Neurológia pre prax 1/2020

Polyneuropathy associated with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion (LCIG)

LCIG is an effective treatment for the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. Serious complication of this treatment is polyneuropathy, which can signifficantly influenced motor and non-motor functions of the patient and the quality of life. In most of the cases there is a metabolic cause of polyneuropathy due to the usage of levodopa, associated with elevation of homocysteine and deficiency of vitamins B. In case of acute polyneuropathy, it is necessary to exclude Guillain-Barré Syndrome and discontinue LCIG treatment. Each patient should be examined for polyneuropathy before the initiation of LCIG therapy and also during the treatment.

Keywords: LCIG, levodopa, polyneuropathy, B-vitamins