Ropinirole versus pramipexole : a versus study involving the treatment of dopamine agonists in patients suffering with restless leg syndrome

Abstract

Overview of the Topic: Restless Leg syndrome is a condition that describes the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. In most cases the cause of a person suffering from RLS is not known but usually individuals start having symptoms before the age of 40 in families that have the specific gene component for it. An estimate of between 4-14 percent of the general population have reported to have RLS symptoms and these gradually increase by age. Dopamine agonist medications are the most effective medicinal treatment used in order to counter act RLS. In this dissertation the effects of Ropinirole and Pramipexole, two types of Dopamine agonists will be compared together to see which one is more effective in order to treat people who are suffering from RLS. Another Dopamine Agonist Rotigotine is also mentioned in this topic and how it relates compared to the main two medications discussed in this dissertation. The research question: Is Ropinirole more effective than Pramipexole to treat patients who are suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome. PICO elements: The Population (P) studied were patients with RLS. Intervention (I) was Ropinirole. Comparison (C) observed was Pramipexole. The outcome (O) of this study was to see if Ropinirole is more effective than Pramipexole in treating RLS or Vice Versa. Method: Key elements of the PICO question were used as keywords to generate alternative terms. Boolean operators were used. An Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also used to identify which articles should be included and excluded. The PRISMA 2009 checklist was utilized to exclude irrelevant studies. Critical Appraisal skills Program (CASP) tools and Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tools were used to critically appraise the literature. Results: Five key studies were chosen for this dissertation consisting of 1 systematic review, 3 Randomized control trials. All studies even though they have some limitations all follow the main aim for this dissertation. Conclusion: Evidence gathered from these studies show that Ropinirole is slight better than pramipexole in reducing RLS symptoms, but further research is needed to improve quality of these findings. Also, better Dopamine Agonists like Rotigotine are being used today as proved from these studies as it has a lower chance of Augmentation when compared to both Pramipexole and Ropinirole in treating RLS patients. Implications and Recommendations: This appraisal proposes several recommendations for educational purposes, practice management and research for future nurses to be able to handle RLS symptoms with the right treatment and correct approach without causing adverse effects that could worsen the condition.