Meta-analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of restless legs syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
In the absence of comparative trials a meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the non-ergot derived dopamine agonists, pramipexole and ropinirole, in restless legs syndrome (RLS).


METHODS
Frequentist fixed and random-effects models were pre-specified for the direct comparisons and a Bayesian approach for the indirect comparison. Efficacy outcomes included the mean change from baseline in the International RLS Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS) score and the percentage of responders on the clinical global impressions - improvement scale (CGI-I). Safety outcomes included the incidence of withdrawal and adverse events.


RESULTS
The direct meta-analysis confirmed superior efficacy for both treatments versus placebo for the IRLS (pramipexole: -5.45; 95% CI: -7.70; -3.20; ropinirole: -3.16; 95% CI: -4.26; -2.05) and the CGI-I (pramipexole: OR=2.98; 95% CI: 2.08; 4.26; ropinirole: OR=1.99; 95% CI: 1.52; 2.60). Placebo comparisons showed a significantly higher incidence of nausea for pramipexole (p<0.01), whereas nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and somnolence were significantly higher for ropinirole (all p<0.01). The indirect comparison showed with a probability of > or = 95%, a superior reduction in the mean IRLS score (-2.33; 95% credibility interval [CrI]: -4.23; -0.41), higher CGI-I response rate (OR=1.50; 95% CrI: 0.97; 2.32) and significantly lower incidence of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness for pramipexole compared to ropinirole.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in efficacy and tolerability favouring pramipexole over ropinirole can be observed. These findings should be further confirmed in head-to-head clinical trials.
Quilici
S
S
i3 Innovus, 3rd floor, Beaufort House Cricket Field Road, Uxbridge UB8 1QG, United Kingdom. sibilia.quilici@i3innovus.com
Abrams
K R
KR
Nicolas
A
A
Martin
M
M
Petit
C
C
Lleu
P-L
PL
Finnern
H W
HW
D052160:Benzothiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D000077487:Pramipexole; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D052160:Benzothiazoles; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D007211:Indoles; C046649:ropinirole; D000077487:Pramipexole