Apomorphine: The Initial Indian Experience in Relation to Response Tests and Pumps

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Apomorphine is a continuous dopaminergic therapy option for Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Limited data exists on apomorphine's efficacy in diverse populations, particularly in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of apomorphine treatment in Indian Parkinson's disease patients.
• To assess the safety and tolerability of apomorphine response tests and continuous pump therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Parkinson's disease patients undergoing apomorphine response test (ART).
• Evaluation of a subset of patients who transitioned to continuous apomorphine pump therapy.

Main Results:

• All 29 Parkinson's disease patients showed a good clinical response to ART.
• Common adverse events included nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness; 19 patients experienced side effects.
• Six patients initiated apomorphine pumps with significant clinical improvement, despite some experiencing nodules and nausea; two discontinued due to cost.

Conclusions:

• Apomorphine is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease patients in India.
• Apomorphine therapy, including pumps, offers significant clinical benefits for managing PD symptoms.
• Consideration of adverse events and financial constraints is important for successful apomorphine treatment.