[Cabergoline in hyperprolactinemia and valvular heart disease].

INTRODUCTION

High-dose cabergoline therapy has been related to cardiac valve regurgitation in patients with Parkinson's disease.

AIMS

To perform a systematic analysis of reports on low-dose cabergoline treatment in hyperprolactinemia and its effect on the cardiac valves.

RESULTS

None of the seven reports analyzed, including 463 patients in total, found clinically significant valve regurgitation. Only one report found moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, and other two reports found mild tricuspid valve regurgitation. An increase in the mitral tenting area was documented in only one of two reports. Valve thickening and calcifications were found in only one study.

CONCLUSIONS

Cabergoline seems to be safe at the doses employed in hyperprolactinemic patients. There is a higher prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation, detected by systematic echocardiography, but this abnormality is asymptomatic. Although prospective longitudinal studies are needed, vigilance of these patients is recommended, especially those treated with high-dose cabergoline.