Biomedical subjects

L Falsetti

Publications and source records attributed to L Falsetti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Acne and hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical, endocrine-metabolic and ultrasonographic differences.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the absence or presence of acne or hirsutism in 248 women with polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with different clinical, endocrine, metabolic and ultrasonographic factors. Patients were divided into three groups: 96 (38.7%) without any androgenic symptoms; 94 (37.9%) with only hirsutism; and 58 (23.4%) with only acne. The cycle alterations (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea) and the echographic ovarian morphology (polycystic or multifollicular ovaries) showed no significant differences between the three groups. Hirsutism was associated with a greater incidence of obesity and insulin resistance, with an increase of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, ovarian and adrenal androgens, 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I and low luteinizing hormone, sex hormone binding globulins and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels. Acne was associated only with the lowest 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide levels. Therefore, two different pathogenetic mechanisms may play a role in the onset of acne and hirsutism.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

PubMed2001

Efficacy of the combination ethinyl oestradiol and cyproterone acetate on endocrine, clinical and ultrasonographic profile in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This study shows the effect of a long-term treatment (60 cycles) with the ethinyl oestradiol/cyproterone acetate pill, and the follow-up after 6 months from cessation, in polycystic ovarian syndrome. The 140 studied women had polycystic ovaries and moderate or severe acne, 108 also presented hirsutism. The endocrine profile significantly modified after six cycles (P < 0.001), with a further significant decrease of gonadotrophins, oestrogens and androgens after 12 cycles, and a greater increase of sex hormone-binding globulins and insulin-like growth factor-binding globulins. Between the 12th and 60th cycle there was only a significant reduction of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (P < 0.05). Acne disappeared in all patients within 12-24 cycles, but hirsutism was still present in 30.6% after 60 cycles. Mild-moderate hirsutism disappeared in 36-60 cycles, whereas severe hirsutism substantially decreased, but persisted. Ovarian volume, microcyst numbers and stroma percentage significantly decreased (P < 0.01). After 6 months from the end of the therapy, endocrine parameters were identical to the starting ones, acne and hirsutism reappeared, whereas ovarian morphology was between the initial and final condition. Ovaries were polycystic in 42 (30%) patients and multifolliculars in 98 (70%). Our results show the effectiveness of this combination on androgenic symptoms, especially on acne, and suggest that acne and hirsutism are induced by different peripheral mechanisms.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMed2000

Estroprogestin vs. gonadotrophin agonists plus estroprogestin in the treatment of endometriosis-related pelvic pain: a randomized trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio dell'Endometriosi.

OBJECTIVE: This is a randomized clinical trial comparing estroprogestin (E/P) pill given for 12 months vs. gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GNRHa) given for 4 months followed by E/P pill treatment for 8 months in the relief of endometriosis-related pelvic pain. METHODS: Eligible for the study were women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and pelvic pain lasting 3-12 months after diagnosis. Eligible women were randomly assigned to treatment with E/P pill (gestroden 0.75 mg and ethynlestradiol 0.03 mg) for 12 months (47 patients) vs. tryptorelin 3.75 mg slow release every 28 days for 4 months followed by E/P pill for 8 months (55 patients). RESULTS: At baseline, dysmenorrhea was reported in 46 women allocated to E/P pill only (97.9%), and in all the 55 women allocated to GNRHa+E/P pill. The corresponding value at the 12 months follow-up visit was 14 subjects (35.9%) and 16 subjects (34.8%). The baseline median values of the multidimensional and analog scale were for dysmenorrhea 4 and 6 in the EP only and 3 and 6 in the GNRHa+E/P group. The corresponding value at the 12 months follow-up visit were 2 and 6 and 0 and 5. Non-menstrual pain was reported, respectively, at baseline and 12 month visit by 46 (97.9%) and 15 (38.5%) subjects in the E/P pill group and 49 (89.1%) and 17 (37.0%) of the GNRHa+E/P pill one. The baseline median values of the multidimensional and analog scale were for non-menstrual pain 3 and 5 in the E/P only and 2 and 6 in the GNRHa+E/P group. The corresponding values at the 12 month follow-up visit were 0 and 4 and 0 and 4. These differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: 1 year after randomization, the two treatment schedules show similar relief of pelvic pain in women with endometriosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of finasteride and flutamide in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of finasteride and flutamide in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism. DESIGN: Randomized study. SETTING: Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, University of Brescia, Italy. PATIENT(S): Forty-six women with idiopathic hirsutism were selected. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were assigned randomly to receive 5 mg of finasteride once daily or 250 mg of flutamide twice daily for 12 consecutive months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Hirsutism was evaluated at 6 and 12 months of therapy by measuring the Ferriman-Gallwey score and the terminal-hair diameters (microm) taken from different body areas. Blood samples were taken and side effects were monitored during the treatment. RESULT(S): Both finasteride and flutamide induced a statistically significant decrease in hirsutism scores and hair diameters at the end of 12 months. Finasteride reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score by 20.5% at 6 months and by 34.2% at 12 months, and hair diameter by 18.9%-23.6% at 6 months and by 29.6%-37.9% at 12 months. Flutamide reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score by 26.6% at 6 months and by 50.9% at 12 months, and hair diameter by 22.3%-28.2% at 6 months and by 47.7%-56.5% at 12 months. Flutamide did not induce hormonal variations, whereas finasteride increased T levels by 60% and decreased 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide by 69.5% at 12 months. CONCLUSION(S): Both drugs were effective in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism, but flutamide was more effective than finasteride.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of finasteride versus flutamide in the treatment of hirsutism.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of finasteride and flutamide in the treatment of hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and with idiopathic hirsutism. DESIGN: Randomized study. PATIENTS: One hundred and ten hirsute patients were selected: 64 women with PCOS and 46 with idiopathic hirsutism. METHODS: Patients were assigned randomly to receive 5mg finasteride once daily or 250mg of flutamide twice daily, for 12 consecutive months. Hirsutism was evaluated at 12 months of therapy, with the Ferriman-Gallwey score and with measurement of the terminal hair diameters (microm) taken from four different body areas. Blood samples were taken for assessment of endocrine and hematochemical parameters. Side effects were monitored during the treatment. RESULTS: Both finasteride and flutamide induced a significant decrease in the hirsutism scores and hair diameters at the end of 12 months. Finasteride reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score by 31.4% in the PCOS cases and by 34.2% in the idiopathic hirsutism cases, and hair diameter by 27.0-34.1% in PCOS and by 29.6-37.9% in idiopathic hirsutism. Flutamide reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score by 56.7% in PCOS and by 50.9% in idiopathic hirsutism, and hair diameter by 50. 3-60.0% in PCOS and by 47.7-56.5% in idiopathic hirsutism. Flutamide did not induce hormone variations, while finasteride increased testosterone levels by 40% in PCOS and by 60% in idiopathic hirsutism and decreased 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3alpha-diolG) by 66.7% in PCOS and by 69.5% in idiopathic hirsutism. No important side effects or changes in the hematochemical parameters were observed with finasteride, while two patients (3.6%) in the flutamide group expressed abnormal transaminase levels after 6 months of treatment. Dry skin also appeared significantly more with flutamide (67.3%) than with finasteride (23.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Both drugs are effective in the treatment of hirsutism but flutamide is more effective than finasteride.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Premature ovarian failure.

Forty women with premature ovarian failure (POF) arising post-puberty (PPOF) during the reproductive lifespan, underwent karyotyping, pelvic ultrasonography, hormonal assays, hematochemical and immunological examinations. In 52.5%, PPOF was idiopathic, while in 45% the cause was immunological and in 2.5% chromosomal. The hormonal parameters were characterized by elevated plasma levels of gonadotropins (especially follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH), insulin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low levels of 17 beta-estradiol, prolactin, androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. One or more autoantibodies were present in 18 subjects (45%). Among the antibodies, the most representative were: antithyroid microsomal (27.5%), antinuclear antibody (20%) and antithyroid globulin (12.5%). Ultrasound showed that the ovaries were of normal volume (3.1 +/- 0.3 cm3) in 14 women (35%) and significantly smaller (1.4 +/- 0.4 cm3) in 26 (65%). Follicles were present in 10 women (25%). In patients with autoantibodies, ovaries were of small volume (n = 15, 83.3%) and had follicles (n = 6, 33.3%) in a significantly greater percentage compared to those without autoimmune etiology (n = 11, 50%; n = 4, 18.2%, respectively). Women with PPOF, all having secondary amenorrhea, presented significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Serum levels of 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide in hirsute and non hirsute women.

This study has evaluated the behaviour of 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3alpha-diol G) in 170 women of whom 85 had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 35 had idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and 50 had regular cycles (control group). Of the women with PCOS, 45 were hirsute (PCOS-H) and 40 were non hirsute (PCOS-NH). Women in the control group were not hirsute. Hirsutism was assessed by the same physician using the Ferriman-Gallway score. The body mass index (BMI) was estimated in all of the women. Plasma concentrations of 3alpha-diol G were elevated only in hirsute patients, both with PCOS and with IH. Even in PCOS-NH, concentrations of 3alpha-diol G were higher compared with controls (P < 0.001), but significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those of the PCOS-H and of the IH groups. The behaviour of 3alpha-diol G was not affected by BMI.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

The effects of somatostatin in the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Eighteen obese women (body mass index 30 +/- 6.1 kg/m2) with hyperinsulinaemia and with the polycystic ovary syndrome took octreotide at the dose of 100 mug s.c. The effect of the drug was assessed on plasma levels of gonadotropins luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Octreotide significantly reduced LH (31.8%), insulin (52%), IGF-1 (14%), androstenedione (22.6%) and testosterone (20%) and increased IGFBP-3 (25%).

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Efficacy of combined ethinyloestradiol (0.035 mg) and cyproterone acetate (2 mg) in acne and hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The effects of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyloestradiol and cyproterone acetate on acne and hirsutism were studied in 82 women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The contraceptive was administered for 48 consecutive cycles. Hormone and ultrasound evaluations were carried out at baseline and after 48 treatment cycles. Acne and hirsutism were evaluated after 18, 24, 36 and 48 treatment cycles. Acne resolved in all patients within 24 treatment cycles. Mild and moderate hirsutism resolved within 48 treatment cycles. Severe hirsutism persisted although it changed to mild or moderate in most of the affected women.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Treatment of hirsutism by finasteride and flutamide in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Forty-four hirsute patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly treated with finasteride (5 mg daily) or flutamide (250 mg twice daily) for 6 consecutive months. Hirsutism was evaluated before and after therapy with the Ferriman-Gallwey score and with measurement of hair diameter (micron). The hairs were taken from four different body areas: the face, abdomen, thighs and forearm. The measurement was carried out with a micrometer applied to the optical microscope. Mean plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, insulin, and sex hormone binding globulin were determined before and after therapy. Hematochemical examinations and side-effects were controlled after the treatment. After 6-months' therapy, both antiandrogens significantly reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score and hair diameter in all the body areas. Finasteride reduced the Ferriman-Gallwey score by 25% and hair diameter by 16-25%; flutamide reduced the score by 20% and hair diameter by 15.3-22%. Abdominal hairs were more sensitive to both drugs. Flutamide induced a significant drop in total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. No important side-effect or change in the hematochemical parameters was observed. Our data demonstrate that finasteride and flutamide are effective in the treatment of hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

PubMed1997

[Finasteride and flutamide in the treatment of hirsutism].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of two new antiandrogen drugs, finasteride and flutamide, in 80 hirsute patients: 44 with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 36 with Idiopathic Hirsutism (IH). METHODS: The study was conducted in a randomized way and randomization was carried out according to hospitalization. Before and after the treatment, all of the patients underwent hematochemical tests, hormone assays and assessment of hirsutism with the Ferriman Gallway score (F.G. score) and with measurement of the hair diameter in four different body areas. Finasteride was administered per os to 40 women at the dose of 5 mg/die; flutamide per os to 40 women at the dose of 250 mg twice daily. Both drugs were employed for 6 consecutive months. RESULTS: Both finasteride and flutamide significantly reduced the F.G. score and hair diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal hairs were more sensitive to the therapy.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

Salmon calcitonin plus intravaginal estriol: an effective treatment for the menopause.

OBJECTIVE: Intravaginal estriol (E3) effectively improves postmenopausal genito-urinary disturbances, without stimulating endometrial proliferation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of intravaginal estriol (E3) plus nasal spray salmon calcitonin (sCT), to improve neurovegetative symptoms and to prevent the decline of bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen (214) healthy postmenopausal women were treated for 12 months with: (1) E3 (0.5 mg every other day) + Ca (0.5 g/day); (2) E3 + Ca + sCT (50 IU x 2/day); (3) sCT + Ca; (4) Ca. Climacteric complaints, such as hot flushes and sweating, BMD at the distal 1/10 of the radius, analyzed by dual photon absorptiometry, urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and serum alkaline phosphatase were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months. At the same time, patient compliance and drug tolerability were evaluated. RESULTS: E3 but not sCT, improved hot flushes and sweating. E3 blunted but not completely counteracted the BMD decline observed in women treated with only Ca, and reduced urinary hydroxyproline excretion. sCT markedly increased BMD values and reduced both urinary hydroxyproline excretion and serum alkaline phosphatase. These effects were not potentiated by E3 coadministration. All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Present data indicate that the combined administration of intravaginal E3 and sCT may represent an alternative therapeutic regimen for those postmenopausal women who do not accept or have contraindications to classical hormone replacement therapy.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1996

An open randomized comparative study of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate with and without the GnRH analogue goserelin in the long-term treatment of hirsutism.

A multicenter randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of combined therapy with a GnRH analog (goserelin) + an oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate and same OC alone in the treatment of severe hirsutism. The effect of these two therapies was assessed in a subjective and an objective evaluation of hair growth. According to the subjective evaluation, judged by physician and patient. 95% of patients obtained a partial response. The objective response was assessed by measuring the mean diameter of hair from 3 different areas and 1 control area. The decrease in hair diameter compared to pretreatment was statistically significant for both treatments, mainly for the abdomen and face. The difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, we assume that OC alone remains the treatment of choice for hirsutism. However, the addition of the GnRH analog to OC needs further investigation and could be justified for patients with no response to standard monotherapy.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMed1996

Hyperinsulinemia in the polycystic ovary syndrome: a clinical, endocrine and echographic study in 240 patients.

In recent years numerous studies have suggested insulin to be an important regulator of ovarian function and hyperinsulinemia to be associated with hyperandrogenism. An oral glucose-tolerance test was carried out in 240 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and, based on its result, 142 of the women (59.2%) were insulin resistant or hyperinsulinemic and 98 (40.8%) were normoinsulinemic. Compared with the normoinsulinemic group, the hyperinsulinemic group had a greater incidence of obesity (52.8 vs. 21.4%), secondary amenorrhea (24.6 vs. 9.2%), androgenic symptoms (85.9 vs. 67.4%) and, in particular, hirsutism with or without acne (71.8 vs. 48.0%). Moreover, the hyperinsulinemic group had significantly higher plasma levels of androstenedione, testosterone, free testosterone and insulin, and lower levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effects of long-term administration of an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate on lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The effects of an oral contraceptive pill containing cyproterone acetate on lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two women with PCOS were treated for 36 consecutive cycles with an oral contraceptive containing 0.035 mg of ethinylestradiol and 2 mg of cyproterone acetate. Hormonal, lipid and glucose profiles were studied before and after 12 and 36 cycles of treatment. Lipid, lipo-and apolipoprotein values were compared to a healthy control group. Statistical analysis was by one way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's t tests. RESULTS: The treatment suppressed gonadotropin and androgen values and increased the levels of sex hormone binding globulin. After 12 and 36 cycles a significant increase in triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol system, and apoprotein B levels was seen. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio were reduced. Insulin and glucose plasma concentrations did not change. During treatment triglycerides, total cholesterol and apoprotein B values were higher than in the control group. There were no differences in plasma levels of LDL-C and HDL-C in PCOS and in the control group. CONCLUSION: Lipid and lipoprotein changes observed after treatment could be due to the estrogen dominance of the treatment. The plasma concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol during treatment does not change appreciably and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio improved.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Postsurgical medical treatment of advanced endometriosis: results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of postsurgical treatment with nafarelin in women with advanced endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Eligible for trial were women < or = 38 years old with unexplained infertility with or without chronic pelvic pain and stage III or IV endometriosis according to the American Fertility Society, revised, classification who underwent laparotomy as first surgical treatment for debulking or radical surgery of endometriotic lesions. Patients were assigned according to a randomization list to nasal nafarelin, 400 micrograms/day (36 subjects) or placebo nasal spray (39 subjects) for 3 months. Pelvic pain was assessed before first surgery and at the 12-month follow-up visit in women with pelvic pain by means of a multidimensional score system and a 10-point linear pain scale. RESULTS: No marked differences in pain scores emerged among women allocated to different treatments. The mean reduction of the multidimensional score was 3.6 and 4.0, respectively, in women allocated to nafarelin and placebo and of the 10-point linear scale scores was 7.0 and 6.9. These differences were not statistically significant. Within 1 year from randomization, of the 36 women allocated to nafarelin and the 39 allocated to placebo, seven (19%) and seven (18%), respectively, became pregnant. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that medical treatment with nafarelin does not markedly improve pelvic pain and short-term reproductive prognosis in women with stages III and IV endometriosis.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed1994

Treatment of moderate and severe hirsutism by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of a GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a), leuprolide acetate (LA) depot, versus LA plus and oral contraceptive (OC) containing cyproterone acetate in the treatment of hirsutism. DESIGN: Randomized study. SETTING: Women addressed to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. PATIENTS: Thirty-two patients suffering from moderate and severe hirsutism secondary to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or idiopathic causes were selected. INTERVENTION: Leuprolide acetate was injected IM every 28 days in all patients; 16 women, randomly allocated, received LA plus OC. At the beginning and at the end of treatment hirsutism score and hair diameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Both treatment arms resulted in a decrease of hirsutism score and hair diameter, both in idiopathic hirsutism (16% to 31% versus 24% to 32%) and in hirsutism secondary to PCOS (23% to 33% versus 24% to 36%). CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist can improve moderate and severe hirsutism effectively. It is necessary to add an OC.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

The efficacy and tolerability of long-term cabergoline therapy in hyperprolactinaemic disorders: an open, uncontrolled, multicentre study. European Multicentre Cabergoline Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the efficacy and safety of the new, long-acting dopamine agonist drug cabergoline during long-term therapy of hyperprolactinaemia. DESIGN: Open, prospective, multicentre study. PATIENTS: One hundred and sixty-two females with either a microprolactinoma (n = 100), idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia (n = 54), empty sella syndrome (n = 7) or residual hyperprolactinaemia after surgery for a macroprolactinoma (n = 1). All had previously been treated with cabergoline or placebo for 4 weeks as part of a dose-finding study. MEASUREMENTS: Menstrual pattern, adverse symptoms, blood pressure and pulse, serum PRL, blood count, liver and renal function were assessed after one month and subsequently at two-monthly intervals. RESULTS: Treatment was started at doses of 0.25 mg (n = 3), 0.5 mg (n = 8), 1 mg (n = 150) or 2 mg (n = 1) per week, given either as a single weekly dose (n = 8) or divided into twice-weekly doses (n = 154), and was continued for at least 49 weeks in 123 patients. Final treatment doses ranged from 0.25 mg fortnightly to 2 mg twice weekly: most patients finished the study taking 0.5 mg once (n = 31) or twice (n = 77) weekly. Stable normalization of PRL levels was achieved in 138 subjects (85%), in 129 of whom the effective dose was < 1 mg per week. In the subset of 114 patients completing 49 weeks of therapy and having dose adjustments according to the protocol, the biochemical success rate was 92%. Fifty-nine of the 65 previously amenorrhoeic women (91%) and 44 of the 49 (90%) who were previously oligomenorrhoeic resumed regular menses and/or became pregnant during the study. Adverse events were reported in 64 patients (39.5%). In 84% of cases with adverse events, the symptoms were of mild or moderate severity and most occurred during the first few weeks of therapy; five patients (3%) discontinued treatment because of poor tolerance. The most frequent symptoms were dizziness (13% of patients), headache (13%), nausea (10%) and weakness and/or fatigue (10%). Of 27 patients who had previously been poorly tolerant of other dopamine agonists, 17 (63%) did not experience any side-effects and only one was intolerant of cabergoline. No adverse haematological or biochemical effects were detected except for a slight downward trend in haemoglobin which may have been related to the resumption of regular menses in previously amenorrhoeic or oligomenorrhoeic women. A mild hypotensive effect was observed, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures falling by 5 and 4 mmHg respectively during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence for the long-term effectiveness and safety of cabergoline in the treatment of hyperprolactinaemia. Its ability to normalize PRL and restore gonadal function compares favourably with reported data on reference compounds while its tolerability profile and simple administration schedule offer potential advantages in terms of patient acceptability.

Adult↗