Deterioration in parkinsonism with low-dose pergolide.
The administration of dopamine agonists can have a role early in the course of Parkinson's disease, in an attempt to reduce the frequency of long-term motor complications associated with the use of levodopa. After treatment with dopamine agonists has begun, gradual dose escalation is recommended to reduce the incidence of side effects; at low doses, parkinsonian symptoms significantly decline in some patients, only to improve as the dose increases. We report a number of such patients and discuss the possible pathogenesis of this motor deterioration.
Kellett
M W
MW
Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK.
Steiger
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010479:Pergolide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D010479:Pergolide