Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion Therapy: Focus on Gait and Balance

Background Gait and balance disorders in advanced Parkinson's disease (aPD) heavily impact the disease burden. In this prospective observational open-label study, our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion on balance and gait over a long-term follow-up. MethodsResultsThe motor status of 15 aPD patients with balance and gait symptoms was assessed with UPDRS (I-IV) and H&Y at baseline in OFF and ON conditions, and after 52 weeks of LCIG infusion. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Gait & Balance Score (TS), Gait and Falls Questionnaire (G&F-Q), FOG Questionnaire (FOG-Q), and New FOG Questionnaire (NFOG-Q) were used to specifically test balance and gait. UPDRS, H&Y, BBS, TS, G&F-Q, FOG-Q, NFOG-Q improved significantly. All FOG types benefited from LCIG. ConclusionsOur preliminary data show the beneficial effect of LCIG therapy not only on FOG, but also on gait and balance. Results need to be confirmed in larger cohort studies.