Experience with continuous enteral levodopa infusions in the treatment of 9 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT

Nine patients with advanced Parkinson's disease were started on continuous enteral levodopa infusions during the past 3 years. Six have remained on the infusion system for 1 to 28 months. All patients experienced immediate amelioration of motor fluctuations, and 5 patients continue to obtain relief. One patient found that his ability to achieve the "on" state without unacceptable dyskinesia waned. Experience thus far indicates that continuous long-term levodopa infusions are a practical but complex form of therapy for patients failing more conventional treatment.