INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a second most common neurodegenerative disorder which affects 1 % to 2% of people older than 60 years and is characterized by cardinal features of bradykinesia, rigidity, and rest tremor (2). Most of the motor disability experienced by patients results from progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc). However, recent studies have shown that PD is also associated with extensive non-dopaminergic pathology. Recent trend in the treatment of PD include development of new drugs that will not only address the symptom relief but will also ameliorate the progression of dopaminergic neuron degeneration (3).
OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence from randomized controlled trials the effects of Rasagiline compared with placebo in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease
DESIGN: Meta-analysis of 3 randomized trials identified through Medline/Pubmed and Cochrane Library. Summary of the outcome variables was computed using difference of two means of the United Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) score and their corresponding standard error of the means under fixed effects models. The chi-square test was done to test heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was done using Revman version 5.
RESULTS: The sample size of the studies ranged from 13 to 595 patients. The mean age of the trial participants were in the 60s with a relatively narrow standard deviation. All studies were randomized and placebo controlled. The main outcome measure was change in the UPDRS score from baseline. The mean difference between Rasagiline 1 mg and placebo is -3.06 (95% CI -3.81, -2.31) and Rasagiline 2mg and placebo is -3.17 (95% CI -3.92, -2.42). The overall effect was statistically significant (z=8.01; p<0.00001 and z=8.28; p<0.00001) in favor of Rasagiline 1mg and 2mg using the fixed effects model.
CONCLUSION: Based on this meta-analysis, Rasagiline is effective as monotherapy in early Parkinson's disease.

Human ; Dopaminergic Neurons ; Hypokinesia ; Indans ; Muscle Rigidity ; Nerve Degeneration ; Parkinson Disease ; Pars Compacta ; Tremor

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide concise background information regarding the state of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors as well as the existing efforts to address them in the Philippines in the last 25 years.

METHODS: A desk review of documents and literature review as well as analyses of available statistical data and several consultations with involved government agencies have been made to come up with summary figures and tables.

RESULTS: NCDs as well as metabolic conditions that can potentially lead to NCDs are on the rise in the last score of years. The Philippines, through the Department of Health, has been visionary in leading various projects and activities to fight NCDs over the last two decades, and its efforts are slowly paying off: the prevalence of tobacco use and that of hypertension have decreased over the last 5 years. NCD mortality (including premature deaths) and prevalence of behavioral risk factors, however, generally remain high, and the Philippines needs to accelerate whole-of-society and whole-of-government actions to sustain the gains and attain its NCD targets in the next 10 years or so.

CONCLUSION: The need to strengthen health system interventions and promote accountability of various sectors in addressing NCDs and its risk factors in the country arises. The development of a multisectoral action plan on NCD prevention and control is needed to halt the rise of NCDs in the country.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Health Systems Plans ; Delivery of Health Care

The use of child restraints such as car seats or booster seats inevitability increases with the implementation of laws mandating its use in the general public. This is of great importance to child health and injury prevention as child restraint use has been shown to reduce the risk of serious injury by 71% to 82% for children less than 1-year-old, and 45% for children aged 4 to 8 years old.2,3 In terms of averting death, child restraints were associated with 28% reduction in risk for death.4 It has been found that using ageand size-appropriate child restraints is the best way to save lives and reduce injuries in a crash.5 It is reasonable, therefore, that one study that investigated the association between child restraint law implementation and traffic injury rate among 4 to 6 years old children in New York State found that these children experienced an 18% reduction in traffic injury rate. (See full-text for continuation).
Human ; Child Preschool (a Child Between The Ages Of 2 And 5) ; Pediatrics