|
The drugs levodopa and pramipexole both are reasonable options as initial therapy for Parkinson disease, but they vary in effectiveness and adverse effects, according to a report in the July issue of the Archives of Neurology .
Parkinson disease is a progressive neurologic disease that may be related to low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain. Levodopa is converted in the body to dopamine, while pramipexole mimics the role of dopamine in the brain.
Researcher Robert G. Holloway, MD, of the University of Rochester, and his colleagues compared initial treatment with pramipexole versus levodopa in 301 patients with early Parkinson disease.
Initial pramipexole treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of developing dyskinesias or uncontrollable body movements and significant reduction in wearing off when compared with levodopa.
On the other hand, initial levodopa treatment when compared with the other drug resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of “freezing” of motor function and also lower incidences of sleepiness and excess fluid in the tissues, while providing for better control of Parkinson symptoms.
By 48 months, the researchers noted that the occurrence of disabling dyskinesias was uncommon and did not significantly differ between the two groups. Both treatment options resulted in similar quality of life.
The researchers said the differences between the two drugs make it impossible to favor one over the other.
“Both pramipexole and levodopa appear to be reasonable options as initial dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson disease,” they added. “Long-term follow-up is needed to determine if either treatment strategy is superior to the other in terms of patient impairment, disability or quality of life.”
Source: Medical Week staff, week of July 19, 2004
|
HOME PAGE
