Short summary

The study aims to examine whether or not patients who are in the early stages of Parkinson's disease are suffering from peripheral neuropathy and if so to categorize the extent of said neuropathy.

Rationale

The association between Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy has been known for some time now, but whether neuropathy is an intrinsic part of the pathology of Parkinson's disease or whether the treatment of the disease is the culprit and cause of the peripheral symptoms remains uncertain.

Because the patients have been receiving treatment for less than five years, the effects of levodopa as a catalyst for neuropathy are greatly diminished. This suggests that any neuropathy that the study uncovers is more likely to be a result of the illness than a side effect of the medication. 

Description of the cohort

The cohort consists of 50 patients who have had Parkinson's disease for one to five years. The patients are not eligible for recruitment if they have been exposed to risk factors for developing peripheral neuropathy i.e. chemotherapy, diabetes, etc.

They are recruited from the Parkinson's ambulatory function in the Neurological department of the University Hospital of Odense. 

Data and biological material

We will be collecting blood samples and skin biopsies.

Clinical data is used to evaluate the severeness of the patients' Parkinson's disease and to determine the extent and type of neuropathy if present. 

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital

• Medical student Thomas Gaist
• Professor Søren Hein Sindrup
• PhD-student Thomas Krøigård
• Associate professor Jakob Holbech, PhD
• Associate professor Morten Blaabjerg, PhD
• Associate professor Matthias Bode