Impulse control disorders in prolactinoma patients treated with dopamine agonists: a systematic review and...

Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the first-line treatment for prolactinoma; however, long-term use has been linked to psychiatric complications, particularly impulse control disorders (ICDs). While ICDs are well-documented in Parkinson's disease patients receiving DAs, data on prolactinoma patients remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of ICDs among prolactinoma patients treated with DAs.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies evaluating ICD prevalence in prolactinoma patients receiving DAs. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.1 and RevMan 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and the Cochrane Q test, and risk ratios (RR) were calculated using a random-effects model.

Eight studies, comprising 858 patients, were included. Among these, 483 (56 %) (mean 39 years, mean 57 % females) were treated with DAs. DA therapy was associated with a higher prevalence of ICDs (RR 1.71; 95 % CI [1.29; 2.27]; p = 0.0002; I² = 29 %), particularly hypersexuality (RR 2.61; 95 % CI [1.65; 4.12]; p = 0.0001; I² = 0 %) and punding (RR 2.31; 95 % CI [1.32-4.03]; p = 0.003; I² = 0 %). Hypersexuality was notably more prevalent in men (RR 1.10; 95 % CI [0.75; 1.61]; p = 0.0342; I² = 0 %). No significant differences were observed in pathological gambling, binge eating, or compulsive shopping.

DAs may be associated with increased risk of ICDs in prolactinoma patients, particularly hypersexuality and punding, highlighting the need for routine screening during DA therapy. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding pathological gambling, binge eating, and compulsive shopping. Given the observational nature of the included studies, these associations should be interpreted with caution.