Efficacy and acceptability of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for depressed patients: A systematic review and meta- analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and acceptability of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in treating depression. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinialTrials.gov from inception to July 3, 2023, identifying randomized controlled trials comparing SAMe with placebo or antidepressants (ADs). We synthesized data on reduced depressive symptoms (efficacy) and overall dropout rates (acceptability) using a random-effects model for pairwise frequentist meta-analysis. Our analysis included 23 trials (N = 2183) classified into three categories: 11 trials comparing SAMe and placebo, 5 trials comparing SAMe plus ADs and placebo plus ADs, and 7 trials comparing SAMe and ADs. Differences between experimental and control interventions in reducing depressive symptoms were observed: i) SAMe demonstrated significantly superior efficacy compared to placebo (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI = -0.93 to -0.23, I2 = 68%); ii) in conjunction with ADs, SAMe did not show a significant difference from placebo (SMD = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.63 to 0.19, I2 = 76%); and iii) SAMe did not exhibit a significant difference from ADs alone (SMD = 0.06, 95%CI = -0.06 to 0.18, I2 = 49%). No significant differences in dropout rates were observed across the three comparison categories. Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that SAMe monotherapy may offer a moderate therapeutic benefit in alleviating depressive symptoms. Considering its favorable acceptability profile, SAMe monotherapy should be considered as a treatment option for patients with depression. However, uncertainties regarding its efficacy as an adjunct to AD and its comparative efficacy with ADs remain unresolved.

Second-generation antipsychotics for Parkinson's disease psychosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This network meta-analysis assessed the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) for Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials investigating SGAs for PDP up to October 26, 2023. RESULTS: We included 16 trials (N = 1252) investigating clozapine, melperone, olanzapine, pimavanserin, quetiapine, ulotaront, and placebo. In comparisons between SGAs and placebo, the findings were: i) Standardized mean differences, 95% confidence intervals (SMDs, 95%CIs), for psychotic-symptom reduction revealed the first rank of clozapine (-1.31, -1.73 to -0.89), the second rank of pimavanserin, with significant inferiority of quetiapine (SMD = 0.47, 0.02 to 0.92); ii) Mean differences (MDs, 95%CIs) for abnormal movement, as assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale - Part III, indicated that clozapine had the least motor side effects (-0.92, -2.75 to 0.91); iii) Risk ratios (RRs, 95% CIs) for adverse-effect dropout rates were lowest for melperone (1.02, 0.20 to 5.24); and iv) RRs (95% CIs) for all-cause dropout rates were lowest for clozapine (0.73, 0.42 to 1.25). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with PDP, clozapine may substantially reduce psychotic symptoms with minimal abnormal movement, high acceptability, and moderate overall tolerability. Pimavanserin, not quetiapine, could be an alternative.

Convergent Validity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: Their Construct Correlations with Functional Disability.

This study aimed to evaluate the convergent validity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Thai pregnant and postpartum women, using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) as the reference standard. Participants completed the EPDS, PHQ-9, and WHODAS during the third trimester of pregnancy (over 28 weeks in gestational age) and six weeks postpartum. The sample included 186 and 136 participants for the antenatal and postpartum data analyses, respectively. The antenatal and postpartum data showed moderate correlations between both the EPDS and the PHQ-9 scores and the WHODAS scores (Spearman's correlation coefficients = 0.53-0.66, p < 0.001). The EPDS and PHQ-9 were moderately accurate in distinguishing disability (WHODAS score ≥ 10) from non-disability (WHODAS score < 10) in pregnant and postpartum participants, but the area under the curve of the PHQ-9 receiver operating characteristic curves in postpartum participants was significantly larger than that of the EPDS, with a difference (95% CI; p-value) of 0.08 (0.16, 0.01; p = 0.044). In conclusion, the EPDS and PHQ-9 are valid for assessing PND-related disability in pregnant and postpartum women. The PHQ-9 may perform better than the EPDS in distinguishing disability from non-disability in postpartum women.

Aortic Peak Flow Velocity As a Predictor of Fluid Responsiveness in Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the accuracy of the respiratory variations in aortic peak flow velocity (delta Vpeak) in predicting fluid responsiveness and the moderators of that accuracy. DATA SOURCES: We performed searches for studies that used delta Vpeak as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to June 20, 2022. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Fifteen studies ( n = 452) were included in this meta-analysis. The diagnostic test data of the included studies were synthesized as pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic of delta Vpeak. DATA SYNTHESIS: The delta Vpeak cutoff values applied in these studies had a median of 12.3% (interquartile range, 11.50-13.25%). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of delta Vpeak were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71-0.87) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.87), respectively. The DOR of delta Vpeak was 23.41 (95% CI, 11.61-47.20). The AUC of delta Vpeak was 0.87. Subgroup analyses revealed that the accuracy of delta Vpeak was not moderated by ventilator settings, measures of delta Vpeak, gold standard index, the cutoff gold standard value of responders, type and volume of fluid, duration of fluid challenge, use of vasoactive drugs, general anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSIONS: By using the cutoff of approximately 12.3%, the delta Vpeak appears to have good accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. The moderators of delta Vpeak predictability are not found.

Efficacy and acceptability of vitamin D supplements for depressed patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D and placebo in reducing depressive symptoms and contributing to all-cause dropout rates. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing reduced depression between depressed patients receiving vitamin D and those receiving placebo. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through January 2022. RESULTS: Eighteen trials (1980 participants, median age 39 y) were included in the meta-analysis. Vitamin D supplements were significantly superior to placebo in reducing depression (standardized mean difference = -0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.75 to -0.23; I2 = 81%). Depressed adults (standardized mean difference = -0.70; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.31) responded to vitamin D significantly better than children and adolescents (standardized mean difference = 0.10; 95% CI -0.27 to 0.47). Vitamin D administered as bolus doses (oral intermittent high doses or intramuscular single high dose) appeared to be more effective than that taken daily by the oral route (P < 0.01). Patients with more severe depression tended to respond better than those with less severity (P = 0.053). We found no moderating effect of concurrent antidepressant use, presence of major depressive disorder diagnosis, physical comorbidity, sex, duration and doses of vitamin D supplement, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at baseline, and changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the vitamin D group. Dropout rates were indifferent between the groups (17 trials; risk ratio = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.6-1.16; I2 = 0). CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneous data suggested that vitamin D supplements are effective and safe for depressed patients.

Serum oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in the third trimester of pregnancy for predicting postpartum depression in Thai women.

PURPOSE: This prospective observational study aimed to determine whether serum oxytocin (OT) or corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels in the third trimester of pregnancy (or late pregnancy) could prospectively predict postpartum depression (PPD) at six weeks after childbirth. METHODS: We measured late pregnancy OT and CRH levels in Thai women, assessed depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and collected mothers, labor, and newborn data. At six weeks postpartum, an EPDS score ≥ 11 or PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 was defined as the presence of PPD. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of PPD. RESULTS: Of 200 participants, 136 (68.0%) were reassessed at six weeks postpartum, and 19 of them (14.0%) had PPD. Of the 19 participants with PPD, 9 met the EPDS criterion only, 3 met the PHQ-9 criterion only, and 7 met both criteria. OT levels were not significantly different between those with and without PPD (p = 0.35). CRH levels (aOR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.001-1.023, p = 0.041), DASS-21 stress (aOR = 1.259, 95% CI = 1.132-1.400, p < 0.001), and APGAR at 1 min (aOR = 0.425, 95% CI = 0.240-0.752, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Only high CRH but not OT levels in late pregnancy may predict 6-week PPD. However, combining these CRH levels, late pregnancy stress, and newborn well-being immediately after birth seems to increase the accuracy of PPD prediction.

Efficacy and acceptability of blue-wavelength light therapy for post-TBI behavioral symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Behavioral symptoms are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but their treatments remain unsatisfactory. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy and acceptability between blue-wavelength light therapy (BWLT) and long-wavelength/no light therapy (LW/NLT) for post-TBI sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. METHODS: This study included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of BWLT and LW/NLT on post-TBI sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, or fatigue. We searched Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled of Trials on April 13, 2022. The revised tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials was applied. We performed a frequentist pairwise meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of 233 retrieved records, six trials (N = 278) were included in this meta-analysis. TBIs ranged from mild to severe, and the interventions were administered for a median of 35 days. Most trials delivered light therapy via lightboxes. Three trials had a high risk of bias. BWLT was significantly superior to LW/NLT in reducing sleep disturbance (5 trials; SMD = -0.63; 95% CI = -1.21 to -0.05; p = 0.03; I2 = 61%) and depressive symptoms (4 trials; SMD = -1.00; 95% CI = -1.62 to -0.38; p < 0.01; I2 = 56%). There were trends that BWLT was superior to LW/NLT in reducing sleepiness (6 trials; SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.84 to 0.00; p = 0.05; I2 = 88%) and fatigue (4 trials; SMD = -1.44; 95% CI = -2.95 to 0.08; p = 0.06; I2 = 91%). All-cause dropout rates were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Limited and heterogenous evidence suggests that short-term BWLT is well accepted, has a large treatment effect on post-TBI depressive symptoms, and may have a moderate treatment effect on post-TBI sleep disturbance.

Antidepressants for depressed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of short-term randomized controlled trials.

This network meta-analysis compared the short-term treatment effects of different antidepressants on depression severity and HbA1c in depressed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We searched 8- to 24-week randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov on November 22, 2021. We included 12 RCTs (N = 792) studying agomelatine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, no treatment, paroxetine, sertraline, vortioxetine, and placebo. Compared to placebo, the standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (SMD, 95%CIs) for depression severity reduction revealed that escitalopram ranked first (-2.93, -3.92 to -1.94), followed by agomelatine (-0.68, -1.15 to -0.20). Compared to placebo, the mean differences (MDs, 95%CIs) for HbA1c reduction suggested that vortioxetine ranked first (-2.35, -4.13 to -0.57), followed by escitalopram (-1.00, -1.42 to -0.57) and agomelatine (-0.79, -1.16 to -0.42). Limited evidence from short-term trials in depressed patients with T2DM suggests that escitalopram and agomelatine may have a favorable profile in reducing depression and controlling glycemic goals, but more trials are required.

Bidirectional prediction between weight status and executive function in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

This study examined the predictability of child weight status on executive function (EF) and vice versa. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE for longitudinal studies conducted in children and adolescents on October 31, 2021. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using a frequentist random-effects approach. The quality of all included studies was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE assessments. This study included 18 longitudinal studies (N = 30,101). Overall executive functioning was a significant negative predictor of child weight status (pooled beta coefficient = -0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.22 to -0.07]; I2 = 97%). The pooled odds ratio also revealed that high EF children had a significant lower risk for developing overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72; 95% CI [0.59 to 0.87]; I2 = 72%). Conversely, child weight status was a significant negative predictor of overall executive functioning (pooled beta coefficient = -0.06; 95% CI [-0.12 to -0.01]; I2 = 81%). These results suggest a bidirectional prediction between child weight status and EF. These predictabilities are low but potentially beneficial for implementation in childcare systems.

Melatonin Receptor Agonists for the Prevention of Delirium: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Although a previous review illustrated the efficacy of melatonin receptor agonists (MRAs) in preventing delirium, some recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not confirm these effects. OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviewed the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of MRAs for delirium prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Controlled Trials Register, from their inception to February 20, 2022. The primary efficacy outcome was delirium incidence rate after MRA administration; relative risks (RRs), overall discontinuation, and discontinuation due to adverse events are also presented. RESULTS: The overall pooled incidence rates of delirium in MRA-treated and placebo-treated groups were significantly different with RR (95% CI)=0.66(0.52, 0.84, ), I2=59%. Similarly, the incidence rate was significantly lower in the melatonin-treated group than in the placebo-treated group [RR (95% CI) =0.65 (0.49, 0.88), I2=65%]. Unfortunately, incidence rates were not significantly different between ramelteon-treated and placebo-treated groups [RR (95% CI) =0.67 (0.42, 1.08), I2=50%]. The pooled incidence rate of delirium in either melatonin or ramelteon-treated groups was not significantly different from the placebo-treated group in elderly patients. The pooled incidence rate of delirium was significantly lower in the melatonin-treated group than in the benzodiazepinetreated group. CONCLUSION: Based on this review, melatonin could prevent delirium with a small effect size. However, ramelteon did not show efficacy in preventing delirium. Additionally, neither melatonin nor ramelteon individually showed effectiveness in preventing delirium in elderly patients. Therefore, using MRAs to prevent delirium in clinical practice should be cautious. However, future welldefined and large sample size studies could verify these findings.

Course and predictors of disability in Thai patients with schizophrenia: A 2-year, multi-center, prospective, observational study.

PURPOSE: This 2-year, multi-center, prospective, observational study aimed to describe the course and examine baseline characteristics for predicting disability in Thai patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Participants were patients with schizophrenia aged 18-65 years receiving treatment in five tertiary hospitals. Disability was defined by a score of 10 or more of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, version 2.0 (12-item WHODAS 2.0). Other data being collected included socio-demographic data, course of illness, antipsychotics, antipsychotic drug attitudes, behavioral/psychiatric symptoms, alcohol use, social supports, and quality of life at five visits, including weeks 0 (baseline), 24, 48, 72, and 96. RESULTS: Of the 158 enrolled patients, we analyzed the data of 119 participants who were reassessed at least once during the follow-up. These 119 participants (70% male) had median age and age at psychotic onset of 38 and 22 years, respectively. Disability was found in 43 (36.1%) participants at baseline and 72 (64.7%) participants at week 96. The median [interquartile ranges] WHODAS scores at five time points were 6 [3-12], 9 [4-13], 10 [6-10], 10 [4-10], and 10 [6-10], respectively (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of psychosis (adjusted odds ratio = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.04 - 1.14, p = 0.001) and depression (adjusted odds ratio = 3.54, 95%CI = 1.14 - 11.06, p = 0.029) at baseline predicted 2-year disability. CONCLUSIONS: Thai patients with schizophrenia had an increase in disability over a 2-year follow-up period. Duration of psychosis and depression were predictors of disability in these patients.

The Effects of Neurofeedback on Executive Functioning in Children With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Possible beneficial effects of neurofeedback in improving ADHD functional outcomes have been increasingly reported. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between neurofeedback and executive functioning in children with ADHD. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies reporting the effects of neurofeedback on executive functioning, including response inhibition, sustained attention, and working memory, assessed by neuropsychological tests. Only randomized controlled studies of children aged 5 to 18 years were included using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. The effects of neurofeedback were not found on three domains of executive functions. A meta-regression analysis revealed a trend of numbers of neurofeedback sessions positively associated with response inhibition (p = .06). CONCLUSION: Results did not show the benefits of neurofeedback on executive functions assessed by neuropsychological tests. Future studies should focus on standard neurofeedback protocols, the intensity of intervention, and neuropsychological outcomes.

A meta-analysis comparing short-term weight and cardiometabolic changes between olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine.

This study compared weight and cardiometabolic changes after short-term treatment of olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine. Eligible criteria for an included trial were ≤ 24 weeks, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine treatments in patients/healthy volunteers and reported weight or cardiometabolic outcomes. Three databases were searched on October 31, 2020. Primary outcomes included weight changes and all-cause dropout rates. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratios (RRs) were computed and pooled using a random-effect model. This meta-analysis included four RCTs (n = 1195). The heterogeneous data revealed that weight changes were not significantly different between olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine groups (4 RCTs, SDM = - 0.19, 95% CI - 0.45 to 0.07, I2 = 75%). The whole-sample, pooled RR of all-cause dropout rates (4 RCTs, RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.23, I2 = 0%) was not significant different between olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine groups. A lower percentage of males and a lower initial body mass index were associated with the greater effect of samidorphan in preventing olanzapine-induced weight gain. Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of samidorphan to prevent olanzapine-induced weight gain and olanzapine-induced cardiometabolic abnormalities. Samidorphan is well accepted by olanzapine-treated patients.

Cross national comparison of medical students' attitudes and beliefs about medical cannabis and its application for pain management.

OBJECTIVES: To examine attitudes and beliefs about medical cannabis (MC), and specifically about its application for pain management, across medical students in Israel and Thailand. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey which measured attitudes and beliefs about MC. Participants were additionally asked to rate the perceived efficacy of MC for different medical conditions that are related to pain (arthritis, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis). Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to compare between students from the participating universities. RESULTS: 430 medical students participated, 37.9 % (n = 163) from Israel and 62.1 % (n = 267) from Thailand. Personal cannabis use was reported by 55.6 % of the Israeli and only by 6.9 % of the Thai students (p < .001). Israeli secular students, compared to those from Thailand, were more likely to recommend MC for patient treatment, less concerned about serious physical and mental health risks, and more inclined to support legalization of recreational cannabis. Israeli students reported more permissive attitudes toward MC, but reported feeling less prepared to answer patient/client questions about MC than their Thai counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study accentuate the need for curriculum designed around MC use to promote students' preparedness to serve patients in pain or with other medical conditions that may benefit from MC use.

A network meta-analysis of the dose-response effects of lurasidone on acute schizophrenia.

We compared the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of lurasidone at different doses to establish the dose-response relationships of lurasidone therapeutic and adverse effects in acute schizophrenia. Included trials were 4- to 16-week, fixed-dose, randomized controlled trials of lurasidone in adults with acute schizophrenia. Different doses of lurasidone, other antipsychotics, and placebo were considered as independent treatments. Apart from all-cause dropout rates, four therapeutic and four adverse outcomes were included in the frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA). Lurasidone 160, 120, 80, 40, and 20 mg/day were studied in ten trials of 3,366 adults with schizophrenia exacerbation. Lurasidone 160 mg/day reduced Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores significantly more than lurasidone 120, 80, 40, and 20 mg/day (mean differences = - 7.63, - 7.04, - 8.83, and - 12.25, respectively). All-cause dropout rates were significantly lower in participants receiving lurasidone 160 mg/day and 80 mg/day compared with those taking placebo. The half-maximal effective doses of lurasidone for PANSS total, PANSS positive, and MADRS score reductions were higher than 80 mg/day. The confidence of all NMA estimates was low or very low. Lurasidone 160 mg/day is currently the most efficacious and acceptable dose for acute schizophrenia. Its maximal effective doses may be higher than 160 mg/day.

Blue-wavelength light therapy for post-traumatic brain injury sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, and fatigue: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to determine the efficacy of blue-wavelength light therapy (BWLT) for post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, and fatigue. METHODS: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL. Included trials were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BWLT in adults with a history of TBI. Outcomes of interest included sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, or fatigue. Two reviewers independently screened the searched items, selected the trials, extracted the data, and rating the quality of trials. We aggregated the data using a random-effect, frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA). RESULTS: We searched the databases on July 4, 2020. This review included four RCTs of 117 patients with a history of TBI who were randomized to received BWLT, amber light therapy (ALT), or no light therapy (NLT). Moderate-quality evidence revealed that: i) BWLT was significantly superior to NLT in reducing depression (SMD = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.43) ii) BWLT reduced fatigue at a significantly greater extent than NLT (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.76) and ALT (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.14 to 1.86). Low-quality evidence suggested that BWLT reduced depression at a greater extent than ALT (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.04 to 1.10). Low-quality evidence found that the dropout rates of those receiving BWLT and ALT were not significantly different (RR = 3.72, 95% CI = 0.65 to 21.34). CONCLUSION: Moderate-quality evidence suggests that BWLT may be useful for post-TBI depression and fatigue.

Efficacy and dropout rates of antipsychotic medications for methamphetamine psychosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the treatment effects of different antipsychotics for methamphetamine psychosis (MAP). METHODS: Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the inception to June 15, 2020. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were aggregated using random-effects pairwise comparisons and frequentist network meta-analyses (NMAs). Primary outcomes of interest were the main psychotic symptoms and dropout rates. We also rated the quality of NMA estimates. RESULTS: This NMA included six RCTs of 395 patients with MAP. Six studied antipsychotics were aripiprazole, haloperidol, olanzapine, paliperidone extended-release, quetiapine, and risperidone. Risperidone is the most frequently studied antipsychotic, being investigated in four trials. Low quality of evidence was available to determine the efficacy of those antipsychotics for main psychotic symptoms. Aripiprazole was significantly inferior to olanzapine (SMD = 1.36, 95 % CI = 0.46-2.26), quetiapine (SMD = 1.13, 95 % CI = 0.28-1.98), haloperidol (SMD = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.14-1.60), and paliperidone extended-release (SMD = 0.60, 95 % CI = 0.06-1.14). Olanzapine and quetiapine were superior to risperidone (SMD = -1.09, 95 % CI = -1.89 to -0.28 and SMD = -0.86, 95 % CI = -1.61 to -0.11, respectively). The dropout rates were not significantly different among the studied antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that olanzapine or quetiapine may be a preferred antipsychotic for MAP, although the evidence for this was rated low-quality due to the high risk of bias or indirectness/intransitivity.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation for prevention and treatment of perinatal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Available interventions for preventing and treating perinatal depression remain unsatisfactory. AIMS: We examined the prophylactic and therapeutic effects, as well as adverse effects, of n-3 PUFA supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms during perinatal periods. METHODS: We included randomized, placebo-controlled trials that reported the changes of depression severity after the perinatal participants received n-3 PUFA supplementation. After the comprehensive searches in October 2019, we selected the trials, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of included trials. We compared the standardized mean differences (SMD) of depression score changes between groups using a random-effect model. RESULTS: We included 11 trials in the meta-analysis and one more trial for qualitative analysis (N = 3,181). The pooled standardized mean of decreased depression scores revealed no statistically significant difference between the n-3 PUFA and the placebo groups (N = 920, SMDs = -0.05, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.10, I2 = 21%). The pooled SMDs showed no statistically significant efficacy of n-3 PUFA supplementation for prevention (N = 779, SMDs = -0.03, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.13, I2 = 24%) and treatment (N = 141, SMDs = -0.14, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.27, I2 = 31%) of perinatal depression. The efficacy of n-3 PUFA supplementation was not associated with the daily doses of DHA, EPA, or DHA plus EPA. No trial reported any serious adverse effect of n-3 PUFA supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Although n-3 PUFA supplementation may improve maternal and infant outcomes, our meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to determine its benefit for perinatal depression.

Development and implementation of guidelines for the management of depression: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of depression globally. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of existing guidelines for the management of depression in adults with major depressive or bipolar disorder. For each identified guideline, we assessed compliance with measures of guideline development quality (such as transparency in guideline development processes and funding, multidisciplinary author group composition, systematic review of comparative efficacy research) and implementation (such as quality indicators). We compared guidelines from low- and middle-income countries with those from high-income countries. FINDINGS: We identified 82 national and 13 international clinical practice guidelines from 83 countries in 27 languages. Guideline development processes and funding sources were explicitly specified in a smaller proportion of guidelines from low- and middle-income countries (8/29; 28%) relative to high-income countries (35/58; 60%). Fewer guidelines (2/29; 7%) from low- and middle-income countries, relative to high-income countries (22/58; 38%), were authored by a multidisciplinary development group. A systematic review of comparative effectiveness was conducted in 31% (9/29) of low- and middle-income country guidelines versus 71% (41/58) of high-income country guidelines. Only 10% (3/29) of low- and middle-income country and 19% (11/58) of high-income country guidelines described plans to assess quality indicators or recommendation adherence. CONCLUSION: Globally, guideline implementation is inadequately planned, reported and measured. Narrowing disparities in the development and implementation of guidelines in low- and middle-income countries is a priority. Future guidelines should present strategies to implement recommendations and measure feasibility, cost-effectiveness and impact on health outcomes.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

Background: This systematic review aims to answer three questions. First, how much do mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) affect peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)? Second, do mindfulness exercise-based interventions (exercise-MBIs) and mindfulness meditation-based interventions (meditation-MBIs) affect peripheral BDNF differently? Third, does the age of participants and the accumulative hours of MBI practice affect peripheral BDNF? Methods: We included randomized controlled trials comparing MBI and no intervention in adults (age >18 years) who reported peripheral BDNF. Database searches included PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsyInfo, and Scopus. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and assessed the trial quality. We used the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect size index and conducted moderator analyses. Results: Eleven studies are included in this systematic review. Five studies applying exercise-MBI and three studies applying meditation-MBI are included in the meta-analysis (N = 479). The pooled effect size shows a significantly greater increase of peripheral BDNF in MBI groups compared to the control groups (k = 8, N = 479, SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.31-1.14, I 2= 78%). Significantly more increases of BDNF in the MBI groups are found in both subgroups of exercise-MBI and meditation-MBI. The effect sizes of both subgroups are not significantly different between subgroups (χ2 = 0.02, p = 0.88). We find no significant correlation between the effect sizes and the age of participants (r = -0.0095, p = 0.45) or accumulative hours of MBI practice (r = 0.0021, p = 0.57). Conclusion: The heterogeneous data of this small sample-size meta-analysis suggests that MBI can increase peripheral BDNF. Either exercise-MBI or meditation-MBI can increase peripheral BDNF.