PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Baker, William L.
AU  - White, C. Michael
AU  - Coleman, Craig I.
TI  - Effect of Nonergot Dopamine Agonists on Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
AID  - 10.1370/afm.845
DP  - 2008 May 01
TA  - The Annals of Family Medicine
PG  - 253--262
VI  - 6
IP  - 3
4099  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/6/3/253.short
4100  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/6/3/253.full
SO  - Ann Fam Med2008 May 01; 6
AB  - PURPOSE We performed a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of nonergot dopamine agonists (NEDAs) for the treatment of restless legs syndrome. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted through July 2007. The primary outcome measures assessed were the percentage of responders to medication as determined by the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale and the adjusted mean change in the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Scale (IRLS) score from baseline compared with placebo. Meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of study duration on the primary outcomes. Safety endpoints were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 14 trials (n = 3,197 subjects) were included in the meta-analysis. NEDA use resulted in greater response as measured by the CGI-I scale (relative risk [RR] 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.49; P <.001), and greater reductions in IRLS scores (weighted mean difference [WMD] −4.93; 95% CI, −6.42 to −3.43; P <.001) from baseline vs placebo. Meta-regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between study duration and reduction in IRLS score. NEDAs were associated with a significant risk of adverse events (including nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and fatigue.) CONCLUSIONS Use of NEDAs in patients with moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome results in significant reductions in symptom severity, but a significant portion of patients will discontinue their use as a result of adverse events.