Iron, a new aid in the treatment of Parkinson patients.

One of the problems in treating Parkinson patients is the so called "off-effect" which occurs after long term treatment with L-DOPA. Off-effects are characterized by severe rigor and akinesia. Increasing dosages of L-DOPA and decarboxylase- or monoaminooxidase-inhibitors do not improve these symptoms. Intravenously applied iron--in form of a ferri-ferro-complex--exhibited a considerable benefit for all patients treated so far. They regained a remarkable mobility. Their disability score dropped from up to 90% down to 30%. The effect of iron is dosage-dependent and lasts 24 to 48 hours.