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Treatment of parkinsonism with L-Dopa

Encouraged by the recent literature on the subject, the authors decided to treat 18 patients in double-blind fashion using L-Dopa against a placebo during 4 weeks. Dosage was gradually increased from 0,5 g to 4 g within this four-week period. Afterwards the trial proceeded openly, all patients receiving L-Dopa. Further 7 patients were added, making up a total number of 25. The trial was carried on for further 8 weeks. Blood counts, liver function tests, urinalysis, ECG and EEG were performed. Eosinophilia, of which the origin could not be ascertained, was found in 8 cases, and generalised convulsions ocurred in two cases. By the 8th week of treatment 6 patients showed marked improvement; 12 had improved noticeably, and the remaining 7 were slightly better. Hyperkinesia and postural hypotension were controlled by dosage reduction. Four patients reported increase of sexual activity. The trial proceeds, a clinical reappraisal being foreseen for the 12th month of. treatment.


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