Therapeutic Research

Abstract

Objectives:To investigate the effect of extended –release pramipexole(PPX–ER)on nocturnal and early –morning symptoms in patients with advanced Parkinsonʼs disease(PD). Methods:Twenty –three PD patients who have exhibited levodopa –related motor complications such as nocturnal and early–morning symptoms were enrolled in this study. PPX–ER was once daily received additionally or switched overnight from other dopamine agonists including immediate–release pramipexole. Patients were followed up every two weeks and dose adjustment of PPX–ER was performed. Efficacy of PPX–ER was assessed by subjective evaluation of patients and clinical global impression of change(CGI–C)of the investigator. Results:Fifteen patients(65%)had subjective improvement of off–period symptoms (nocturnal; 5 patients, early morning; 5 patients, daytime; 7 patients, redundantly). Eleven patients(48%)had showed “marked improved” or “ moderate improved”on CGI–C. Eight patients(35%)exacerbated dyskinesia which is not troublesome. Three patients developed hallucination and two of them patients were withdrawn from this trial. Conclusions:PPX–ER has a potential to improve certain motor complications suboptimally controlled with conventional dopamine replacement therapy.