Autologous transplantation of adrenal medulla in Parkinson's disease. 18-month results
C. W. Olanow, W. Koller, C. G. Goetz, G. T. Stebbins, D. W. Cahill, L. L. Gauger, R. Morantz, R. D. Penn, C. M. Tanner, H. L. Klawans and al. et
Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa 33606.
Eighteen of 19 patients who underwent autologous adrenal medullary
transplantation to the right caudate nucleus have been followed up for 18
months. During the course of this study, a statistically significant
improvement was noted in percent "on" time, percent "on" time without
dyskinesia, activity of daily living (ADL) scores during the "on" stages,
and ADL, motor, and Schwab-England scores during the "off" stages. Benefits
tended to be maximal at 6 months and to gradually lessen thereafter,
although statistically significant improvement in comparison with baseline
was still present at 18 months for ADL, motor, and Hoehn-Yahr scores during
the "off" stages. Almost all parameters had deteriorated by 18 months
compared with 12 months, including those remaining significantly improved
in comparison with baseline. These patterns were similar for each of the
three participating centers. Complications were largely restricted to the
perioperative period.
