Objective: To evaluate the long-term range and nature of Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion-related complications in people with Parkinson’s (PwP).

Background: LCIG infusion is an established device-aided therapeutic option for management of advanced Parkinson’s. While short-term tolerability and safety information of LCIG infusion are available, longer-term data exceeding 5 years is limited.

Method: Multicentre audit of retrospective data capture of LCIG-related complications such as neuropathy, weight loss, peristomal complications, device-related issues (tube-, PEG-, and pump-related), life-threatening (peritonitis and perforation) and neuropsychiatric complications (impulse-control disorder, dopamine-dysregulation syndrome and psychosis), as well as onset of new dyskinesia in PwP on LCIG infusion for at least 5 years.

Results: Data from 67 PwP on LCIG for at least 5 years were collected (follow up range 5-13 years). Pre-LCIG initiation demographics and Parkinson’s-related data are summarised in Table 1. Annual prevalence of LCIG-related complications since LCIG initiation are summarised in Figure 1. Overall LCIG discontinuation rate was 36%.

Conclusion: While serious complications are rare and mainly occur during the first year of treatment, device-related complications (i.e., tube dislocation) and troublesome psychosis appear more prevalent over time. However, good support and aftercare may ensure treatment is still effective even 13 years after initiation in some patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/levodopa-carbidopa-intestinal-gel-infusion-and-long-term-tolerability-in-parkinsons-multicentre-international-13-year-follow-up-data/