Double-blind assessment of potential pergolide-induced cardiotoxicity

Possible pergolide-induced cardiotoxicity has been reported in open trials. Over a 6-month period of observation, we prospectively analyzed ECGs and 24-hour ambulatory ECG in 23 patients with Parkinson's disease who were randomized in a double-blind fashion to pergolide or placebo treatments. Pergolide therapy was associated with a mild and transient bradycardiac effect, but no clinically significant cardiotoxicity.