Parkinson’s Flashcards

1
Q

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition resulting from the death of ______________ of the ___________ in the brain.

A

dopaminergic cells

substantia nigra

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2
Q

Parkinson’s disease is a _________ _____________ condition resulting from the death of dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra in the brain.

A

Progressive

Neurodegenerative

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3
Q

Do patients with Parkinson’s disease typically have resting tremor or intention tremor?

A

Resting tremor

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4
Q

Patients with Parkinson’s disease classically present with motor-symptoms including ___________, __________, __________, _________, and _____________.

A

hypokinesia

bradykinesia

rigidity

rest tremor

postural instability

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5
Q

What are the typical non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? (7)

A
  1. Dementia
  2. Depression
  3. Sleep disturbances
  4. Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  5. Speech and language changes
  6. Swallowing problems
  7. Weight loss
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6
Q

When Parkinson’s disease diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be advised to inform the ________ and their ________.

A

DVLA

car insurer

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7
Q

What is the non-pharmacological management of Parkinson’s? (4)

A
  1. PT if balance or motor function problems are present
  2. SLT if patients develop communication, swallowing, or saliva problems
  3. OT if they experience difficulties with ADLs
  4. Dietitian referral should also be considered
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8
Q

What is the first-line treatment of Parkinson’s in patients whose motor symptoms DECREASE their quality of life?

A

Levodopa + Carbidopa (co-careldopa)

Or

Levodopa + Benserazide (co-beneldopa)

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9
Q

What is the first-line treatment of Parkinson’s in patients whose motor symptoms DO NOT decrease their quality of life?

A

Choice of:

  • levodopa
  • non-ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists (pramipexole, ropinerole, rotigotine)
  • MAO-B inhibitors (rasagiline, selegiline)
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10
Q

Which drugs are in the class of non-ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists (3) and what are they used for?

A

First line treatment in patients with PD that does NOT significantly effect QoL

  1. Pramipexole
  2. Ropinirole
  3. Rotigotine
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11
Q

What are the two MAO-B inhibitors that are used in the treatment of Parkinson’s?

A
  1. Rasagiline

2. Selegiline

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12
Q

Patients and their carers should be informed about the risk of adverse reactions from antiparkinsonian drugs, including ____________ symptoms, excessive ____________ and sudden onset of _____________ with dopamine-receptor agonists, and ______________ disorders with all dopaminergic therapy (especially dopamine-receptor agonists)

A

psychotic

sleepiness

sleep

impulse control

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13
Q

Levodopa treatment is associated with motor complications, including _____________ and ____________.

A

response fluctuations

dyskinesias

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14
Q

Response fluctuations in patients taking levodopa are characterised by ______________, with ____________ during the ‘on’ period, and ____________ during the ‘off’ period.

A

large variations in motor performance

normal function

weakness and restricted mobility

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15
Q

‘End-of-dose’ deterioration with _________________ can also occur in patients taking Levodopa

A

progressively shorter duration of benefit

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16
Q

____________ preparations of levodopa may help with ‘end-of-dose’ deterioration or nocturnal immobility.

A

Modified-release

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17
Q

Modified-release preparations of levodopa may help with ______________ or ______________.

A

‘end-of-dose’ deterioration

nocturnal immobility

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18
Q

The overall improvement in motor performance is more noticeable with ______________ (levodopa/dopamine-receptor agonists) than with _______________ (levodopa/dopamine-receptor agonists), and motor complications are less likely to occur with ______________ (levodopa/dopamine-receptor agonists) when used alone long-term.

A

Levodopa

Dopamine-receptor agonists

Dopamine-receptor agonists

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19
Q

Excessive sleepiness, hallucinations, and impulse control disorders are more likely to occur with ______________ (levodopa/dopamine-receptor agonists) than with ______________ (levodopa/dopamine-receptor agonists).

A

Dopamine-receptor agonists

Levodopa

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20
Q

__________________ side effects are more likely to occur with levodopa, while _______________ side effects are more likely to occur with dopamine-receptor agonists

A

Motor

Neuropsychiatric (eg sleepiness, hallucinations, and impulse control disorders)

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21
Q

To avoid the potential for ____________ or _______________, antiparkinsonian drug concentrations should not be allowed to fall suddenly due to poor absorption or abrupt withdrawal

A

acute akinesia

neuroleptic malignant syndrome

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22
Q

To avoid the potential for acute akinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, antiparkinsonian drug concentrations should not be allowed to ____________

A

fall suddenly (due to poor absorption or abrupt withdrawal)

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23
Q

If a patient with Parkinson’s disease develops ___________ or ____________, specialist advice should be sought before modifying antiparkinsonian drug therapy

A

dyskinesia

motor fluctuations

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24
Q

Patients who develop dyskinesia or motor fluctuations despite optimal levodopa therapy should be offered a choice of _____________, ____________, or ______________ as an adjunct to levodopa.

A

non-ergotic dopamine-receptor agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine)

monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (rasagiline or selegiline hydrochloride)

COMT inhibitors (entacapone or tolcapone)

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25
Q

COMT inhibitors include… (2)

A

Entacapone

Tolcapone

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26
Q

What is the mechanism of action of COMT inhibitors?

A

Inhibition of COMT leads to halt of peripheral degradation of levodopa, allowing a higher concentration to cross the BBB

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27
Q

What is the mechanism of action of MAO-B inhibitors?

A

Inhibits breakdown of dopamine in the CNS (vs COMT which inhibits breakdown peripherally)

MAO-B inhibitors include rasagiline and selegiline

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28
Q

What are the ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists? (3)

A

Bromocriptine

Cabergoline

Pergolide

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29
Q

An ergot-derived dopamine-receptor agonist (bromocriptine, cabergoline or pergolide) should only be considered as an adjunct to levodopa if _______________

A

symptoms are not adequately controlled with a non-ergot-derived dopamine-receptor agonist

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30
Q

If dyskinesia in patients with PD is not adequately managed by modifying existing therapy, _____________ should be considered.

A

amantadine hydrochloride

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31
Q

If reversible pharmacological and physical causes of daytime sleepiness or sudden onset of sleep have been excluded in patients with PD, _______________ should be considered

A

modafinil; treatment should be reviewed at least every 12 months

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32
Q

What advice should be given to patients with Parkinson’s who have daytime sleepiness or sudden onset of sleep?

A

Should be advised not to drive, to inform the DVLA of their symptoms, and to consider any occupational hazards

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33
Q

What are first-line options for treating nocturnal akinesia in patients with PD? (2)

A

First line:

  • Levodopa
  • Oral dopamine-receptor agonists (pramipexole, ropinerole)

Second line:
- rotigotine (dopamine-receptor agonist, NOT oral)

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34
Q

What is the management of patients with PD who develop postural hypotension? (3)

A
  1. Review of drug treatment
  2. If drug therapy is required, midodrine should be considered first-line
  3. Fludrocortisone (unlicensed) may be used if midodrine is ineffective
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35
Q

Patients with Parkinson’s disease who develop postural hypotension should have their drug treatment reviewed to address any pharmacological cause. If drug therapy is required, _____________ should be considered as the first option and ____________ [unlicensed indication] as an alternative

A

midodrine hydrochloride

fludrocortisone

36
Q

How are hallucinations and delusions in patients with PD managed?

A

No need to treat if they are well-tolerated

Otherwise, the dosage of antiparkinsonism drugs should be reduced, taking into account the severity of symptoms and possible withdrawal effects

37
Q

In Parkinson’s disease patients with no cognitive impairment, ______________ [unlicensed indication] can be considered to treat hallucinations and delusions.

A

quetiapine

38
Q

If standard treatment is not effective, ____________ should be offered to treat hallucinations and delusions in patients with Parkinson’s disease

A

clozapine

39
Q

It is important to acknowledge that antipsychotic medicines such as ____________ and ___________ can worsen the motor features of Parkinson’s disease.

A

phenothiazines (eg chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, etc)

butyrophenones (eg haloperidol)

40
Q

What is REM sleep behavior disorder?

A

Sleep disorder in which patients physically act out vivid, often unpleasant dreams with vocal sounds and sudden, often violent arm and leg movements during REM sleep

41
Q

How is REM sleep behavior disorder related to Parkinson’s disease?

A

Often a prodromal marker of PD

42
Q

___________ [unlicensed indication] or ____________ [unlicensed indication] should be considered to treat rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder in Parkinson’s patients once possible pharmacological causes have been addressed

A

Clonazepam

melatonin

43
Q

Drug treatment for drooling of saliva in patients with Parkinson’s disease should only be considered if ____________ is not available or is ineffective.

A

non-drug treatment such as speech and language therapy

44
Q

What are the first and second-line pharmacological options for treatment of excessive drooling in patients with PD?

A

First line: glycopyrronium bromide (unlicensed)

Second line: botulinum toxin type A

*Other antimuscarinic drugs, should only be considered if the risk of cognitive adverse effects is thought to be minimal; TOPICAL preparations, such as atropine [unlicensed indication], should be used if possible to reduce the risk of adverse event

45
Q

A(n) __________________ should be offered to patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease dementia and considered for patients with severe Parkinson’s disease dementia

A

acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

46
Q

If acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are not tolerated or contra-indicated, ______________ [unlicensed indication] should be considered

A

memantine hydrochloride

47
Q

Patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease can be offered ________________ as intermittent injections or continuous subcutaneous infusions

A

apomorphine hydrochloride (dopamine agonist)

48
Q

To control nausea and vomiting associated with apomorphine, the manufacturers recommend that administration of ____________ [unlicensed in those weighing less than 35 kg] will usually need to be started two days before apomorphine therapy, and then discontinued as soon as possible

A

domperidone

49
Q

What are the risks associated with concomitant administration of domperidone and apomorphine?

A

Serious arrhythmias due to QT prolongation

*to minimize risk, assessment of cardiac risk factors and ECG monitoring should be undertaken to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks when initiating treatment

50
Q

The MHRA/CHM have released important safety information and restrictions regarding the use of domperidone for nausea and vomiting in those weighing less than ___ kg

A

35

51
Q

Levodopa-carbidopa ___________ is used for the treatment of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease with severe motor fluctuations and hyperkinesia or dyskinesia.

A

intestinal gel

The gel is administered with a portable pump directly into the duodenum or upper jejunum.

52
Q

______________ should only be considered for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by best drug therapy.

A

Deep brain stimulation

53
Q

What are some of the impulse control disorders that may develop in patients with Parkinson’s disease who are on dopaminergic therapy at any stage of disease? (4)

A
  1. Compulsive gambling
  2. Hypersexuality
  3. Bing eating
  4. Obsessive shopping
54
Q

Risk factors for impulse control disorders in patients being treated for PD with dopamine agonists include…? (3)

A
  1. Previous impulsive behaviors
  2. Alcohol consumption
  3. Smoking
55
Q

Patients should be informed about the different types of impulse control disorders and that ________________ therapy may be reduced or stopped if problematic impulse control disorders develop

A

dopamine-receptor agonist

56
Q

When managing impulse control disorders, dopamine-receptor agonist doses should be reduced gradually and patients should be monitored for symptoms of _______________

A

dopamine agonist withdrawal

57
Q

Carbidopa-levodopa should be prescribed with caution in which patients? (13)

A
  1. Cushing’s syndrome
  2. DM
  3. Other endocrine disorders
  4. History of convulsions
  5. History of MI with residual arrhythmia
  6. History of peptic ulcer
  7. Hyperthyroidism
  8. Osteomalacia
  9. Pheochromocytoma
  10. Psychiatric illness (avoid if severe and discontinue if deterioration)
  11. Severe CVD
  12. Severe pulmonary disease
  13. Susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma
58
Q

Is Carbidopa-levodopa safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A

Use with caution in pregnancy (toxicity in animal studies)

May suppress lactation; present in breast milk — avoid

59
Q

Is Carbidopa-levodopa safe to use in hepatic and/or renal impairment?

A

Use with caution in both

60
Q

Why should abrupt withdrawal of Carbidopa-levodopa be avoided?

A

Risk of NMS and rhabdomyolysis

61
Q

When transferring patients from one levodopa/dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor preparation to another of a different strength, the previous preparation should be discontinued at least _____________ before.

A

12 hours

62
Q

What is dopamine dysregulation syndrome? (DDS)

A

A complication of dopaminergic treatment in PD that may be very disabling due to the negative impact that compulsive medication use may have on patients’ social, psychological, and physical functioning

Symptoms include hypomania, euphoria, omnipotence, grandiosity when medication effects are maximum AND dysphoria (sadness, psychomotor slowing, fatigue, or apathy) when dopamine effects are withdrawn

63
Q

What are the symptoms of dopamine dysregulation syndrome? (DDS)

A

When medication effects are maximum:

  • hypomania
  • euphoria
  • omnipotence
  • grandiosity

When dopamine effects are withdrawn:

  • dysphoria
  • sadness
  • psychomotor slowing
  • fatigue
  • apathy
64
Q

What additional information should be given to patients and carers regarding treatment with Carbidopa-levodopa? (2)

A

Should be informed about the risk of:

  1. developing dopamine dysregulation syndrome
  2. sudden onset of sleep (esp when driving or operating machinery)
65
Q

Management of excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with PS should focus on the identification of an underlying cause, such as ____________ or ____________. Patients should be counselled on improving sleep behaviour.

A

depression

concomitant medication

66
Q

While side effects dopamine agonists (antiparkinsonian drugs) include ____________, side effects of dopamine antagonists (antipsychotic drugs) include ____________

A

Psychoses and psychiatric disturbances (hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, dopamine dysregulation syndrome, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, aggression, compulsions)

Parkinsonism and movement disorders (acute dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, NMS)

67
Q

Do ergot- and non-ergot-derived dopamine-receptor agonists differ in their propensity to cause impulse control disorders?

A

No, so switching between dopamine-receptor agonists will not control these side-effect

68
Q

What monitoring is required for patients taking non-ergot derived dopamine receptor agonists?

A

Monitor BP due to the risk of postural hypotension (especially on initiation)

69
Q

Can non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists be used in hepatic and/or renal impairment?

A

Avoid/adjust dose if Cr clearance is less than 30 mL/min

70
Q

_______________ can occur in some patients taking dopamine-receptor agonists; these can be particularly problematic during the first few days of treatment and care should be exercised when driving or operating machinery

A

Hypotensive reactions

71
Q

Can ropinerole be prescribed in patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment?

A

Avoid in hepatic impairment

Avoid in renal impairment if Cr clearance is less than 30 mL/min

72
Q

What is the recommended managment if treatment with ropinerole is interrupted for one day or more re-initiation by dose titration should be considered—consult product literature.

A

re-initiation by dose titration should be considered

73
Q

Cabergoline and bromocriptine have been associated with __________, ______________, and _____________ __________ reactions

A

pulmonary

retroperitoneal

pericardial

FIBROTIC

  • Manufacturer advises exclude cardiac valvulopathy with echocardiography before starting treatment with these ergot derivatives for Parkinson’s disease or chronic endocrine disorders (excludes suppression of lactation); it may also be appropriate to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum creatinine and to obtain a chest X-ray.
74
Q

For patients taking cabergoline or bromocriptine, what investigation should be carried out before initiating treatment and monthly?

A

In addition to monitoring for fibrotic disease, pregnancy testing should be carried out…

Exclude pregnancy before starting and perform monthly pregnancy tests during the amenorrhoeic period.

Advise non-hormonal contraception if pregnancy is NOT desired; discontinue 1 month before intended conception

75
Q

Can cabergoline be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A

Discontinue if pregnancy occurs during treatment

Suppresses lactation; avoid breast-feeding if lactation prevention fails

76
Q

Monitor __________ for a few days after starting treatment with cabergoline or bromocriptine and following dosage increase

A

blood pressure

77
Q

What are the monitoring requirements of apomorphine?

A

Monitor hepatic, hemopoietic, and CV function

With concomitant levodopa, test initially and every 6 months for haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia (development calls for specialist haematological care with dose reduction and possible discontinuation)

78
Q

What is the mechanism of action of amantadine?

A

Weak dopamine agonist with modest antiparkinsonian effects

79
Q

What are the contraindications of amantadine? (2)

A
  1. Epilepsy

2. History of gastric ulceration

80
Q

Is amantadine safe to use in pregnancy and/or breastfeeding?

A

No, avoid due to reported toxicity in animal studies and in infants (present in breast milk)

81
Q

Is amantadine safe to prescribe in patients with hepatic ad/or renal impairment?

A

Caution in liver disorders

Avoid/adjust dose if renal impairment

82
Q

In addition to monitoring for fibrotic disease and blood pressure (initial days of treatment), what else should be monitored in patients being treated with bromocriptine?

A

Monitor for pituitary enlargement, particularly during pregnancy; monitor visual fields to detect secondary field loss in macro-prolactinoma

83
Q

What are the contraindications to prescribing MAO-B inhibitors? (3)

A
  1. Active duodenal ulcer
  2. Active gastric ulcer
  3. Postural hypotension (when used in combination with levodopa)
84
Q

In patients being treated with MAO-B inhibitors and levodopa, side-effects of levodopa may be increased—concurrent levodopa dosage can be reduced by _________% in steps of 10% every 3–4 days.

A

10–30%

85
Q

Are MAO-B inhibitors safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A

Avoid

86
Q

Are MAO-B inhibitors safe to use in hepatic and/or renal impairment?

A

Caution in severe renal or hepatic impairment