Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of co-careldopa for motor recovery in post-stroke patients.

Background: The use of co-careldopa for improving motor function in post- stroke patients remains a topic of interest. While widely used in Parkinson’s disease, its role in stroke rehabilitation remains largely unknown. Hence, we conducted a systematic review to clarify the role of co-careldopa in enhancing motor function in post-stroke patients.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2024.Only randomized controlled trials and clinical trials were included, focusing on post-stroke patients treated with co-careldopa, compared to a placebo. The primary outcome assessed was motor function improvement, assessed using Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes including psychological and cognitive impact and adverse events were also noted.

Results: Four studies with 1746 participants were included. Scheidtmann et al found significant motor improvement, while Shamsei et al. reported a 79.1% improvement in motor function. However, Ford et al. showed no significant improvement in walking ability after 12 months. Psychological outcomes showed improved mood and reduced caregiver burden in the co-careldopa group, but no significant impact on cognitive recovery. Co-careldopa was generally well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events compared to placebo.

Conclusion: Co-careldopa shows potential in enhancing motor recovery, particularly in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. However, the evidence for sustained improvements in walking and cognitive recovery remains inconclusive. Despite potential benefits, further research is needed to delineate the patient subgroups most likely to benefit from this intervention.

Table 1. Outcomes for motor function

« Back to 2025 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/safety-and-effectiveness-of-co-careldopa-for-motor-recovery-in-post-stroke-patients-a-systematic-review/