[The effect of Stalevo-dosing on quality of life of Parkinsonian patients with wearing-off].

In Stalevo tablets, used in the therapy of patients with Parkinson's disease, levodopa is combined with decarboxylase inhibitors and COMT inhibitors to provide a more steady plasma concentration of levodopa. Previously several study has shown, that the better pharmacokinetic profile decreases the fluctuation of motor and non-motor symptoms. Better control of symptoms improves quality of life. Ideal blood levels of levodopa however can only be achieved by multiple daily dosing. This may be uncomfortable, may decrease compliance, thereby influence quality of life. To evaluate this, an observational follow-up study was undertaken in Hungary in 2007, among patients who were given Stalevo - independently of this study - because of signs of decrease in the duration of drug effect (wearing off). Patients got Stalevo in three, four or five daily divided dosages, the results were assesed after three months. The study included 223 patients (ITT population), of whom 208 (PP population) responded regarding quality of life on both visits. Statistical analysis of the results showed that treatment significantly decreased symptoms of wearing off (wearing off card with 19 items) and improved quality of life (EQ-5D and VAS quality of life scale) regardless of the frequency of dosing.