Cristina Rascunà (Italy)
University of Catania Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia"Author Of 1 Presentation
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EYE MOVEMENTS AND LEVODOPA LONG DURATION RESPONSE IN DRUG-NAÏVE PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATIENTS
- Giovanni Mostile (Italy)
Abstract
Background and Aims:
In Parkinson’s disease (PD) eye movements quantitative assessment demonstrated both saccadic and smooth pursuit movements abnormalities. Levodopa treatment exerts a reciprocally influenced Short and Long Duration Response (SDR and LDR). To date, only the effects of SDR on eye motility was investigated, reporting conflicting results. Aim of this pilot study was to investigate possible associations between eye movement parameters evaluated during SDR assessment and later achievement of a sustained LDR.
Methods:
In drug-naïve PD patients, SDR and LDR were assessed using a standardised protocol. Eye movements were recorded by Eyelink-1000 Plus. Horizontal and vertical visually-guided saccades, horizontal and vertical smooth pursuit movements and fixation parameters were assessed at baseline and after 2-hours from administration of Levodopa/Carbidopa 250/25 mg. Both baseline and peak-of-dose eye movements parameters on SDR were compared between patients who have and have not achieved sustained LDR (LDR+ and LDR-) after 2-weeks of continuative levodopa therapy.
Results:
Forty PD patients were enrolled [23 (57.5%) Men; age (mean±SD) 64.5±6.9 years; disease duration 1.7±1.1 years; baseline UPDRS-ME 25.8±8.3; peak UPDRS-ME 21.3±8.3]. Out of them, 20 (50%) were LDR+. Patients LDR+ had significantly lower saccadic inclusions amplitude and higher horizontal pursuit gain at SDR peak-of-dose than patients LDR-.
Conclusions:
Saccadic inclusions amplitude and horizontal pursuit gain at SDR peak-of-dose assessment may predict LDR achievement in de novo PD patients.