Clinical implications of gastric complications on levodopa treatment in Parkinson's disease

Ronald F. Pfeiffer, Stuart H. Isaacson, Rajesh Pahwa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are common and distressing nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) that can adversely affect levodopa absorption and lead to OFF periods, also known as motor fluctuations. Gastroparesis, which is primarily defined as delayed gastric emptying (DGE), and Helicobacter pylori infection, which is present with increased frequency in PD, are among the most common and important GI disorders reported in PD that may impair oral levodopa absorption and increase OFF time. Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, postprandial bloating, fullness, early satiety, abdominal pain, and weight loss. DGE has been reported in a substantial fraction of individuals with PD. Symptoms of H. pylori infection include gastritis and peptic ulcers. Studies have found that DGE and H. pylori infection are correlated with delayed peak levodopa plasma levels and increased incidence of motor fluctuations. Therapeutic strategies devised to minimize the potential that gastric complications will impair oral levodopa absorption and efficacy in PD patients include treatments that circumvent the GI tract, such as apomorphine injection, levodopa intestinal gel delivery, levodopa inhalation powder, and deep brain stimulation. Other strategies aim at improving gastric emptying in PD patients, primarily including prokinetic agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-71
Number of pages9
JournalParkinsonism and Related Disorders
Volume76
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020

Keywords

  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • Gastroparesis
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Levodopa
  • Motor fluctuations
  • OFF periods
  • Parkinson's disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Clinical Neurology

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