The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of apomorphine, given by two different methods, to determine how best to manage dyskinesias.
Levodopa is a drug that can be taken by mouth, and improves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However it can eventually cause involuntary movements called dyskinesia and motor fluctuations-fluctuations in the control of symptoms, often referred to as "off" and "on." Apomorphine is a drug that works as well as levodopa, but does not work if taken by mouth. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of apomorphine in people with PD who have levodopa-induced motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. In the trial, researchers will compare the effects of apomorphine administered by subcutaneous bolus injections (pulsatile) and by ambulatory infusion pumps (continuous) in 24 people with PD, for 6 months. After an initial screening, potential participants will undergo a test to verify that they can tolerate and respond to apomorphine. Those who meet all of the requirements will be randomized to receive the study drug via injections (shots) using an injector pen or a portable infusion pump. Apomorphine will be given either continuously using the portable pump during the waking day or intermittently by injection, for 6 months. The pump will be carried on a belt and connected by a tube to a small needle under the skin. Injections of apomorphine under the skin will be self-administered by the participants or administered by friends or family members using injector pens. After 6 months, the effects of apomorphine use will be assessed by measuring how the participants respond to levodopa and by measuring their symptoms during the course of the study. Participants will be followed initially every week, then biweekly, and then monthly in an outpatient clinic for 6 months. During this time, they may receive adjustments of apomorphine doses as well as doses of other antiparkinson medications.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Participants in both arms will receive the study drug apomorphine for 6 months. One group will receive it continuously using a portable pump during waking hours, and the other group will receive it intermittently by bolus injections. The continuous delivery group will receive up to 100 mg apomorphine per 24 hours, delivered subcutaneously by ambulatory pump. The intermittent delivery group will receive up to 5 subcutaneous injections totaling up to 20 mg daily.
Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States
Change in dyskinesia severity and duration during the levodopa infusion, measured with a clinical rating scale during two-hour levodopa infusion
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 months
Improvement in motor performance, measured as change in tapping speed during levodopa infusion
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 months
Improvement in "on" time, as measured by subject diaries
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 months
Reduction in levodopa and adjunct drug use
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 months
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