A Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Cardiac Valvulopathy in Patients with Hyperprolactinemia Treated with Cabergoline

Abstract

Context Cabergoline is first-line treatment for most patients with lactotrope pituitary tumors and hyperprolactinemia. Its use at high dosages in Parkinson disease (PD) has largely been abandoned because of its association with the development of a characteristic restrictive cardiac valvulopathy. Whether similar valvular changes occur in patients receiving lower dosages for treatment of hyperprolactinemia is unclear, although stringent regulatory recommendations for echocardiographic screening exist. Objective To conduct a meta-analysis exploring any link between the use of cabergoline for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and clinically significant cardiac valvulopathy. Data Sources Full-text articles published through January 2017 were found via PubMed and selected according to strict inclusion criteria. Study Selection All case-control studies were included where patients had received ≥6 months of cabergoline treatment for hyperprolactinemia. Single case reports, previous meta-analyses, review articles, and articles pertaining solely to PD were excluded. Of 76 originally selected studies, 13 met inclusion criteria. Data Extraction Desired data were compiled and extracted from articles by independent observers. Each also independently graded article quality (bias) and met to reach consensus. Data Synthesis More tricuspid regurgitation was observed (OR 3.74; 95% CI, 1.79 to 7.8; P < 0.001) in the cabergoline-treated patients compared with controls. In no patient was tricuspid valve dysfunction diagnosed as a result of clinical symptoms. There was no significant increase in any other valvulopathy. Conclusions Treatment with low-dose cabergoline in hyperprolactinemia appears to be associated with an increased prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear and warrants further investigation.