Safety and efficacy of rasagiline in addition to levodopa for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To assess the safety and efficacy of rasagiline for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) among individuals currently receiving levodopa.

METHODS:

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing rasagiline with placebo/no treatment in individuals with PD currently receiving levodopa. Outcome measures included improvement in motor functions; symptomatic improvement; improvement in quality of life; adverse effects. Random-effect meta-analytical techniques were conducted for the outcome measure and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS:

Three RCTs were included (n = 1002). The results showed significantly greater improvements in daily 'on' time without dyskinesia in levodopa-treated participants with idiopathic PD receiving 1 mg/day rasagiline compared to placebo (n = 712, 2 RCTs, MD 0.80, CI 0.45 to 1.15; p < 0.00001), and significantly greater improvements in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor performance scores during 'on' time in participants receiving 0.5-1 mg/day rasagiline (0.5 mg/day: n = 282, MD -2.91, CI -4.59 to -1.23; p = 0.0007; 1 mg/day: n = 712, 2 RCTs, MD -2.91, CI -4.02 to -1.80; p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in adverse effects.

CONCLUSION:

0.5 to 1 mg/day rasagiline in addition to levodopa is a safe and well-tolerated combination therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

• Authors: Jiang-Ping Cai, Wan-Jin Chen, Yu Lin, Bin Cai, Ning Wang
• Journal: European neurology (Eur Neurol) Vol. 73 Issue 1-2 Pg. 5-12 ( 2015) ISSN: 1421-9913 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 25358603 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiparkinson Agents
• Indans
• Neuroprotective Agents
• rasagiline
• Levodopa

Topics

• Antiparkinson Agents (administration & dosage)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Indans (administration & dosage)
• Levodopa (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Neuroprotective Agents (administration & dosage)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Parkinson Disease (drug therapy)
• Quality of Life
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic