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High Doses of Pergolide in Parkinson's May Induce Restrictive Valvular Disease NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Sept 30 - High doses of pergolide, an ergot-derived dopamine agonist, may induce restrictive valvular disease, according to researchers. "Ergot-induced side effects such as pulmonary fibrosis are rare but have been reported during pergolide treatment," Dr. G. Van Camp and colleagues from Vrije University Brussels, in Belgium, note. In the September 23rd issue of Neurology, they describe the clinical, echocardiographic, and pathologic findings in 10 Parkinson's disease patients taking high doses (greater than 5 mg daily) of pergolide. Two of the patients presented with severe heart failure. The researchers report that none of the subjects included in the study had a history of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. No significant valvular calcifications were observed, and all patients had normal ventricular wall motion. The two patients who presented with severe heart failure were receiving 8 mg daily and 7 mg daily of pergolide, respectively. Upon referral to the cardiology department, echocardiographic evaluation of these patients revealed the restrictive character of the valvular dysfunction. Of the remaining eight patients, six exhibited valvulopathy with restricted leaflet motion. A seventh patent's mitral regurgitation regressed upon cessation of pergolide treatment. "Our findings suggest a possible role of high doses of pergolide in inducing restrictive valvular disease and it may be more frequent than previously believed," the authors write. "However, these are preliminary findings and further study is needed." Neurology 2003;61:859-861. SOURCE: Medscape - 1-Oct-2003 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/462322 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn