High-Dose Ropinirole (PD Congress 2001)

Subject: High-Dose Ropinirole (PD Congress 2001)

Date: 8/6/2001

E-MOVE reports from the 14th International Congress on Parkinson's Disease, Helsinki July 28-Aug 1. Poster and Platform session numbers refer to those in the abstract book, published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 2001;7(Supplement).

High-dose ropinirole allows reduction in levodopa and lessening of dyskinesias in advanced PD patients, according to these two studies.

1. Efficacy and tolerability of high dose ropinirole in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and levodopa-induced late motor complications
UF Polzer, H Hundt
P-TU-222

Twenty-one patients increased their mean ropinirole dose from 8.2 mg/day to 29.7 mg/day, and their daily levodopa dose from 770 mg/day to 555 mg/day (p<0.001), over a period of 8 weeks or less. After 12 weeks, duration of daily dyskinesia was reduced from 30.4% of the day to 4.6%, while "off" periods were reduced from 42.6% to 14.6%. Four patients developed psychotic symptoms. One patient withdrew due to psychosis, and six others for reasons believed to be unconnected to treatment.

Supported by SmithKline Beecham

2. High-dose ropinirole in advanced Parkinson's disease
C Pacchetti, F Mancini, R Zangaglia, S Cristina, F Blandini, E Martignoni
P-TU-219

Thirty-six patients increased their mean dose of ropinirole from 16 mg/day to 35 mg/day, and reduced levodopa from 752 mg/day to 588 mg/day (p=0.001). Dyskinesias during "on" were reduced 40%, and dystonia during "off" was reduced by 40%. No treatment-emergent side effects were reported.

---
Funding for E-MOVE meeting reports is provided in part by unrestricted educational grants from Allergan Inc., Elan Pharmaceuticals, and Pharmacia Corporation.

E-MOVE Editor: Richard Robinson, NASW, WE MOVE

Related CME Activities - Valid for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s)™