Levodopa is associated with reduced development of new-onset geographic atrophy in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Geographic atrophy (GA) is a significant cause of vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current treatments are limited to anti-complement drugs, which have limited efficacy to delay progression with significant risk of complications. Levodopa (L-DOPA) is a byproduct of melanin synthesis that is associated with reduced development of neovascular AMD.

Psychometric Properties of Pressure Pain Thresholds Measured in 2 Positions for Adults With and Without Neck-Shoulder Pain and Tenderness.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing in adults with and without neck-shoulder pain and tenderness and to compare the differences in PPT measurements between the seated and prone positions.

Methods: Thirty asymptomatic adults and 30 symptomatic patients with intermittent neck-shoulder pain and tenderness completed the study. A pressure algometer was used to assess PPTs at specific points on the middle deltoid, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius muscles of the dominant side of the asymptomatic individuals and the painful side of the patients.