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The effect of levodopa dose and body weight on dyskinesia in a prevalent population of people with Parkinson's disease

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Richard Walker

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Abstract

Aims and objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of active dose and dose per kilogram (kg) of body weight of levodopa on the occurrence of dyskinesia within a prevalent population of people with PD. Methods: Of 106 prevalent cases, 75 (70.8%; 38 males, 37 females) agreed to assessment by a member of the research team. Demographic information, weight and height were recorded. Patients were assessed using a range of rating scales including the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Patients were asked specifically: 'Do you have, or have you ever had, dyskinesia?'. Results: Nine patients (12.0%) reported dyskinesia. Patient reported dyskinesia was significantly associated with greater years since diagnosis (r = 0.309, p = 0.007), higher levodopa equivalent dose (r = 0.406, p < 0.001) and levodopa equivalent dose per kg body weight (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). Using logistic regression, active levodopa dose, unadjusted for body weight, was an independent predictor of dyskinesia. Conclusions: Adjusting levodopa dose for body weight did not increase its degree of correlation with patient reported dyskinesia. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Walker RW, Howells AR, Gray WK

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

Year: 2011

Volume: 17

Issue: 1

Pages: 27-29

Print publication date: 03/11/2010

ISSN (print): 1353-8020

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5126

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2010.10.005

DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2010.10.005

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