Objective: To investigate the impact of continuous subcutaneous foslevodopa/foscarbidopa infusion (CSFLI) on autonomic symptoms in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD)
Background: CSFLI is a novel therapeutic option for patients with aPD experiencing motor fluctuations inadequately controlled by oral therapies. CSFLI has been shown to improve patients’ quality of life (QoL) and some non-motor symptoms; however, its effects on autonomic dysfunction remain unclear
Method: Consecutive patients with aPD referred to our center were evaluated before (T0) and after eight weeks of treatment with CSFLI (T1). Motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed using the MDS-UPDRS scale parts I–IV. QoL was evaluated using the PDQ-39 scale. Autonomic symptoms were assessed using the SCOPA-AUT scale and its subdomains. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at rest in the supine position and at 1 and 3 minutes after standing; systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure drops were calculated. Changes between time points and correlations between variations were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman’s correlation, respectively.
Results: Eleven patients were evaluated at T0. At T1, significant improvements were observed in MDS-UPDRS part IV (p=0.014), PDQ-39 (p=0.027), SCOPA-AUT total score (p=0.014), gastrointestinal (p=0.013) and urinary (p=0.014) subdomains. LEDD increased significantly (p=0.002). Trends toward significance were found for reductions in MDS-UPDRS part I and SBP drop at 1 minute (both p=0.065), as well as for correlations between improvements in MDS-UPDRS total score and PDQ39 (p=0.066). Changes in SCOPA-AUT total score did not correlate significantly with variations in MDS-UPDRS part IV and LEDD.
Conclusion: CSFLI may improve autonomic symptoms in aPD, which significantly affect patients in the complicated stage, although confirmation in larger studies is needed.
References: Blair HA. Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa: A Review in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease. CNS Drugs. 2025;39(6):621-632. doi:10.1007/s40263-025-01179-3
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
D. Rinaldi, L. de Carolis, E. Bianchini, S. Galli, M. Salvetti. Impact of foslevodopa/foscarbidopa infusion on autonomic symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-foslevodopa-foscarbidopa-infusion-on-autonomic-symptoms-in-advanced-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-foslevodopa-foscarbidopa-infusion-on-autonomic-symptoms-in-advanced-parkinsons-disease/