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Mortality in people taking selegiline: observational study
M Thorogood1, B Armstrong, T Nichols
1Health Promotion Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT. m.thorogood@lshtm.ac.uk
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|July 24, 1998
Summary
Selegiline use in Parkinson's disease patients may be associated with a slight increase in mortality, particularly in those under 80 or with a confirmed diagnosis not taking levodopa.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Treatment strategies for PD aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different treatments on mortality rates in Parkinson's disease patients.
- Specifically evaluate the association between selegiline use and all-cause mortality.
Main Methods:
- A large cohort study utilizing UK General Practice Research Database computerised medical records.
- Included 12,621 patients aged 35-90 years prescribed antiparkinsonian drugs.
- Excluded patients with potential drug-induced Parkinsonism.
Main Results:
- 1720 deaths were recorded over 14,000 person-years.
- Selegiline use, alone or with levodopa, showed a non-significant 11% increased risk of death.
- Higher death rates were observed in younger patients (<80 years) and those on selegiline monotherapy with a PD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential small excess mortality associated with selegiline.
- This excess risk may be more pronounced in patients under 80 and those with a confirmed PD diagnosis on selegiline monotherapy.