Subcutaneous apomorphine infusion - An update

Abstract

Continuous delivery of dopaminergic drugs is an important treatment strategy to delay or reverse motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD). Subcutaneous apomorphine (APO) infusion has been shown (in uncontrolled studies) to significantly reduce 'off' time and dyskinesia duration and severity, and long-term data show the beneficial effects persist for several years. There is some evidence that the maximum antidyskinetic effect of APO infusion may be attained when oral medications are reduced or discontinued, making monotherapy an important clinical goal. Recent studies demonstrate possible positive effects of APO infusion on the non-motor symptoms of PD. However, more trials are needed to assess the neuropsychiatric effects of this treatment. Moreover, randomised controlled trials are needed to compare APO infusion with best medical treatment and with other invasive treatments such as levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and deep brain stimulation. © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2012.