High-dose therapy with ropinirole in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Ropinirole is effective as mono- and combination therapy in PD. Previous studies have used a maximal dose of 24 mg/day; the present study assesses the effect of higher doses (up to 36 mg/day) on patients with motor fluctuations. Outcome measures were changes in the motor function score of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, the duration of dyskinesias and reductions in levodopa dose. 21/22 patients completed the study. The mean daily ropinirole dose at endpoint was 26.2 mg (SD, 4.43 mg, range 20-36 mg). Improvements in motor function (29%) and the duration of dyskinesias (45%) from baseline to endpoint were significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The mean levodopa dose fell by 32% during the study (from 599 mg to 409 mg; p = 0.007). Side effects were mild. High-dose ropinirole (20-36 mg/day) was well tolerated and conferred significant clinical benefit on patients with motor fluctuations.
Müngersdorf
M
M
Department of Neurology, Technical University of Dresden, Federal Republic of Germany. muengers@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Sommer
U
U
Sommer
M
M
Reichmann
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007211:Indoles; C046649:ropinirole; D007980:Levodopa