PERIPHERAL POLYNEUROPATHY IN IDIOPATHIC PARKINSON’S DISEASE WITH ORAL LEVODOPA: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Purpose- Identify the prevalence and factors associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in idiopatic Parkinson’s disease (IPD).Method: 66 subjects (36 Parkinson group and 30 control group) were evaluated using clinical criteria of PN, nerve conduction study (NCS), dosages of VB12, folate, homocysteine, levodopa exposure, duration and severity of IPD. Results: Most individuals had symptoms suggestive of PN that was confirmed in 3(8%) IPD group  and 1(3%) control.  Homocysteine levels were higher in IPD patients [16.01 ± 6.88; controls 14.68 ± 5.77, p = 0.403], low levels of vitamin B12 were more frequent in controls. There was no association between biochemical measurements, levodopa use and neuropathy. Neuropathy was associated with IPD (RC = 2.64). Conclusion: In this study individuals with IPD had larger neuropathic scores more than controls but neuropathy was only associated with the presence of IPD.138.