Lieberman A, Olanow CW, Sethi K, Swanson P, Waters CH, Fahn S, Hurtig H, Yahr M. A multicenter trial of ropinirole as adjunct treatment for Parkinson's disease. Ropinirole Study Group.
Neurology 1998;
51:1057-62. [PMID:
9781529 DOI:
10.1212/wnl.51.4.1057]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the nonergot dopamine agonist ropinirole as an adjunct to L-dopa in a randomized, double-blind trial in PD patients with motor fluctuations.
BACKGROUND
L-dopa in the treatment of PD is associated with motor fluctuations, dyskinesia, and other adverse effects. The use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of PD delays recourse to L-dopa and thus delays the possibility of adverse effect onset.
METHODS
Ropinirole (n = 95) or placebo (n = 54) was added to L-dopa, and L-dopa was then reduced in a planned manner during the 6-month trial.
RESULTS
A significantly greater number of ropinirole patients were able to achieve a 20% or greater reduction in both L-dopa dose and in percent time spent "off" compared with placebo (35.0% versus 13.0%; p = 0.003). The mean daily L-dopa dose was reduced significantly with ropinirole treatment (242 mg versus 51 mg; p < 0.001) as was the percent awake time spent "off" (11.7% versus 5.1%; p = 0.039). There was no difference in the percent of patients who withdrew because of adverse effects (15.8% on ropinirole versus 16.7% on placebo).
CONCLUSIONS
Ropinirole permits a reduction in L-dopa dose with enhanced clinical benefit for PD patients with motor fluctuations.
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