Continuous apomorphine infusion and neuropsychiatric disorders: a controlled study in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease

Neurol Sci. 2003 Oct;24(3):174-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-003-0116-0.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop cognitive and psychiatric complications more frequently during prolonged therapy with continuous apomorphine infusion compared with standard oral treatment. Thirty consecutive PD patients with severe motor fluctuations were included in the study. Twelve patients accepted the treatment with subcutaneous continuous apomorphine infusion, while the remaining 18 preferred to continue with oral dopaminergic therapy. The two groups were evaluated with neuropsychological, psychiatric, and motor tests at baseline and after 1 year. The off daily duration and the levodopa dosage were significantly reduced in infused patients. The neuropsychiatric assessment did not change in both groups compared with baseline, except for a significant improvement of mood in the apomorphine group.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Apomorphine / adverse effects*
  • Apomorphine / therapeutic use
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Routes
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Levodopa
  • Apomorphine