The Sydney Multicentre Study of Parkinson's disease: a randomised, prospective five year study comparing low dose bromocriptine with low dose levodopa-carbidopa. Issue 8 (August 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hely, M A; Morris, J G; Reid, W G; O'Sullivan, D J; Williamson, P M; Rail, D; Broe, G A; Margrie, S
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 57:Issue 8(1994)
• Page Start: 903
• Page End: 910
• Publication Date: 1994-08
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.57.8.903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : 149 previously untreated patients with Parkinson's disease were recruited over a three year period and randomly allocated to either low dose levodopa-carbidopa (< or = 600/150 mg/day) or low dose bromocriptine (< or = 30 mg/day). A five year follow up is reported on the 126 patients who completed the dose titration and who have not developed features of atypical Parkinsonism. Levodopa-carbidopa in low dosage adequately controlled symptoms in most patients and delayed the appearance of dyskinesia and end of dose failure for about two years longer than conventional doses. Only a few patients could be managed for more than one year on low dose bromocriptine alone; these patients had mild disease and asymmetric signs. Patients randomised to bromocriptine did not develop dyskinesia or troublesome end of dose failure until levodopa-carbidopa was added. The prevalence of dyskinesia in this group was lower than in patients given levodopa-carbidopa alone. The prevalence of end of dose failure was similar in the two randomisation groups once levodopa was introduced.