has shown to improve dyskinesia and off periods in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease and is an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS). But there is limited data on its role in patients who already have DBS especially with regards to its impact on non-motor symptoms.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of all adult Parkinson’s patients who have DBS and have undergone Duopa. Clinical, psychosocial history and demographic data pre and post therapy were reviewed. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: 4 patients all Caucasian males (ages: 56 years, 57years, 69 years, and 78 years) with STN DBS (average off time: 5 hours daily) underwent Duopa therapy.  Post therapy there was significant improvement in pain with pain scales on visual analog scale improving from average 8/10 to 3/10, (0-no pain, 10-worst pain), p<.0.5 within a month of starting therapy. In addition all patients reported improved interest and motivation in doing activities and tasks. All patients had an average 2 falls within a month of starting therapy (2orthostatic, 2 mechanical).

Conclusions: The addition of Duopa in patients with DBS has significant improvement in pain, and improved interest and motivation in doing activities while there is an increased risk of fall associated with it.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-duopa-on-non-motor-symptoms-of-parkinsons-patients-with-deep-brain-stimulation/