Abstract
Background:
The application of atypical antipsychotics (SGAs) for treatment of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia is controversial since their efficacy might be offset by their adverse events (AEs).
Objective:
To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of SGAs for treatment of psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia.
Methods:
Two researchers searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials independently for double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials (DB-PC-RCTs) as of June 2013, written in English. Efficacy was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), and (or) Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S). Safety and tolerability were measured by frequencies of drop-outs, AEs, and death. In total, 19 treatment comparisons drawn from 16 DB-PC-RCTs were included, and 3,343 patients randomized to the antipsychotic group and 1,707 to the placebo group were assessed.
Results:
This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant efficacy of atypical antipsychotics on BPRS (MD = −1.58, 95% CI = −2.52 - −0.65), CMAI (−1.84, −3.01 - −0.61), NPI (−2.81, −4.35 - −1.28), CGI-C (−0.32, −0.44 - −0.20), and CGI-S (−0.19, −0.30 - −0.09), compared to placebo (p < 0.01 for all). Patients receiving atypical antipsychotics showed no difference in risk for discontinuation (p > 0.05), significantly higher risks (p < 0.05 for all) for somnolence (OR = 2.95), extrapyramidal symptoms (1.74), cerebrovascular AEs (2.50), urinary tract infection (1.35), edema (1.80), gait abnormality (3.35), and death (1.52), and a lower risk for agitation (OR = 0.80, p = 0.03).
Conclusions:
The higher risks for AEs and mortality may offset the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics for treatment of dementia. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability thus should be carefully considered against clinical need.