'Long term evaluation of combined treatment of Parkinson disease with L-Dopa, peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors and bromocriptine'

In this study, the authors' experience of Parkinson Disease treatment with longterm bromocriptine (Br) administration, is summarized. Br, which acts directly on dopaminergic receptors, was introduced in combination with L-Dopa and peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors (PDI). The reasons for this association were: the reduced effectiveness of the current treatment (L-Dopa+PDI), onset of AIM (abnormal involuntary movements), and the patient's desire to try new drugs. Only the patients who had been on the triple association for at least a year were considered. Therefore, of 50 patients originally considered, only 19 were included in this study. The addition of Br allowed a reduction of the mean daily dose of L-Dopa (30%) and the therapeutic efficacy of the drug remained unchanged even after more than 4 years treatment. The 'on-off' effect and AIM, are reduced by Br, especially in the first months of treatment. The triple association is regarded at present as the best treatment for Parkinson disease.