Lung Function Testing On and Off Dopaminergic Medication in Parkinson's Disease Patients With and Without Dysphagia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Swallowing function in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be negatively affected by dopaminergic medication with associated inhibition of brainstem reflexes. Three different "swallowing-safety" profiles of PD patients were previously observed, classified according to swallowing safety on and off levodopa.

Methods

Here, we investigated the effects of l-dopa on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) on 26 individuals with PD from the three different swallowing-safety profiles. PFTs results were compared to predicted values and direct comparisons between the groups with or without dysphagia were performed with nonparametric statistical tests (i.e., Kruskal-Wallis).

Results

A short (12-hour) withdrawal from l-dopa did not result in any signifi

SUBMITTER: Sawan T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6178652 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature