The Canadian EMBOLDEN I trial was a large randomized, double-blind trial comparing quetiapine (300 or 600 mg/day), lithium (600-1800 mg/day) or placebo in 802 patients with bipolar I or II disorder (Young et al. J Clin Psychiatry 2010; 71:150-162). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 8 in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score.
Neurology
Selegiline less effective than levodopa, dopamine agonists: meta-analysis
April 28, 2010A Cochrane meta-analysis has concluded that monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitors are a treatment option in early PD patients but appear to be somewhat less effective than levodopa or a dopamine agonist (Caslake et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; Oct 7;(4): CD006661).
Behavioural disturbances in AD: topiramate vs. risperidone
April 28, 2010Low-dose topiramate appears to be as effective as the atypical antipsychotic agent risperidone in controlling behavioural disturbances in AD patients, according to the results of a double-blind trial (Mowla & Pani. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2010; 30: 40-43).
New FDA warning for Tysabri
April 28, 2010The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a safety announcement that the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) increases with the number of infusions received of Tysabri (natalizumab) (www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm199872.htm).
SSRIs in Alzheimers disease: mixed results
March 30, 2010Major depression has been reported to occur in 25% of patients with Alzheimers disease but the role of antidepressants in patient management is unclear. An Italian study of patients receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor + an SSRI reported a reduction in depressed symptoms and improvements in quality of life for patients and caregivers with SSRI use (Moretti et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2002; 17: 338-344).