L-dopa malabsorption in a parkinsonian patient with Strongyloides stercoralis duodenitis.
We report a parkinsonian patient initially responding to L-dopa who developed a severe loss of drug efficacy due to Strongyloides stercoralis duodenitis. The patient was put on mebendazole and metronidazole, and the parasitosis abated, allowing L-dopa reduction by 33%. Our patient illustrates the advisability of searching for Strongyloides stercoralis when L-dopa malabsorption is suspected in Parkinson's disease.
Gatto
M
M
Department of Neurology, Hospital de Clinicas J. de San Martin, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fernandez Pardal
M
M
Melero
M
M
Zurru
C
C
Scorticati
C
C
Micheli
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004382:Duodenitis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000378:metabolism*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*
D008795:Metronidazole; D007980:Levodopa; D008463:Mebendazole