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Parkinsonism treatment: Part III--Update
D S Collier1, M J Berg, R W Fincham
1College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|February 1, 1992
Summary
New parkinsonism treatments offer hope, including selegiline and pergolide. While vitamin E and fetal transplantation require more research, diet changes can enhance dopamine therapy effectiveness for parkinsonism management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Parkinsonism management has evolved with new therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding recent advancements is crucial for effective clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinicians with an update on recent advances in parkinsonism management.
- To cover drug therapy, transplantation, and dietary interventions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Index Medicus, and Current Contents (1970-1991).
- Inclusion of 55 selected articles, emphasizing double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized studies.
- Detailed review and abstraction of critical studies by multiple reviewers.
Main Results:
- Selegiline (monoamine oxidase inhibitor type B) shows benefits, particularly in early parkinsonism stages.
- Pergolide (dopamine agonist) offers an alternative for patients resistant or intolerant to bromocriptine.
- Vitamin E's antioxidant potential is noted, but clinical data is limited; fetal transplantation remains controversial and requires further research.
- Diet modification can optimize exogenous dopamine therapy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians need to be aware of emerging parkinsonism management alternatives.
- This knowledge enables reliable consultation for both professionals and patients.