News From The Canadian Medical Association Journal

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 06 May 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors confirmed as treatment for depression

In treating depression, a 6 to 9 month course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors following initial recovery after a first episode of depression is confirmed by this study. This systematic review, based on six classic long-term randomized controlled trials, supports current clinical practice guidelines. Previous reviews have been dominated by short-term trials despite the fact that depression is a long-term problem.

"Our observations, based on limited evidence, support current recommendations that treatment continue for at least 6-9 months after recovery from an episode of depression, particularly in those without major comorbidities," conclude the researchers.

2. 2 ACE inhibitors associated with higher mortality risks

Two commonly used ACE inhibitors for congestive heart failure - enalapril (Vasotec) and captopril (Capoten) - were associated with 10%-15% higher mortality than ramipril (Altace) among older patients. This study reviewed large population-based administrative databases of hospital discharge and prescription claims for more than 43,000 patients from three Canadian provinces who filled their first prescriptions for an ACE inhibitor.

The authors conclude that: "…our results suggest that physicians choosing an ACE inhibitor for patients with congestive heart failure should consider the possible 10%-15% increase in mortality that we observed with enalapril and captopril use compared with ramipril use."

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Source:

1. Dr. Dorian Deshauer
2. Dr. Louise Pilote

Canadian Medical Association Journal

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