%0 Review
%T Levodopa for Dystonia in Children: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.
%A DeArias AL
%A Bamford NS
%J Pediatr Neurol
%V 152
%N 0
%D 2024 Mar 19
%M 38176223
%F 4.21
%R 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.12.012
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Levodopa is used to treat hyperkinetic movements in children with dopa-responsive dystonia. However, levodopa may also be helpful in treating other forms of dystonia when used beyond a brief trial period.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We performed a retrospective review of all children referred to our institution for evaluation of generalized dystonia and subsequently treated with carbidopa-levodopa. Motor function was assessed using video recordings and examination notes, quantified with the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Long-term treatment with carbidopa-levodopa moderately improved motor function, whereas short-term use did not. Carbidopa-levodopa was well tolerated without untoward effects.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Dystonia is a significant cause of disability with limited effective treatment options. Published work is restricted but generally supports the findings of this review. A well-controlled study to examine the utility of carbidopa-levodopa treatment for dystonia is needed.