SummaryThis study was designed to assess the incidence, severity and possible aetiological factors ofpostanaesthetic shivering in children. Three hundred and seventy-six children undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. Tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded pre-operalively and every 15 min postoperatively in the recovery room until discharge to the ward.Also recorded were all anaesthetic data including,puid administration, methods of temperature preservation used, sedation scores und shivering (using a four-point scale). The overall incidence of shivering was 14.4%. Multiple regression anulysis identified three ,factors thut were significantly related to shivering: age, the administration of atropine and peri-operative temperature changes. Children who shivered rewarmed ,faster in the recovery room.

The objectives of this study were to measure the pharmacokinetics of ropinirole at steady state when the drug is used as an adjunct to L-dopa and evaluate the long-term tolerability of ropinirole in this indication. Twenty-four patients who were taking L-dopa for Parkinson's disease and experiencing a lack of symptomatic control were recruited. Patients received open-label adjunctive treatment with ropinirole for up to 2 years. The starting dose was 0.5 mg bid, which could be titrated to a maximum of 6.0 mg tid. Ropinirole demonstrated approximately dose-linear pharmacokinetics at steady state; corresponding values were higher during tid than bid dosing. A reduction in mean L-dopa dose was maintained throughout the trial. The combination of L-dopa and ropinirole was generally well tolerated, with only 1 patient withdrawing from treatment because of adverse events. Thus, ropinirole shows approximately linear steady-state pharmacokinetics and a good safety profile when administered with L-dopa.

There are no pharmacokinetic grounds for adjusting dosages of either ropinirole or L-dopa when given in combination.

Aims Ropinirole is a specific non-ergoline dopamine D 2 -receptor agonist with antiparkinsonian properties.The pharmacokinetic parameters of ropinirole taken in the fasted condition were compared with those when it was co-administered with food. Methods This was an open, randomized, two sessions cross over study in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease, comparing the steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of ropinirole on two different study days: 'fasted' and 'fed'. Results The mean C max was lower in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' one (−25%, P=0.002). The median t max was observed 2.6 h later in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' regimen ( P<0.05). There was a slight but significant decrease in AUC(0,8 h) in the 'fed' regimen ( P=0.03). Conclusions Food decreases the rate of absorption of ropinirole, but has little effect on the extent of absorption.