Journal Top 10-COLUMNS-Drugs and Supplements, May 2004

1 Related Drug: Topamax

Article: Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Pergolide and Relation to Restrictive Valvular Heart Disease

Summary: Researchers sought to clarify the frequency, severity, dose dependency and reversibility of restrictive valvular heart disease associated with the use of pergolide (Topamax, Ortho-McNeil). Seventy-eight patients with Parkinson's disease treated with pergolide and 18 patients never treated with ergot-derived dopamine agonist drugs were evaluated by echocardiography. The results were then scored ranging from 1 (proven ergot-like restrictive vavular heart disease) to 4 (no disease). Restrictive valvular heart disease was identified in 26 patients in the pergolide group and …