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Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2014Recent studies have promised that lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is effective in the treatment of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have promised that lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is effective in the treatment of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review was undertaken to summarize LDX efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability in adult ADHD. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of lisdexamfetamine compared with placebo were included for synthesis. Clinical trials published between January 1991 and January 2014 were evaluated.
METHODS
The database of MEDLINE(®), EMBASE™, CINAHL(®), PsycINFO(®) and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched in January 2014. Studies were also searched in ClinicalTrials.gov and the EU Clinical Trials Register database. Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions were considered. All RCTs of LDX vs placebo reporting final results of: 1) severity of ADHD symptoms and executive function deficit, 2) response or remission rates, 3) overall discontinuation rate, or 4) discontinuation rate due to adverse events were included. The language of the papers was not restricted. All abstracts of studies gathered from the database were examined. After excluding irrelevant trials, the full text version of relevant studies were assessed and extracted for outcomes of interest. Examination of risks of bias, based on the Cochrane bias assessment, was carried out. The efficacy outcomes consisted of the mean end point or change scores for ADHD rating scales, the response rate, and the remission rate. The overall discontinuation rate and the discontinuation rate due to adverse events were measured for acceptability and tolerability, respectively. A random effect model was applied for the synthesis of relative risks (RRs), and weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
A total of 806 final study or safety participants were included. The dosage of lisdexamfetamine was 30 to 70 mg/day. The pooled mean scores of mean change and mean end point scores between LDX- and placebo-treated groups also had a significant difference (SMD [95% CI] of -0.97 [-1.15, -0.78], I(2)=18%). The pooled response rates for adult ADHD between the two groups had a significant difference (RR [95% CI] of 1.99 [1.50, 2.63], I(2)=0%). Based on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult version (BRIEF-A), the pooled end point mean scores for the Global Executive Composite (GEC) for the LDX-treated groups was greater than that of placebo-treated groups (MD [95% CI] of -9.20 [-14.11, -4.29], I(2)=34%). The pooled overall discontinuation rates between the two groups had no significant difference (RR [95% CI] of 0.82 [0.59, 1.14], I(2)=0%). Similarly, the pooled discontinuation rates due to adverse events between the two groups was not significantly different (RR [95% CI] of 1.77 [0.71, 4.40], I(2)=0%).
CONCLUSION
The number of included studies was limited (five RCTs), but based on this meta-analysis, LDX is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of adult ADHD. Additionally, it also improved the executive function deficits in this population. However, its acceptability is no higher than placebo. These findings should be carefully interpreted and considered as preliminary outcomes. To confirm these results, further studies are warranted. LDX is a viable alternative psychostimulant for adult ADHD.
Topics: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Databases, Factual; Dextroamphetamine; Humans; Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; Placebos; Registries
PubMed: 25336914
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S68393 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Jul 2023Since atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the major arrhythmias managed in hospitals worldwide, it has a major impact on public health. The guidelines agree on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Since atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the major arrhythmias managed in hospitals worldwide, it has a major impact on public health. The guidelines agree on the desirability of cardioverting paroxysmal AF episodes. This meta-analysis aims to answer the question of which antiarrhythmic agent is most effective in cardioverting a paroxysmal AF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis, searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL, were performed, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling a population of unselected adult patients with a paroxysmal AF that compared at least two pharmacological regimes to restore the sinus rhythm or a cardioversion agent against a placebo. The main outcome was efficacy in restoring sinus rhythm.
RESULTS
Sixty-one RCTs (7988 patients) were included in the quantitative analysis [deviance information criterion (DIC) 272.57; I = 3%]. Compared with the placebo, the association verapamil-quinidine shows the highest SUCRA rank score (87%), followed by antazoline (86%), vernakalant (85%), tedisamil at high dose (i.e., 0.6 mg/kg; 80%), amiodarone-ranolazine (80%), lidocaine (78%), dofetilide (77%), and intravenous flecainide (71%). Taking into account the degree of evidence of each individual comparison between pharmacological agents, we have drawn up a ranking of pharmacological agents from the most effective to the least effective.
CONCLUSIONS
In comparing the antiarrhythmic agents used to restore sinus rhythm in the case of paroxysmal AF, vernakalant, amiodarone-ranolazine, flecainide, and ibutilide are the most effective medications. The verapamil-quinidine combination seems promising, though few RCTs have studied it. The incidence of side effects must be taken into account in the choice of antiarrhythmic in clinical practice.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews, 2022, CRD42022369433 (Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022369433 ).
Topics: Adult; Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Quinidine; Flecainide; Electric Countershock; Ranolazine; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Amiodarone; Verapamil
PubMed: 37233967
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00586-5 -
Psychopharmacology Mar 2022±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its behavioral toxicity, and its dose-effect relationship is poorly understood. We previously explored the role of dose in the cognitive effects of MDMA in a systematic review of existing literature and found no evidence in animals that MDMA impairs memory at low doses (< 3 mg/kg) but mixed results at high doses (≥ 3 mg/kg). Since this review comprised mostly of single-dose studies and an assortment of methodologies, an empirical dose-ranging study on this topic is warranted.
OBJECTIVES
The current study aims to evaluate the conclusion from our systematic review that 3 mg/kg may be the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia, and to further understand the dose-effect relationship of MDMA on behavioral assays of memory, addiction, and depression.
METHODS
We systematically examined the effects of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg MDMA on Pavlovian fear conditioning; behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference, and conditioned responding; and the Porsolt forced swim test in mice.
RESULTS
High doses of MDMA (≥ 3 mg/kg) produced amnesia of fear conditioning memory, some evidence of an addictive potential, and antidepressant effects, while low doses of MDMA (≤ 1 mg/kg) had no effect on these behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS
The present dose-ranging study provides further evidence that 3 mg/kg is the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia. These findings, in addition to our systematic review, demonstrate that careful selection of MDMA dose is critical. High doses (≥ 3 mg/kg) should likely be avoided due to evidence that they can produce amnesia and addiction. Conversely, there is little evidence to suggest that low doses, which are usually administered in clinical studies (approximately 1-2 mg/kg), will lead to these same adverse effects. Ultra-low doses (< 1 mg/kg) are likely even safer and should be investigated for therapeutic effects in future studies.
Topics: Amnesia; Animals; Conditioning, Classical; Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fear; Mice; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
PubMed: 35179622
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06086-9 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2016There is accumulating evidence that progressive changes in brain structure and function take place as schizophrenia unfolds. Among many possible candidates, oxidative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is accumulating evidence that progressive changes in brain structure and function take place as schizophrenia unfolds. Among many possible candidates, oxidative stress may be one of the mediators of neuroprogression, grey matter loss and subsequent cognitive and functional impairment. Antioxidants are exogenous or endogenous molecules that mitigate any form of oxidative stress or its consequences. They may act from directly scavenging free radicals to increasing anti-oxidative defences. There is evidence that current treatments impact oxidative pathways and may to some extent reverse pro-oxidative states in schizophrenia. The existing literature, however, indicates that these treatments do not fully restore the deficits in antioxidant levels or restore levels of oxidants in schizophrenia. As such, there has been interest in developing interventions aimed at restoring this oxidative balance beyond the benefits of antipsychotics in this direction. If antioxidants are to have a place in the treatment of this serious condition, the relevant and up-to-date information should be available to clinicians and investigators.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of antioxidants as add-on treatments to standard antipsychotic medication for improving acute psychotic episodes and core symptoms, and preventing relapse in people with schizophrenia.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, BIOSIS, AMED, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and registries of clinical trials. There are no language, time, document type, or publication status limitations for inclusion of records in the register. We ran this search in November 2010, and again on 8 January 2015. We also inspected references of all identified studies for further trials and contacted authors of trials for additional information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included reports if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving people with schizophrenia who had been allocated to either a substance with antioxidant potential or to a placebo as an adjunct to standard antipsychotic treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently extracted data from these trials and we estimated risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created a 'Summary of findings' table using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
The review includes 22 RCTs of varying quality and sample size studying Ginkgo biloba, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), allopurinol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), vitamin C, vitamin E or selegiline. Median follow-up was eight weeks. Only three studies including a minority of the participants reported our a priori selected primary outcome of clinically important response. Short-term data for this outcome (measured as at least 20% improvement in scores on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)) were similar (3 RCTs, n = 229, RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.12, low quality evidence). Studies usually reported only endpoint psychopathology rating scale scores. Psychotic symptoms were lower in those using an adjunctive antioxidant according to the PANSS ( 7 RCTS, n = 584, MD -6.00, 95% CI -10.35 to -1.65, very low quality evidence) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (8 RCTS, n = 843, MD -3.20, 95% CI -5.63 to -0.78, low quality evidence). There was no overall short-term difference in leaving the study early (16 RCTs, n = 1584, RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.11, moderate quality evidence), or in general functioning (2 RCTs, n = 52, MD -1.11, 95% CI -8.07 to 5.86, low quality evidence). Adverse events were generally poorly reported. Three studies reported useable data for 'any serious adverse effect', results were equivocal (3 RCTs, n = 234, RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.19 to 2.27, low quality evidence). No evidence was available for relapse, quality of life or service use.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although 22 trials could be included in this review, the evidence provided is limited and mostly not relevant to clinicians or consumers. Overall, although there was low risk of attrition and selective data reporting bias within the trials, the trials themselves were not adequately powered and need more substantial follow-up periods. There is a need for larger trials with longer periods of follow-up to be conducted. Outcomes should be meaningful for those with schizophrenia, and include measures of improvement and relapse (not just rating scale scores), functioning and quality of life and acceptability and, importantly, safety data.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Allopurinol; Antioxidants; Antipsychotic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Free Radical Scavengers; Ginkgo biloba; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia; Selegiline; Vitamin E; Vitamins
PubMed: 26848926
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008919.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2021This is the third update of this review, first published in July 2009. All major guidelines on treatment of hypertension recommend weight loss; anti-obesity drugs may be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This is the third update of this review, first published in July 2009. All major guidelines on treatment of hypertension recommend weight loss; anti-obesity drugs may be able to help in this respect.
OBJECTIVES
Primary objectives: To assess the long-term effects of pharmacologically-induced reduction in body weight in adults with essential hypertension on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and adverse events (including total serious adverse events, withdrawal due to adverse events, and total non-serious adverse events).. Secondary objectives: To assess the long-term effects of pharmacologically-induced reduction in body weight in adults with essential hypertension on change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and on body weight reduction.
SEARCH METHODS
For this updated review, the Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomised controlled trials up to March 2020: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The searches had no language restrictions. We contacted authors of relevant papers about further published and unpublished work.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of at least 24 weeks' duration in adults with hypertension that compared approved long-term weight-loss medications to placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risks of bias, and extracted data. Where appropriate and in the absence of significant heterogeneity between studies (P > 0.1), we pooled studies using a fixed-effect meta-analysis. When heterogeneity was present, we used the random-effects method and investigated the cause of the heterogeneity.
MAIN RESULTS
This third update of the review added one new trial, investigating the combination of naltrexone/bupropion versus placebo. Two medications, which were included in the previous versions of this review (rimonabant and sibutramine) are no longer considered relevant for this update, since their marketing approval was withdrawn in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The number of included studies in this review update is therefore six (12,724 participants in total): four RCTs comparing orlistat to placebo, involving a total of 3132 participants with high blood pressure and a mean age of 46 to 55 years; one trial comparing phentermine/topiramate to placebo, involving 1305 participants with high blood pressure and a mean age of 53 years; and one trial comparing naltrexone/bupropion to placebo, involving 8283 participants with hypertension and a mean age of 62 years. We judged the risks of bias to be unclear for the trials investigating orlistat or naltrexone/bupropion. and low for the trial investigating phentermine/topiramate. Only the study of naltrexone/bupropion included cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as predefined outcomes. There were no differences in the rates of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, major cardiovascular events, or serious adverse events between naltrexone/bupropion and placebo. The incidence of overall adverse events was significantly higher in participants treated with naltrexone/bupropion. For orlistat, the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects was consistently higher compared to placebo. The most frequent side effects with phentermine/topiramate were dry mouth and paraesthesia. After six to 12 months, orlistat reduced systolic blood pressure compared to placebo by mean difference (MD) -2.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.8 to -1.4 mm Hg; 4 trials, 2058 participants) and diastolic blood pressure by MD -2.0 mm Hg (95% CI -2.7 to -1.2 mm Hg; 4 trials, 2058 participants). After 13 months of follow-up, phentermine/topiramate decreased systolic blood pressure compared to placebo by -2.0 to -4.2 mm Hg (1 trial, 1030 participants) (depending on drug dosage), and diastolic blood pressure by -1.3 to -1.9 mm Hg (1 trial, 1030 participants) (depending on drug dosage). There was no difference in the change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between naltrexone/bupropion and placebo (1 trial, 8283 participants). We identified no relevant studies investigating liraglutide or lorcaserin in people with hypertension.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In people with elevated blood pressure, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion reduced body weight; the magnitude of the effect was greatest with phentermine/topiramate. In the same trials, orlistat and phentermine/topiramate, but not naltrexone/bupropion, reduced blood pressure. One RCT of naltrexone/bupropion versus placebo showed no differences in all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality or morbidity after two years. The European Medicines Agency refused marketing authorisation for phentermine/topiramate due to safety concerns, while for lorcaserin the application for European marketing authorisation was withdrawn due to a negative overall benefit/risk balance. In 2020 lorcaserin was also withdrawn from the US market. Two other medications (rimonabant and sibutramine) had already been withdrawn from the market in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Obesity Agents; Appetite Depressants; Bias; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Bupropion; Diet, Reducing; Drug Combinations; Female; Fructose; Humans; Hypertension; Lactones; Male; Middle Aged; Naltrexone; Orlistat; Phentermine; Piperidines; Pyrazoles; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Safety-Based Drug Withdrawals; Time; Topiramate
PubMed: 33454957
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007654.pub5 -
Journal of Clinical PsychopharmacologyThis systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations and characteristics of venlafaxine-associated rhabdomyolysis.
PURPOSE
This systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations and characteristics of venlafaxine-associated rhabdomyolysis.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, Embase, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases from the date of database inception to January 2023. Previously reported cases of venlafaxine-associated rhabdomyolysis were identified, and relevant data from these cases were collected for descriptive statistical analysis. Cases that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated to determine the correlation between adverse reactions and venlafaxine.
RESULTS
A total of 12 patients with venlafaxine-associated rhabdomyolysis were included. None of these patients had a history of muscle pain or discomfort. Of the 12 patients, 5 patients received venlafaxine at doses of ≤225 mg/d, whereas the remaining 7 patients received doses exceeding 225 mg/d. The main clinical symptoms included myalgia, muscle weakness, and renal injury. All 12 patients discontinued venlafaxine and received symptomatic care.
CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine, used either as a monotherapy or in combination with other drugs, may be associated with rhabdomyolysis. Creatine kinase levels may normalize or significantly decrease after discontinuation of venlafaxine and symptomatic treatment.
Topics: Rhabdomyolysis; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; Creatine Kinase; Myalgia
PubMed: 38506608
DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001838 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2021: Over the past twenty years a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have entered and modified the recreational drug scene. Their intake has been associated... (Review)
Review
: Over the past twenty years a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have entered and modified the recreational drug scene. Their intake has been associated with health-related risks, especially so for vulnerable populations such as people with severe mental illness, who might be at higher risk of suicidality or self-injurious behavior. This paper aims at providing an overview of NPS abuse and the effects on mental health and suicidality issues, by performing a literature review of the current related knowledge, thereby identifying those substances that, more than others, are linked to suicidal behaviors. : A comprehensive and updated overview of the literature regarding suicidality and NPS categories has been undertaken. An electronic search was performed, including all papers published up to March 2021, using the following keywords "NPS" OR "new psychoactive substances" OR "novel psychoactive substances" OR "synthetic cannabinoids" OR "phenethylamines" OR "synthetic cathinones" OR "tryptamines" OR "piperazines" OR "new synthetic opioids" OR "designer benzodiazepines" AND ("suicide" OR "suicidality") NOT review NOT animal on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science online databases. : Suicidality and self-injurious behavior appear to be frequently associated with some NPS such as cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and new synthetic opioids. The results are organized according to the substances recorded. : The growing use of NPS has become a significant clinical issue, causing increasing concern and challenges for clinicians working in both mental health and emergency departments. Thus, considering the associations between NPS and suicidality or self-injurious behaviors, areas where suicide-prevention efforts and strategies might be focused are the early detection, monitoring, and restriction of NPS.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Mental Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide
PubMed: 34204131
DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060580 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Nov 2023Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to non-invasively study the acute impact of psychedelics on the human brain. While fMRI is a promising... (Review)
Review
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to non-invasively study the acute impact of psychedelics on the human brain. While fMRI is a promising tool for measuring brain function in response to psychedelics, it also has known methodological challenges. We conducted a systematic review of fMRI studies examining acute responses to experimentally administered psychedelics in order to identify convergent findings and characterize heterogeneity in the literature. We reviewed 91 full-text papers; these studies were notable for substantial heterogeneity in design, task, dosage, drug timing, and statistical approach. Data recycling was common, with 51 unique samples across 91 studies. Fifty-seven studies (54%) did not meet contemporary standards for Type I error correction or control of motion artifact. Psilocybin and LSD were consistently reported to moderate the connectivity architecture of the sensorimotor-association cortical axis. Studies also consistently reported that ketamine administration increased activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Moving forward, use of best practices such as pre-registration, standardized image processing and statistical testing, and data sharing will be important in this rapidly developing field.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; Ketamine; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Psilocybin; Brain
PubMed: 37802267
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105421 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) Oct 2017To investigate the efficacy of venlafaxine for neuropathic pain and review literature to determine if the medication provides adequate neuropathic pain relief. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of venlafaxine for neuropathic pain and review literature to determine if the medication provides adequate neuropathic pain relief.
METHODS
Literature was reviewed on MEDLINE using various key words. These key words include: "venlafaxine and pain," "venlafaxine ER and pain," "venlafaxine XR and pain," "venlafaxine and neuropathic pain," "venlafaxine and neuropathy," "SSRI and neuropathic pain," "SSRI and neuropathy," "SNRI and neuropathic pain," "SNRI and neuropathy," "serotonin reuptake inhibitor and neuropathic pain," "serotonin reuptake inhibitor and neuropathy," "serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and neuropathic pain" and "serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and neuropathy." Using this guideline, 13 articles were reviewed.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies reviewed, which are organized by date and diagnosis. It is evident that in the majority of studies, when compared with a placebo, there was a clinical significant reduction in neuropathic pain relief when using venlafaxine. Additionally, one study showed even more significant pain relief when using higher doses of venlafaxine (at least 150 mg). However, when compared with alternative neuropathic medications, venlafaxine for the most part did not perform any better in terms of efficacy.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, venlafaxine is a safe and well-tolerated analgesic drug for the symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain, and there is limited evidence that high-dose venlafaxine (150 mg/day) can be even more beneficial. While the present evidence is quite encouraging regarding venlafaxine's use for neuropathic pain, further research is needed to continue to expand on these findings, particularly when in consideration with other possible pharmacological agents.
Topics: Analgesics; Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Humans; Neuralgia; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
PubMed: 27837032
DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw261 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Jul 2023Extrapolating from efficacy in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), nimodipine has been used as a treatment for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). However,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Extrapolating from efficacy in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), nimodipine has been used as a treatment for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). However, 4-hourly dosing is a practical limitation and verapamil has been proposed as an alternative. The potential efficacy, adverse effects, preferred dosing and formulation of verapamil for RCVS have not been systematically reviewed previously.
METHOD
A systematic review was conducted of the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2022 for peer-reviewed articles describing the use of verapamil for RCVS. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO.
RESULTS
There were 58 articles included in the review, which included 56 patients with RCVS treated with oral verapamil and 15 patients treated with intra-arterial verapamil. The most common oral verapamil dosing regimen was controlled release 120 mg once daily. There were 54/56 patients described to have improvement in headache following oral verapamil and one patient who died from worsening RCVS. Only 2/56 patients noted possible adverse effects with oral verapamil, with none requiring discontinuation. There was one case of hypotension from combined oral and intra-arterial verapamil. Vascular complications including ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke were recorded in 33/56 patients. RCVS recurrence was described in 9 patients, with 2 cases upon weaning oral verapamil.
CONCLUSIONS
While no randomised studies exist to support the use of verapamil in RCVS, observational data support a possible clinical benefit. Verapamil appears well tolerated in this setting and represents a reasonable treatment option. Randomised controlled trials including comparison with nimodipine are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Verapamil; Nimodipine; Vasoconstriction; Vasospasm, Intracranial; Cerebrovascular Disorders
PubMed: 37267876
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.05.013