Zdravniški Vestnik (Oct 2016)

Apomorphine subcutaneous infusion, duodenal infusion of levodopa and deep brain stimulation – three advanced treatment options for the advanced Parkinson’s disease

  • Dušan Flisar,
  • Nina Zupančič Križnar,
  • Maja Trošt,
  • Zvezdan Pirtošek

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 85, no. 7-8

Abstract

Read online

Advanced stage of Parkinson's disease is associated with motor complications: motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. The disease can no longer be satisfactorily treated with oral therapy that is based on treatment with levodopa. Dying of dopamine neurons, a short half-life of levodopa and pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors are the main reasons for these complications. Currently, there are three options available to treat the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease: subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine, intrajejunal infusion of levodopa and deep brain stimulation. It is necessary to choose the optimal method of treatment that is most suitable for the individual patient.

Keywords