title: [Bromocriptine in therapy of chronic recurrent anterior uveitis].
abstract: In animal studies, bromocriptine (Pravidel) has demonstrated immunosuppression because of inhibition of prolactin. After publication of positive results in the treatment of uveitis in a few case reports and in an uncontrolled study we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study in 13 patients with chronic recurrent anterior uveitis who had experienced three or more recurrences during the previous year. Therapy was started gradually during the symptom-free interval and continued for 1 year with 2.5 mg twice daily. Two recurrences or relevant side effects led to discontinuation of the therapy. In the bromocriptine group, 2 of 7 patients had no recurrences during the study period. Two patients had to stop because of two recurrences but, in contrast to earlier recurrences, they responded to local corticosteriod treatment within a few days. The remaining 3 patients (1 with one recurrence, 2 without) had to stop because of the side effects (arterial hypotension, arthritic complaints). In 5 of 6 patients in the placebo group treatment was stopped because of recurrences and in 1 patients because she believed she was experiencing a side effect from bromocriptine (breast atrophy). In summary, bromocriptine seems to have a prophylactic effect on anterior uveitis. Side effects were frequent but mild compared to other immunosuppressives. In case of arterial hypotension, additional therapy could make this drug more tolerable.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Allgemeine Augenheilkunde mit Poliklinik, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Tübingen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zierhut
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Thiel
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Pleyer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Waetjen
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Weidle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D014606:Uveitis, Anterior / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D001971:Bromocriptine
vernacular_title: Bromocriptin in der Therapie der chronisch rezidivierenden Uveitis anterior.