The weight of evidence for ropinirole in restless legs syndrome

Ropinirole-Associated Orthostatic Hypotension as Cause of a Prescribing Cascade in an Elderly Man

Ropinirole is an overall well-tolerated antiparkinsonian medication that is also used to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS). The incidence of side effects is low, with orthostatic hypotension (OH) only anecdotally reported. Additionally, it is known that the elderly population is very susceptible to adverse drug effects and the prevalence of prescribing cascades that these can trigger is unknown.

A 71-year-old male with history of atrial fibrillation, well-controlled diabetes on oral agents, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, ischemic heart failure status post (s/p) implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement with improved ejection fraction (EF), transient ischemic attack (TIA), rheumatoid arthritis, RLS, aortic stenosis s/p mechanical aortic valve replacement on anticoagulation, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and right knee replacement, presented to the ED with generalized weakness, with difficulty standing from seated position, followed by a fall without head trauma. Over the eight months prior to this presentation, the patient had had similar symptoms that resulted in four falls, two hospital admissions, and new prescriptions of midodrine and compression stockings.

On admission, vital signs were remarkable for positive orthostatics with blood pressure (BP) 110/74 mmHg, heart rate (HR) of 86 bpm in supine position and BP 87/51 mmHg, HR of 70 bpm while in standing position. Physical exam was unremarkable except for a known ejection murmur and dry oral mucous membranes. Labs included a creatinine 3.6 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 66 mg/dl, international normalized ration (INR) of 4.1, B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 313 pg/mL, troponin <0.03 ng/mL. A kidney ultrasound was normal, and a transthoracic echocardiogram showed left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 55-65%, improved compared to a prior study. Furosemide, carvedilol and canagliflozin were discontinued and IV fluids were administered. In the subsequent days, his creatinine improved, and so did the patient's volume status, but he continued to be orthostatic despite midodrine and stockings. On further interview, the patient disclosed starting ropinirole 0.25 mg three times daily approximately 10 months prior to this admission, due to asymptomatic RLS that was reported in a sleep study. Decision was made to discontinue this medication, which resulted in improvement of symptoms. We were able to discontinue IV fluids, midodrine and stockings, and reintroduce carvedilol, furosemide and canagliflozin in a stepwise manner. In a follow-up visit one month after discharge, the patient was symptom-free.

This case illustrates two major points. First, this prescribing cascade potentially induced by ropinirole, as well as the increase in health care costs associated to iatrogenic admissions, is major preventable problem faced mostly by the geriatric population. Second, although OH associated with ropinirole has only been reported in patients treated for Parkinson’s disease, this side effect should be considered when prescribing ropinirole for other indications, with cautious assessment of risks and benefits. Further studies need to be conducted to establish the frequency of OH related to ropinirole.

Ferric carboxymaltose in patients with restless legs syndrome and nonanemic iron deficiency: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Compromised iron status is important in restless legs syndrome pathophysiology. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of ferric carboxymaltose (single intravenous dose) versus placebo for restless legs syndrome treatment in iron-deficient nonanemic patients.

METHODS

Patients with moderate to severe restless legs syndrome and serum ferritin < 75 μg/L (or serum ferritin 75-300 μg/L and transferrin saturation < 20%) were randomized to ferric carboxymaltose (1000 mg iron) or placebo. Mean change difference between ferric carboxymaltose and placebo in International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale score from baseline to week 4 was the primary end point; week 12 was a secondary end point.

RESULTS

Ferric carboxymaltose treatment (n = 59) led to nonsignificant improvement over placebo (n = 51) in International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale score at week 4 (difference [95% confidence interval], -2.5 [-5.93 to 1.02], P = 0.163), reaching significance by week 12 (-4.66 [-8.59 to -0.73], P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who responded to treatment, ferric carboxymaltose may require more time to stabilize restless legs syndrome than previously assumed. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

[Sleep and sleep disorders in the elderly: Part 3: Restless legs syndrome]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a commonly occurring condition with a prevalence of approximately 10%. Women are more often affected than men. There is a primary and a secondary form. Secondary RLS is triggered by iron deficiency, severe renal insufficiency and many drugs and medications. The treatment for RLS is always symptomatic. In addition to treating associated diseases, dopaminergic therapy is paramount. Pharmacotherapy encompasses levodopa (L-dopa) and dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. A serious complication of dopaminergic therapy is the so-called augmentation. In the case of insufficient efficacy, severe discomfort or augmentation, oxycodone/naloxone is now approved for the treatment of RLS.

Restless legs syndrome and erectile dysfunction

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Dopaminergic hypofunction in the central nervous system may contribute to restless legs syndrome (RLS) and erectile dysfunction (ED). We therefore examined whether men with RLS have higher prevalences of ED.

DESIGN

RLS was assessed using a set of standardized questions. Men were considered to have RLS if they met 4 RLS diagnostic criteria recommended by the International RLS Study Group, and had restless legs > or = 5 times/month. Erectile function was assessed by a questionnaire.

SETTING

Community-based.

PARTICIPANTS

23,119 men who participated in the Health Professional Follow-up Study free of diabetes and arthritis.

RESULTS

Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for ED were 1.16 and 1.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.4, 2.3; P trend < 0.0001) for men with RLS symptoms 5-14 times/mo, and 15+ times/mo, respectively, relative to those without RLS, after adjusting for age, smoking, BMI, antidepressant use, and other covariates. The associations between RLS and ED persisted in subgroup analysis according to age, obesity, and smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with RLS had a higher likelihood of concurrent ED, and the magnitude of the observed association was increased with a higher frequency of RLS symptoms. These results suggest that ED and RLS share common determinants.