Prevalence and natural history of X-linked dystonia Parkinsonism in Koronadal City, South Cotabato

Abstract

X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism is an adult-onset, progressive, debilitating movement disorder, manifesting predominantly with dystonia in combination with Parkinsonism. It was first reported in 1975 among males in Panay Island, Philippines. The region of South Cotabato in Mindanao with its capital Koronadal City, is populated by migrants from Panay Island. The estimated population of the region is 912,957 as of 2015 and the major ethnicity, comprising 51%, are from the Panay Island. This paper calls attention to this migration and aims to identify cases and describe the clinical picture of XDP in Koronadal City. A descriptive study using the screening questionnaire for X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism was used per barangay to look for possible cases. Cases were confirmed through a one on one interview and assessment by a movement disorder specialist. From those screened by barangay health workers, four cases of X -linked dystonia Parkinsonism from Koronadal City were seen. They were all male, presenting with generalized dystonia. The phenomenology of these cases are similar to the 2011 study involving 312 patients. Another 11 patients from other municipalities of South Cotabato came also for evaluation. Hence an expansion of this study to involve the entire region of South Cotabato is warranted to provide a more accurate picture of the prevalence and natural history of the disease in the region.