No one size fits all approach with apomorphine initiation.

Abstract

Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) is an important treatment for motor fluctuations in the complex phase of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several barriers to accessing CSAI exist, including perceptions of how treatment initiation should occur. The majority of published work on CSAI initiation reports inpatient admission for this treatment, but restrictions on access to inpatient hospital beds may limit availability. We review here the evidence for different approaches, including published work on outpatient/daycase or home CSAI treatment initiation. Whereas inpatient initiation allows faster titration of CSAI treatment, home initiation has been found to allow effective and safe treatment initiation and offers potential cost savings. Complication rates in all approaches appear comparable, although the overall clinical profile and comorbitidities of patients should be taken into account when deciding on the best method of initiation. A flexible approach to CSAI initiation has potential benefits to people with PD in terms of better access.