| Abstract | In order to evaluate in a double-blind manner the therapeutic efficacy of selegiline in the treatment of late-phase Parkinson's disease, 19 patients with end-of-dose type fluctuations were randomized for a double-blind cross-over trial receiving either selegiline 10 mg or placebo. Each period lasted 12 weeks. During a two week prestudy period the dose of levodopa was titrated to optimal levels. The disability was evaluated using the Columbia University Disability Scale (CUDS). The patients kept a daily diary to monitor closely the frequency and severity of their fluctuations and the side-effects of treatment. Their parkinsonian disability and all main symptoms improved significantly during selegiline treatment. The mean duration of action of a levodopa dose was significantly longer and there was significantly less daily end-of-dose and early morning akinesia during selegiline treatment. The side-effects were similar in both treatments. This double-blind study confirms the findings of earlier open studies that selegiline potentiates and prolongs the therapeutic effects of levodopa and thus its use is particularly beneficial in patients with end-of-dose type fluctuations in disability. |
| Authors | E H Heinonen, U K Rinne, J Tuominen
(Affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Turku, Finland.)
|
| Journal | Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum
(Acta Neurol Scand Suppl)
Vol. 126
Pg. 113-8
( 1989)
ISSN: 0065-1427 DENMARK |
| PMID | 2515716
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
|
| Chemical References |
- Levodopa
- Phenethylamines
- Selegiline
|
| Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Evaluation
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Levodopa
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Parkinson Disease
(drug therapy)
- Phenethylamines
(therapeutic use)
- Selegiline
(therapeutic use)
|
