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1.
The usefulness of ranolazine for the treatment of refractory chronic stable angina pectoris as determined from a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Banon, D, Filion, KB, Budlovsky, T, Franck, C, Eisenberg, MJ
The American journal of cardiology. 2014;(6):1075-82
Abstract
Despite the use of traditional antianginal medications (i.e., β blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates) and revascularization therapies, symptoms of chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) persist in ≥25% of patients. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ranolazine for the treatment of CSAP. We systematically searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE through July 2013 for RCTs comparing ranolazine with placebo or antianginal medications administered as part of usual care for the management of CSAP. End points of interest included exercise stress test performance (duration, time to angina, and time to ST-segment depression), frequency of angina attacks/week, nitroglycerin use/week, and quality of life. We identified 7 RCTs (n = 3,317) of patients with CSAP due to coronary artery disease. Comparators included placebo, amlodipine, and atenolol. All but 1 trial showed a statistically significant improvement in all 3 exercise stress test parameters with ranolazine compared with placebo. Ranolazine also reduced angina frequency and nitroglycerin use compared with placebo. These findings were consistent whether or not patients were also prescribed traditional antianginal pharmacotherapy. In conclusion, ranolazine reduces anginal symptoms among patients with symptomatic CSAP despite their use of traditional antianginal medications.
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2.
Weight gain and other metabolic adverse effects associated with atypical antipsychotic treatment of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Almandil, NB, Liu, Y, Murray, ML, Besag, FM, Aitchison, KJ, Wong, IC
Paediatric drugs. 2013;(2):139-50
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents on weight gain (primary objective) and other metabolic parameters (secondary objective). METHODS A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were conducted. The data sources used were as follows: EMBASE, PubMed, BIOSIS, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, The Cochrane database (Clinical Trials), Clinical Trials Government Registry, The metaRegister of Controlled Trials, WHO (World Health Organization) Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and PsycINFO(®). Hand searching was also carried out by examining the reference lists of identified studies. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trials investigating the metabolic adverse effects (weight gain, lipid, glucose, and prolactin level abnormalities) associated with atypical antipsychotic use in children and adolescents aged ≤ 18 years were included, irrespective of whether the investigation of adverse effects was a primary or secondary endpoint. RESULTS We identified 21 studies of drug versus placebo that met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2,455 patients, 14 studies for risperidone (1,331 patients), three for olanzapine (276 patients), and four for aripiprazole (848 patients). Compared with placebo, the mean weight increases for each drug were olanzapine 3.45 kg (95 % CI 2.93-3.98), risperidone 1.77 kg (95 % CI 1.35-2.20), and aripiprazole 0.94 kg (95 % CI 0.65-1.24). Regarding other metabolic abnormalities, eight studies reported statistically significant increases in prolactin with risperidone; two reported a statistically significant increase in glucose, total cholesterol, and prolactin with olanzapine; and three studies reported a statistically significant decrease in prolactin with aripiprazole. Data on lipid, glucose, and prolactin level changes were too limited to allow us to perform a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole were all associated with statistically significant weight gain. Olanzapine was associated with the most weight gain and aripiprazole the least. For the secondary outcome, although a number of active comparator trials were identified, data were not available for meta-analysis and were too limited to allow firm conclusions to be drawn.
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3.
Aripiprazole versus other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia.
Khanna, P, Komossa, K, Rummel-Kluge, C, Hunger, H, Schwarz, S, El-Sayeh, HG, Leucht, S
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2013;(2):CD006569
Abstract
BACKGROUND In most western industrialised countries, second generation (atypical) antipsychotics are recommended as first line drug treatments for people with schizophrenia. In this review we specifically examine how the efficacy and tolerability of one such agent - aripiprazole - differs from that of other comparable second generation antipsychotics. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of aripiprazole compared with other atypical antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (November 2011), inspected references of all identified studies for further trials, and contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies, drug approval agencies and authors of trials for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing aripiprazole (oral) with oral and parenteral forms of amisulpride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone or zotepine for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis based on a random-effects model. Where possible, we calculated illustrative comparative risks for primary outcomes. For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD), again based on a random-effects model. We assessed risk of bias for each included study. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 trials involving 6389 patients. Aripiprazole was compared to olanzapine, risperidone and ziprasidone. All trials were sponsored by an interested drug manufacturer. The overall number of participants leaving studies early was 30% to 40%, limiting validity (no differences between groups).When compared with olanzapine no differences were apparent for global state (no clinically important change: n = 703, 1 RCT, RR short-term 1.00 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22; n = 317, 1 RCT, RR medium-term 1.08 95% CI 0.95 to 1.22) but mental state tended to favour olanzapine (n = 1360, 3 RCTs, MD total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) 4.68 95% CI 2.21 to 7.16). There was no significant difference in extrapyramidal symptoms (n = 529, 2 RCTs, RR 0.99 95% CI 0.62 to 1.59) but fewer in the aripiprazole group had increased cholesterol levels (n = 223, 1 RCT, RR 0.32 95% CI 0.19 to 0.54) or weight gain of 7% or more of total body weight (n = 1095, 3 RCTs, RR 0.39 95% CI 0.28 to 0.54).When compared with risperidone, aripiprazole showed no advantage in terms of global state (n = 384, 2 RCTs, RR no important improvement 1.14 95% CI 0.81 to 1.60) or mental state (n = 372, 2 RCTs, MD total PANSS 1.50 95% CI -2.96 to 5.96).One study compared aripiprazole with ziprasidone (n = 247) and both the groups reported similar change in the global state (n = 247, 1 RCT, MD average change in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) score -0.03 95% CI -0.28 to 0.22) and mental state (n = 247, 1 RCT, MD change PANSS -3.00 95% CI -7.29 to 1.29).When compared with any one of several new generation antipsychotic drugs the aripiprazole group showed improvement in global state in energy (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.69 95% CI 0.56 to 0.84), mood (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.77 95% CI 0.65 to 0.92), negative symptoms (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.82 95% CI 0.68 to 0.99), somnolence (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.80 95% CI 0.69 to 0.93) and weight gain (n = 523, 1 RCT, RR 0.84 95% CI 0.76 to 0.94). Significantly more people given aripiprazole reported symptoms of nausea (n = 2881, 3 RCTs, RR 3.13 95% CI 2.12 to 4.61) but weight gain (7% or more of total body weight) was less common in people allocated aripiprazole (n = 330, 1 RCT, RR 0.35 95% CI 0.19 to 0.64). Aripiprazole may have value in aggression but data are limited. This will be the focus of another review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Information on all comparisons are of limited quality, are incomplete and problematic to apply clinically. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug with a variant but not absent adverse effect profile. Long-term data are sparse and there is considerable scope for another update of this review as new data emerges from the many Chinese studies as well as from ongoing larger, independent pragmatic trials.
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4.
Antipsychotic switching for people with schizophrenia who have neuroleptic-induced weight or metabolic problems.
Mukundan, A, Faulkner, G, Cohn, T, Remington, G
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2010;(12):CD006629
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight gain is common for people with schizophrenia and this has serious implications for a patient's health and well being. Switching strategies have been recommended as a management option. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of antipsychotic medication switching as a strategy for reducing or preventing weight gain and metabolic problems in people with schizophrenia. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched key databases and the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's trials register (January 2005 and June 2007), reference sections within relevant papers and contacted the first author of each relevant study and other experts to collect further information. SELECTION CRITERIA All clinical randomised controlled trials comparing switching of antipsychotic medication as an intervention for antipsychotic induced weight gain and metabolic problems with continuation of medication and/or other weight loss treatments (pharmacological and non pharmacological) in people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Studies were reliably selected, quality assessed and data extracted. For dichotomous data we calculated risk ratio (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis, based on a fixed-effect model. The primary outcome measures were weight loss, metabolic syndrome, relapse and general mental state. MAIN RESULTS We included four studies for the review with a total of 636 participants. All except one study had a duration of 26 weeks or less. There was a mean weight loss of 1.94 kg (2 RCT, n = 287, CI -3.9 to 0.08) when switched to aripiprazole or quetiapine from olanzapine. BMI also decreased when switched to quetiapine (1 RCT, n = 129, MD -0.52 CI -1.26 to 0.22) and aripiprazole (1 RCT, n = 173, RR 0.28 CI 0.13 to 0.57) from olanzapine.Fasting blood glucose showed a significant decrease when switched to aripiprazole or quetiapine from olanzapine. (2 RCT, MD -2.53 n = 280 CI -2.94 to -2.11). One RCT also showed a favourable lipid profile when switched to aripiprazole but these measures were reported as percentage changes, rather than means with standard deviation.People are less likely to leave the study early if they remain on olanzapine compared to switching to quetiapine or aripiprazole.There was no significant difference in outcomes of mental state, global state, and adverse events between groups which switched medications and those that remained on previous medication. Three different switching strategies were compared and no strategy was found to be superior to the others for outcomes of weight gain, mental state and global state. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence from this review suggests that switching antipsychotic medication to one with lesser potential for causing weight gain or metabolic problems could be an effective way to manage these side effects, but the data were weak due to the limited number of trials in this area and small sample sizes. Poor reporting of data also hindered using some trials and outcomes. There was no difference in mental state, global state and other treatment related adverse events between switching to another medication and continuing on the previous one. When the three switching strategies were compared none of them had an advantage over the others in their effects on the primary outcomes considered in this review. Better designed trials with adequate power would provide more convincing evidence for using medication switching as an intervention strategy.
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5.
Aripiprazole versus other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia.
Komossa, K, Rummel-Kluge, C, Schmid, F, Hunger, H, Schwarz, S, El-Sayeh, HG, Kissling, W, Leucht, S
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2009;(4):CD006569
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In many countries of the industrialised world second generation (atypical) antipsychotics have become first line drug treatments for people with schizophrenia. The question as to whether, and if so how much, the effects of the various second generation antipsychotics differ is a matter of debate. In this review we examine how the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole differs from that of other second generation antipsychotics. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of aripiprazole compared with other atypical antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (March 2007) which is based on regular searches of BIOSIS, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised trials comparing oral aripiprazole with oral forms of amisulpride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone or zotepine in people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis based on a random-effects model. We calculated numbers needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) where appropriate. For continuous data, we calculated weighted mean differences (MD) again based on a random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS The review currently includes four trials with 1404 participants on two out of eight possible comparisons - aripiprazole versus olanzapine and aripiprazole versus risperidone. The overall number of participants leaving the studies early was considerable (38.5%), limiting the validity of the findings, but with no significant differences between groups. Aripiprazole was less efficacious than olanzapine in terms of the general mental state (PANSS total score: n=794, 2 RCTs, MD 4.96 CI 1.85 to 8.06), but it was associated with fewer side-effects such as cholesterol increase, weight gain, sedation and prolactin associated side-effects. Compared with risperidone there was no difference in efficacy (PANSS total score: n=372, 2 RCTs, MD 1.50 CI -2.96 to 5.96). Dystonia, QTc abnormalities, prolactin and cholesterol increase were less frequent in the aripiprazole group, while tremor was more frequent in the aripiprazole group compared with those allocated risperidone. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Aripiprazole may be somewhat less effective than olanzapine, but more tolerable in terms of metabolic effects and sedation. There is no evidence for a difference in efficacy compared to risperidone, but for better tolerability in terms of dystonias, cholesterol prolactin increase and QTc prolongation. Randomised evidence comparing aripiprazole with other second generation antipsychotic drugs is currently not available.
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Metabolic assessment of aripiprazole as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: a pooled analysis of 2 studies.
Fava, M, Wisniewski, SR, Thase, ME, Baker, RA, Tran, QV, Pikalov, A, Yang, H, Marcus, RN, Berman, RM
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. 2009;(4):362-7
Abstract
In 2 identical multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, an 8-week prospective treatment phase to ensure inadequate response to standard antidepressants was followed with 6 weeks of aripiprazole (2-20 mg/d) or placebo, plus a standard antidepressant. This pooled analysis involving 737 patients across the 2 studies evaluated the metabolic effects of adjunctive aripiprazole in patients with major depressive disorder. Outcomes included mean change from end of prospective treatment phase to endpoint in body weight, waist circumference, fasting levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C). Logistic regression determined whether baseline variables were associated with weight gain or whether weight change was associated with clinical outcome. Statistically significant increases occurred in mean body weight (adjunctive aripiprazole, +1.73 kg, vs adjunctive placebo, +0.38 kg; P < 0.001). Significantly more subjects receiving adjunctive aripiprazole had clinically relevant (> or = 7%) weight gain versus placebo (5.2% vs 0.6%; P < 0.001). More patients treated with adjunctive aripiprazole shifted body mass index category group from normal to overweight and from overweight to obese than those treated with adjunctive placebo. Body mass index, sex, age, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score, fasting TG, fasting glucose, and standard antidepressants were not clinically meaningful predictors of weight gain with adjunctive aripiprazole, and change in weight had no correlation with clinical outcome. Adjunctive aripiprazole produced no significant changes versus placebo in mean waist circumference, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG, fasting plasma glucose, or hemoglobin A1C. Also, there was no apparent change in the incidence of National Cholesterol Education Program-defined abnormal metabolic measures after treatment with aripiprazole.