Long-acting injectable bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR) in the chronic treatment of prolactin-secreting macroadenomas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Parlodel LAR (Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland), a long-acting injectable bromocriptine, in PRL-secreting macroadenomas. DESIGN: Eleven patients with macroprolactinomas were studied in an academic environment in an open and prospective protocol. Ten patients were followed for 6 months and 8 for 1 year. Fifty to 200 mg IM of Parlodel LAR were administered every 28 days. RESULTS: At the end of the 1st month, 64% of the patients had PRL suppression of > 75% of baseline values. After 1 year, 88% of the cases had PRL suppression of > 90%. Persistent PRL normalization was seen in three cases. Tumor shrinkage was seen in 64% of the patients on day 5, in 73% on day 28, and in 90% after 6 months of treatment. Early visual field improvement was seen in 83% of the cases. All patients had improvement of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Parlodel LAR is well tolerated and very effective in the long-term treatment of patients with PRL-secreting macroadenomas.

Long-acting oral bromocriptine (Parlodel SRO) in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of Parlodel SRO (Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland), a long-acting oral bromocriptine, to Parlodel (Sandoz) and to study the chronic effects of Parlodel SRO. DESIGN: The study was twofold: (1) random, double-blind and (2) open. SETTING: Patients were studied in an academic environment. PATIENTS: Hyperprolactinemic patients were selected. Sixteen patients were treated during 1 month. Ten patients completed the 1-year follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Parlodel SRO or Parlodel was administered during 1 month (first 15 days: 5 mg/d; afterwards: 10 mg/d). Parlodel SRO was given during 1 year in variable doses (maximal 20 mg/d). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prolactin (PRL) levels, clinical improvement, and side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: After 1 month, 63% of the patients in both groups had normal PRL and 43% had menses. Side effects were similar. After 1 year all patients except one had normal PRL levels, and 89% were ovulating. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy, tolerability, and long duration of action of Parlodel SRO make it an excellent alternative for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic patients.

A prolactin-secreting tumor in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome: a case report.

We report the case of a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome who developed a prolactin (PRL)-secreting tumor. The patient developed headaches, visual alterations and also symptoms of hypogonadism despite appropriate testosterone (T) replacement therapy. The diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia was then suspected. The laboratory findings confirmed the hypothesis, showing high levels of serum PRL. The patient was initially treated with oral bromocriptine, and afterwards with the injectable form. There was a marked decrease in PRL levels and in tumor size. Although some neoplasms, like breast carcinoma and germ cell tumors, are known to occur more frequently in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, an association with PRL-secreting tumor has not been reported yet. In conclusion, symptoms of hypogonadism in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome receiving appropriate T replacement therapy can suggest the presence of hyperprolactinemia.