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Psychopharmacology Jul 2024Zuranolone, a newly FDA-approved synthetic neurosteroid, shows promise in treating depression. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
RATIONALE
Zuranolone, a newly FDA-approved synthetic neurosteroid, shows promise in treating depression.
OBJECTIVES
Our aim is to evaluate Zuranolone's efficacy and safety in treating depression.
METHODS
Five databases were searched until September 2023 for relevant randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of zuranolone. The potential risk of bias in the included trials was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias II guideline Data were extracted and pooled using Review Manager Software (RevMan 5.3).
RESULTS
An analysis of eight studies highlights Zuranolone's efficacy in treating depression compared to placebo across most of the outcomes. Notably, the 30mg and 50mg doses demonstrated significant improvements in reducing HAM-D scores by over 50% within a 15-day follow-up (RR) of 1.46 (95% CI [1.27, 1.68], p < 0.0001) and 1.14 (95% CI [1.01, 1.3], p = 0.04). Additionally, the HAM-D ≤ 7% score analysis revealed significant enhancements with the 30mg dose over both 15-day (RR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.44, 2.31], p < 0.0001) and 45-day (RR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.16, 1.77], p = 0.0008) durations. Adverse Events Drug Discontinuation demonstrated no overall significant difference (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: [0.79, 2.23], p = 0.282). Further, specific adverse events, such as headache, showed no significant overall difference between Zuranolone and placebo (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: [0.84, 1.47], p = 0.47), with dose-dependent analysis revealing less headache in the 30 mg group.
CONCLUSION
Zuranolone demonstrates favorable tolerability and safety, particularly at 30mg and 50mg doses after 15 days, suggesting its potential and effective treatment for depression.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Treatment Outcome; Pregnanolone; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 38802705
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06611-y -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Postpartum depression is usually defined as a major depressive episode that occurs shortly after childbirth. This condition is most commonly found in females; however,... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression is usually defined as a major depressive episode that occurs shortly after childbirth. This condition is most commonly found in females; however, paternal postpartum depression has begun to attract more research attention. This study aims to identify different instruments for measuring this mental health problem and to detect risk factors as well as the main sources of resilience in paternal postpartum depression. A literature review was conducted following the PRISMA method. After analyzing 10 articles, it was determined that the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is the most widely used instrument for the diagnosis of postpartum depression in the female population, and after several studies, it has already been validated for the male sex. After several studies were analyzed to highlight the main risk factors for paternal postpartum depression, it was established that the most influential factor is male gender role stress. These findings highlight the traditional role of fathers today. Most health professionals see the mother as the priority. Paternal depression is a major problem for mothers and fathers today, as well as for the newborn. As time goes on, there is a growing need to incorporate fathers into current and future mental health programs to be able to provide the necessary support.
PubMed: 38792491
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102949 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research findings to understand better how personality traits, as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), contribute to the development and progression of PPD. Conducted in January 2024, this review searched major databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to December 2023, focusing on the NEO-FFI's role in evaluating PPD. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were selected based on strict criteria, including the exclusive use of NEO-FFI for personality assessment and a focus on postpartum women. A total of seven studies were included after a rigorous two-step screening process, and their data were qualitatively synthesized. The review covered a total of 4172 participants, with a prevalence of clinically significant postpartum depression symptoms ranging from 10.6% to 51.7%. Notably, Neuroticism emerged as a significant predictor of PPD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96-1.20) in some studies to as high as 1.87 (95% CI: 1.53-2.27) in others. In contrast, traits like Extraversion and Conscientiousness generally showed protective effects, with lower scores associated with reduced PPD risk. For instance, Extraversion scores correlated negatively with PPD risk (Beta = -0.171) in one study. However, the impact of other traits such as Openness and Agreeableness on PPD risk was less clear, with some studies indicating negligible effects. The review highlights Neuroticism as a consistent and significant predictor of PPD risk, with varying impacts from other personality traits. The findings suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions in maternal mental health care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive personality evaluations in prenatal and postnatal settings.
PubMed: 38785737
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050082 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2024To determine whether perioperative esketamine use decreases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To determine whether perioperative esketamine use decreases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD).
METHODS
Online search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted to identify relevant studies. Key words for search included, but were not limited to, postpartum depression, esketamine, and clinical trials. The mean and standard deviation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were extracted from the studies as primary parameters.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 226 articles, of which 5 met the criteria and were enrolled in the study. In total, 886 patients in the studies were taken into analysis. The EPDS scores in the esketamine group were lower than those of the control group at the early stage of puerperium (WMD=-2.05, 95% CI: -3.77, -0.34, =0.019), whereas there was no significant difference at the middle and later stages (WMD=-1.41, 95% CI: -2.86, 0.04, =0.056). The sensitivity analyses indicated that the result for the early stage was stable, whereas it was unreliable for the middle and later stages. The results of the Egger's test indicated no publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Perioperative use of esketamine contributes to a lower risk of PPD at the early stage of puerperium but not at the middle and later stages. To further verify this conclusion, more high-quality studies are required.
PubMed: 38770534
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S451930 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024
PubMed: 38760768
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06576-y -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Aug 2024Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a metabolite of progesterone and a neuroactive steroid hormone. As a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)...
BACKGROUND
Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a metabolite of progesterone and a neuroactive steroid hormone. As a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, ALLO seems to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, and was therefore approved as a specific medication for the treatment of postpartum depression in 2019. Despite the growing number of publications investigating ALLO levels, results on the biological and psychological correlates in the peripartum period remain inconsistent, possibly due to methodological challenges regarding measurement. To date, however, there is no systematic review examining the correlates, concentrations, and challenges in measuring ALLO in peripartum women.
METHOD
A systematic literature search of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted in August 2023. Original research articles that measured ALLO concentrations in peripartum women were included. Reports were excluded if they were not original research, included non-human subjects, did not include peripartum women, did not include ALLO measurement as an outcome, included (pharmacological) interventions, constituted method validations, or used the same cohort as another study.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 234 articles, and two articles were identified from other sources. After full-text screening, 19 articles (N = 1401) met the inclusion criteria, of which seven focused on biological correlates of ALLO and 12 on mood correlates. Of the latter, six found no association between ALLO and mood, four found a negative association, and two found a positive association. Overall, the results show an increase in ALLO levels during pregnancy and a decrease after birth, with levels then remaining low until six months postpartum. ALLO was most commonly measured in blood plasma and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A significant matrix effect was found for blood serum and a significant method effect for radioimmunoassays (RIAs). A significant effect of time of measurement was found.
CONCLUSION
ALLO measurement shows method and matrix effects. ALLO levels are higher when measured in serum compared to in plasma, and when measured using RIA compared to other methods. Time of measurement, study design, and standardization of measurement also influence the reliability of measurement and the interpretation of results.
Topics: Humans; Pregnanolone; Female; Peripartum Period; Pregnancy; Depression, Postpartum; Adult
PubMed: 38759520
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107081 -
General Hospital Psychiatry 2024Screening for perinatal depression is recommended by many guidelines to reduce the disease burden, but current implementation practices require clarification. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Screening for perinatal depression is recommended by many guidelines to reduce the disease burden, but current implementation practices require clarification.
METHOD
Fifteen databases were searched for observational studies using a pre-tested search strategy. In addition, the websites of academic organizations were searched for guidelines, recommendations, and reports. Literature published between January 1, 2010, and December 19, 2021, in either English or Chinese, was included. The standard form of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess risk of bias of the included studies.
RESULTS
The data analysis covered 103 studies, 21 guidelines, 11 recommendations, five position statements, three reports, two committee opinions, three consensuses, one consultation, and one policy statement. All but one guideline recommended that mothers be routinely screened for perinatal depression at least once during the perinatal period. In addition, 39 documents recommended that perinatal mothers at risk of perinatal depression be provided with or referred to counseling services. In original studies, however, only 8.7% of the original studies conducted routine screenings, and only one-third offered referral services after the screening process. The EPDS emerged as the most frequently used screening tool to measure perinatal depression. 32% (n = 33) of studies reported the technology used for screening. The most commonly used method was face-to-face interviews (n = 22). Screening personnel the agents conducting the screening comprised researchers (n = 26), nurses (n = 15), doctors (n = 11).
CONCLUSIONS
A significant disparity was observed between the recommendations and implementation of perinatal depression screening, highlighting the need to integrate routine screening and referral processes into maternal care services.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy Complications; Perinatal Care; Depression; Professional Practice Gaps; Depressive Disorder; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 38733723
DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.04.011 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Current treatment modalities for Major Depressive Disorder have variable efficacies and a variety of side effects. To amend this, many trials for short term, well...
BACKGROUND
Current treatment modalities for Major Depressive Disorder have variable efficacies and a variety of side effects. To amend this, many trials for short term, well tolerated monotherapies are underway. One such option is Zuranolone (SAGE-217), which is a recent FDA approved antidepressant for depression (PPD) and is undergoing clinical trials for PPD, major depressive disorder (MDD) and essential tremors (ET).
OBJECTIVES
Pool currently available data that compare Zuranolone to Placebo for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and evaluate its efficacy and safety profile.
METHODS
We retrieved data from PUBMED and SCOPUS from inception to July 2023. We included articles comparing Zuranolone or SAGE 217 with placebo in patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the outcomes including changes in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores from baseline as well as any treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and severe adverse events.
RESULTS
Our review analyzed 4 trials and the data of 1,357 patients. Patients treated with Zuranolone indicated a statistically significant effect in the change from baseline in HAM-D score ( = 0.0009; MD [95% CI]: -2.03 [-3.23, -0.84]) as well as in MADRS score ( = 0.02; MD [95% CI]: -2.30[-4.31, -0.30]) and HAM-A score ( = 0.03; MD [95% CI]: -1.41[-2.70, -0.11]) on 15th day when compared to the Placebo group. Zuranolone was also significantly associated with a higher response rate ( = 0.0008; OR [95% CI]: 1.63[1.14, 2.35]) and higher remission rate ( = 0.03; OR [95% CI]: 1.65[1.05, 2.59]) when compared with the placebo. As for safety, Zuranolone was significantly associated with 1 or more TEAE ( = 0.006; RR [95% CI]: 1.14[1.04, 1.24]) but an insignificant association with side effects that lead to drug discontinuation ( = 0.70; RR [95% CI]: 1.18[0.51, 2.76]) and serious adverse events ( = 0.48; RR [95% CI]: 1.46 [0.52, 4.10]) when compared with placebo.
CONCLUSION
Zuranolone is an effective and safe drug for short course major depressive disorder monotherapy. It shows results in 14 days (compared to 2-4 weeks that SSRI's take) and has anti-anxiolytic effects as well. However, only 4 trials have been used for the analysis and the sample size was small. The trials reviewed also cannot determine the long-term effects of the drug. More trials are needed to determine long term effects.
PubMed: 38726035
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1361692 -
Midwifery Jul 2024This review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of antenatal follow-up using telehealth in the pre-COVID-19 and active pandemic periods. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The impact of antenatal telehealth services on maternal and neonatal outcomes, a comparison of results before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis (The impact of telehealth services on maternal and neonatal outcomes).
OBJECTIVE
This review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of antenatal follow-up using telehealth in the pre-COVID-19 and active pandemic periods.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
Searches were conducted from inception to September 2023 through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, all via Ovid SP, the National Thesis Center, TR Index, Turkiye Clinics, and DergiPark Academic. Data were combined in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of antenatal telehealth services included 35 studies with a total sample size of 16 033. The combined results of the studies revealed that antenatal telehealth services were similar to face-to-face follow-ups for many maternal and newborn health outcomes. Maternal outcomes included abortion, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, weight gain, hypertensive disorders, maternal hospitalization, number of antenatal follow-ups, use of induction, vaginal and instrumental delivery, planned and emergency cesarean section, shoulder dystocia, episiotomy, perineal laceration, childbirth under the supervision of qualified personnel, breastfeeding problems and postpartum depression. Neonatal outcomes included an APGAR score of <7, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, admission into the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal death, birth weight, low birth weight and macrosomia. However, statistically significant reductions in excessive weight gain (p<0.001) and a 1.23-fold increase in vaccination administration (p=0.001) were observed with telehealth services. Additionally, the effects of telehealth services on preterm and cesarean delivery rates were similar in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH
This review reveals that while antenatal telehealth services are comparable to face-to-face care in terms of multiple pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes, they contribute to improvements in preventing extreme weight gain and vaccination hesitancy. These findings suggest that the telehealth method can be used as an alternative to face-to-face monitoring in antenatal follow-ups.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pregnancy; Telemedicine; Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Care; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Adult
PubMed: 38714075
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104017 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Maternal mental health problems, such as perinatal depression, are a major public health issue. In the U.S., several states have policies related to mental health during...
INTRODUCTION
Maternal mental health problems, such as perinatal depression, are a major public health issue. In the U.S., several states have policies related to mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. The extent of these laws at the state level needs to be further explored and described.
METHODS
We systematically searched the Illinois General Assembly to determine all existing legislation on the topic of perinatal mental health.
RESULTS
This search uncovered two major Acts that 1) require universal perinatal depression screening and 2) raise awareness of the symptoms and treatment options related to maternal mental health. We also discovered provisions in the law that allow for untreated or undiagnosed postpartum depression or psychosis to be considered as a mitigating factor for women who commit forcible felonies.
DISCUSSION
Through legislation, states can lead change at the systems-level to improve perinatal mental health outcomes.
PubMed: 38699448
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1347382