Pharmacotherapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is based on levodopa, the most effective dopaminergic drug. The development of motor complications constitutes the major challenge for new or refined therapies. To evaluate the impact of levodopa pharmacokinetics on motor function, an observational study in the patients’ home environment was carried out. A high variability in plasma levodopa levels was found in all patients, irrespective of treatment regimen. The impact of levodopa pharmacokinetics was further studied in a crossover trial comparing sustained-release tablets and continuous daytime intestinal infusion. Infusion produced significantly decreased variability in plasma levels of levodopa, resulting in significantly normalised motor function. A permanent system for long-term levodopa infusion has been developed and 28 patients have been followed for 87 patient-years. Motor response was generally preserved during the long-term observation period, implying that there is no development of tolerance to infusion therapy. Levodopa tablets are normally used in multiples of 50 or 100 mg, thus a rough estimate of individual dosage. A new concept for individualising levodopa/carbidopa doses with microtablets of 5/1.25 mg is under development. An electronic drug-dispensing device for administering the microtablets was tested on patients with PD. All were able to handle the dispenser and most were interested in future use of the concept. Self-assessment of symptoms is accurate in PD, but traditional paper diaries are associated with low compliance. A wireless electronic diary was compared with a corresponding paper diary. The time-stamped and thus completely reliable patient compliance was 88% with the electronic diary. To conclude, pharmacokinetics of levodopa is the major determinant for motor fluctuations in PD. Every effort to individualise dosage and to smooth out the fluctuations in levodopa concentrations should be made, e.g. by means of microtablets or enteral infusion. Electronic patient diaries for real-time data capture are suitable for PD studies.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Univ., 2009. / Härtill 3 uppsatser.

p. 1-68 / Submitted by Antonio Geraldo Couto Barreto (ppgms@ufba.br) on 2013-10-04T11:15:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE NEUROPATIA PERIFERICA NA DPI-GRACAS.pdf: 925860 bytes, checksum: accf87e5eb47a69b54a193d8b77c2a6b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Patricia Barroso(pbarroso@ufba.br) on 2013-10-08T17:02:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE NEUROPATIA PERIFERICA NA DPI-GRACAS.pdf: 925860 bytes, checksum: accf87e5eb47a69b54a193d8b77c2a6b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-10-08T17:02:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE NEUROPATIA PERIFERICA NA DPI-GRACAS.pdf: 925860 bytes, checksum: accf87e5eb47a69b54a193d8b77c2a6b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Palavras-chaves: 1.; 2.; 3.; 4.; 5..1.; 2.; 3.levodopa; 4., 5.homocysteine. / Indivíduos com doença de Parkinson idiopática (DPI) podem apresentar neuropatia periférica, o que pode agravar o desempenho motor. A causa da neuropatia periférica nesses pacientes é controversa. Objetivos- Identificar a prevalência de polineuropatia periférica (PNP) e os fatores que contribuem para seu surgimento na DPI. Métodos- Corte transversal com grupo controle. Foram avaliados 66 indivíduos: 36 com doença de Parkinson e 30 controles quanto à presença de polineuropatia pelos Escores de Toronto (ET), de Sintomas (ESN) e de Comprometimento Neuropáticos (ECN), e pela Eletroneuromiografia (EMG). Investigou-se a possível associação entre níveis séricos aumentados de homocisteína (HCI), hipovitaminose B12 (VB12), e diminuição de ácido fólico no soro, uso da levodopa, a gravidade da doença de Parkinson e a PNP. Resultados- O grupo Parkinson foi composto por 16M/20F [idade 69,4±6,8 anos] e os controles por 12M/18F[idade 70,5±6,1 anos]. A maioria dos participantes apresentou escores clínicos sugestivos de neuropatia, ET [controles 3,8±2,6; DPI 5,3±1,8, p=0,012], ECN [controles 3,0±2,3; DPI 4,2±1,7, p=0,026], alterações neuropáticas no estudo condução nervosa sensitiva e motora dos nervos sural e fibular ocorreu em 3% dos controles e em 8% dos pacientes com DPI. Embora a HCI tenha sido mais alta nos DPI, a diferença não foi significante [DPI 16,01±6,88 mmol/L; controles 14,68±5,77 mmol/L, p=0,403]; níveis baixos de VB12 foram mais frequentes nos controles 30% vs 19,4%, p=0,961. Não houve associação entre as dosagens bioquímicas (coef.associação= 0,30), nem entre o uso de levodopa (Phi= 0,533) e a PNP, que esteve associada a DPI (RC=2,64). Conclusão- Na nossa amostra, os escores neuropáticos foram mais altos entre os portadores de DPI e não esteve associado ao uso da levodopa nem a hiperhomocisteinemia e/ou deficiência da vitamina B12. / Salvador

Orientador: Elizabeth Maria Aparecida Barasnevicius Quagliato / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T22:19:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Letro_GraceHelena_D.pdf: 960474 bytes, checksum: 73209cd37ac6132633ef6ce1d577cd77 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Estudar as complicações motoras e não motoras em um grupo de pacientes com DP em tratamento com levodopa (LD). Complicações motoras e não motoras foram avaliadas em 61 pacientes (22 mulheres e 39 homens) com DP usando LD. As escalas Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), estágio da doença Hoehn & Yahr e Schwab & England foram usadas para avaliar os pacientes nos períodos "on/off". Wearing-off motor e não motor foram identificados pelo Cartão Questionário de Wearing-off (QC). A depressão foi avaliada pelo Inventário de Depressão de Beck, e a percepção da qualidade de vida, pelo questionário de Qualidade de Vida na DP (PDQ-39). A média do tempo de doença foi de 7.82±3.16 anos. A idade de início dos sintomas foi de 56.70±9.38 anos, e a média de tempo de tratamento com LD foi de 5.33±3.16 anos. Flutuações motoras (FM) e discinesias foram observadas nos pacientes com DP em 78.6% e 45.9%, respectivamente. Os melhores preditores para as FM foram o tempo de tratamento com LD, UPDRS motor "on" e desconforto corporal (PDQ-39). O melhor preditor para as discinesias foi o tempo de doença. As FM foram mais bem identificadas pelo QC. Os sintomas não motores (FNM) mais frequentes foram ansiedade, alterações do humor, sensação dolorosa e dor e apareceram juntamente com as flutuações motoras. Conclusão: As flutuações motoras foram relacionadas com maior comprometimento motor, desconforto corporal e tempo de tratamento com LD. As discinesias foram correlacionadas com tempo de doença. As flutuações não motoras ocorreram simultaneamente às FM / Abstract: Study the motor and non-motor complications in a group of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with levodopa (LD). Motor and non-motor complications were assessed in 61 patients (22 women and 39 men) with PD using LD. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn & Yahr staging and Schwab & England ADL scale were used to assess the patients "on/off" period. Motor and non-motor wearing-off effects were identified by the Wearing-off Questionnaire Card (QC). Depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory and the perception of quality of life by the PD Quality of Life questionnaire (PDQ-39). The mean disease duration was 7.82±3.16 years. The mean age at onset was 56.70±9.38 years and the mean duration of levodopa (LD) treatment was 5.33±3.16 years. Motor fluctuations (MF) and dyskinesias were observed in 78.6% and 45.9%, respectively, of PD patients. The prevalence of MF was best predicted by the duration of levodopa treatment, the UPDRS "on" motor score and bodily discomfort (PDQ-39). The prevalence of dyskinesias was best predicted by disease duration. Motor symptoms were best identified by the QC. The most frequent nonmotor symptoms were anxiety, mood changes, aching and pain. Non-motor symptoms appeared along with motor symptoms. Conclusion: Motor fluctuations were related with greater motor impairment, bodily discomfort and duration of LD treatment. In addition, a correlation was found between dyskinesias and disease duration. Non-motor fluctuations occurred simultaneously with MF / Doutorado / Neurologia / Doutor em Ciências Médicas

Previous controlled studies have shown that severe daytime restriction of dietary protein improves the efficacy of L-dopa and reduces response fluctuations in some Parkinson's disease in-patients. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutritional adequacy of the restricted protein diet. Other objectives were to assess the patients' acceptance of the diet and to identify the practical difficulties encountered in following the diet at home. The effect of the restricted protein diet on the subjects' response to levodopa was also examined. Subjects were 11 free-living, otherwise healthy Parkinson's disease patients who suffered from unpredictable response fluctuations to Sinemet (L-dopa containing medicine). This condition is also described as the "on-off" phenomenon. They were counselled to consume a daytime restricted protein diet for 6 weeks (mean ± s.d. protein intake before evening meal 12 ± 2 g for females and 14 ± 3 g for males). Food intake was unrestricted from dinner until bedtime, and subjects were encouraged to consume nutrient-dense foods during this period. The subjects were required to complete a series of three 6-day food records and "on-off" charts (pre-diet, diet week 2, diet week 6). The "on-off" charts indicated the daily number of hours spent in the "on" state (when medication is effective and parkinsonian symptoms are controlled) and in the "off" state (when medication is not effective and symptoms are not well controlled). Hemoglobin, plasma albumin, prealbumin and ferritin were measured before and after the 6-week diet period. Subjective evaluation questionnaires were completed by all participants and their spouses or caregivers. Results from dietary record analysis showed that the restricted protein diet was associated with significant decreases in total intakes of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenate, in comparison to "usual" intakes. Intake of energy, carbohydrates, lipids, potassium, thiamin, folacin, and vitamins A, C and B12 did not change significantly. While on the restricted protein diet, only calcium intake was substantially less than the RNI. Biochemical measures of nutritional status were not significantly reduced. Mean body weight tended to decrease (p=.054) over the first 2 weeks and then stabilized until the end of the study period. The results of the "on-off" charts showed that three of the eleven subjects significantly increased their daily time "on" while on the restricted protein diet. Subjectively, six individuals noted an improvement in daytime mobility and indicated that they would maintain the diet for an indefinite period of time. Problems identified by the subjects included hunger prior-'to the evening meal and a lack of variety in food choices. These results show that otherwise healthy and motivated patients with Parkinson's disease can maintain an adequate intake of energy, protein, and most nutrients while on the daytime restricted protein diet. The diet appeared to be relatively well tolerated by patients who obtained a subjective benefit. It is suggested that in patients whose regular diets are marginally adequate, the restricted protein diet might compromise nutrient intakes. Counselling by a registered dietitian is recommended for all patients who undertake this type of diet. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

Parkinson’s disease(PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the motor system. These symptoms can be treated temporarily with medicine,but it’s difficult to determine the right dosage. The goal was to use sensorsthat could measure the symptoms of PD and thus be able to give an objec-tive rating of the disease as a basis to determine the correct medicine dosage.Coincidentally with A.I and modern devices we can make it more exciting byusing mobile device games to generate the bulk of the information for whatdoctors need to give out correct medication guidelines without guidance fromthe engineers. Processing past research papers and data sets of use is im-portant to use adequate methodology and A.I tools to generate the expectedresult. Innately using a system that could measure Accelerometer-data andeasily log this data into MatLab to be processed. The system would also needto be used in similar ways by multiple patients so that the results could becompared to each other. The patients that would use this system would alsoneed to willingly use this multiple times a day, so it could not be tiresome touse it at a daily basis. Main programming language used was MATLAB and with its’ internal intelligent system tools namely ML toolbox, you can gen-erate machine learning system. The smartphone solution satisfied all of theprerequisites and would prove to be a viable choice with its strength in its ac-cessibility and ease of use. The group with imitated symptoms while playingthe game gave similar results as preceding research papers that was measuredon real PD patients, so from the results this solution has the possibility tobe used by patients and neurologists to asses the correct PD treatment withmedicine. Despite sudden impedance from the hospital and current Covid-19situation this is a field that can be further studied in the future.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting mainly the elderly. One of the most important hallmarks of Parkinson's disease is the loss of neuronal cell bodies containing neuromelanin in the substantia nigra zona compacta, and subsequently, loss of dopamine terminals in basal ganglia nuclei of the brain. The discovery by Hornykiewicz and co-workers that levodopa could successfully treat Parkinson's disease in humans was one of the most important events of medicine in the 20th century. Since loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic function is the basic underlying pathophysiology of this disease, drugs that enhance dopaminergic function in the striatum, including the exogenous precursor levodopa, remain the most effective symptomatic agents in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are some areas of controversy about levodopa-evoked motor complications (dyskinesias, on-off phenomena) as well as neuroprotective or neurotoxic activity of this drug, etc. In this article the authors try to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in levodopa action, such as volume transmission - a crucial process for successful levodopa therapy, evidence that serotoninergic neurons may accumulate levodopa and convert it into dopamine as well as some aspects of neuroprotective action of levoda.

<p>  </p> <p>Disfluencies are a commonly reported speech symptom associated with Parkinson disease (PD), though the cause remains unknown. Studies have consistently reported that people with PD experience more disfluencies, particularly atypical disfluencies compared to healthy controls. One proposed theory, known as the dualistic model of dopamine levels and stuttering, posits that abnormally high or low levels of dopamine may cause an increase in disfluencies. The aim of the current study is to examine how levodopa medication and deep-brain stimulation affect fluency in people with PD. Twenty-seven participants with PD underwent testing before (on and off medicine) and six months after deep-brain stimulator implant surgery (optimally medicated, on and off stimulation). Participants read a passage aloud and provided a 2-minute monologue. Speech samples were transcribed. The number of typical and atypical disfluencies were identified auditorily and using a wide-band spectrogram. After surgery, most participants reduced their levodopa equivalency dose from pre-implant levels. Results demonstrated no significant differences in frequency of disfluencies across time (pre-surgery, post-surgery) or condition (on/off medication/stimulation). Overall, participants produced more typical than atypical disfluencies and more disfluencies in the monologue task than the reading task. Results do not support the dualistic model of dopamine, but instead support a more nuanced and individualized role for dopamine in speech fluency. For example, patterns within individual subjects suggest changes in dopamine may play a role in speech fluency for individual patients with PD. Data support the effect of cognition and language formulation in the production of disfluencies, particularly typical disfluencies.</p>

Background: Medication-related interferences with measurements of catecholamines and their metabolites represent important causes of false-positive results during diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Such interferences are less troublesome with measurements by liquid chromatography with tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) than by other methods, but can still present problems for some drugs. Levodopa, the precursor for dopamine used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, represents one potentially interfering medication. Methods: Plasma and urine samples, obtained from 20 Parkinsonian patients receiving levodopa, were analysed for concentrations of catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites by LC-MS/MS. Results were compared with those from a group of 120 age-matched subjects and 18 patients with PPGLs. Results: Plasma and urinary free and deconjugated (freeþconjugated) methoxytyramine, as well as urinary dopamine, showed 22- to 148-fold higher (P<0.0001) concentrations in patients receiving levodopa than in the reference group. In contrast, plasma normetanephrine, urinary noradrenaline and urinary free and deconjugated normetanephrine concentrations were unaffected. Plasma free metanephrine, urinary adrenaline and urinary free and deconjugated metanephrine all showed higher (P<0.05) concentrations in Parkinsonian patients than the reference group, but this was only a problem for adrenaline. Similar to normetanephrine, plasma and urinary metanephrine remained below the 97.5 percentiles of the reference group in almost all Parkinsonian patients. Conclusions: These data establish that although levodopa treatment confounds identification of PPGLs that produce dopamine, the therapy is not a problem for use of LC-MS/MS measurements of plasma and urinary normetanephrine and metanephrine to diagnose more commonly encountered PPGLs that produce noradrenaline or adrenaline.

Parkinson's is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease. The most common treatment is levodopa/carbidopa, which suppresses the symptoms of the disease. In this report, a cost-utility analysis of the MyFID levodopa/carbidopa micro tablet dispenser has been conducted. The method used was a continuous-time Markov chain with states based on the score in MDS-UPDRS II and MDS-UPDRS III. The model was simulated over a time horizon of five years and was started at different disease severity levels. The results obtained from the simulations were a dominant ICER for all model versions except when the simulation was started in the earliest stages of the disease, where it was moderate to high. The conclusion was that the treatment method with the micro / Parkinsons är en kronisk, progressiv, neurodegenerativ sjukdom. Den vanligaste behandlingen är levodopa/carbidopa, som undertrycker symptomen av sjukdomen. I denna rapport har en kostnadsnyttoanalys av MyFID levodopa/ carbidopa-mikrotablettdispensern genomförts. Metoden som användes var en kontinuerlig Markovkedja med tillstånd baserade på poängen i MDS-UPDRS II och MDS-UPDRS III. Modellen simulerades över en tidsperiod av fem år och startades vid olika svårighetsgrader av sjukdomen. Resultaten som erhölls från simuleringarna visade en dominerande ICER för alla modellversioner förutom när simuleringen startades i de tidigaste stadierna av sjukdomen, där den visade en måttligt till hög kostnad. Slutsatsen var att behandlingen med hjälp av mikrotablettdispensern var kostnadseffektiv i de måttliga till senare stadierna av sjukdomen.