Long-acting injectable vs. oral antipsychotics for relapse prevention in schizophrenia: meta-analysis

Source: Schizophrenia Bulletin Area: News Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) were associated with significantly lower relapse rates than oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in a meta-analysis published in 2011. However, new, large, controlled trials showed no benefit of LAIs, therefore the authors of the meta-analysis performed another one that incorporated the new RCT data and also applied broader inclusion criteria.   A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of RCTs lasting ?6 months that compared LAIs and OAPs. The primary outcome was study-defined relapse at the longest time point; secondary outcomes included relapse at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, all-cause discontinuation, discontinuation due to adverse events, drug inefficacy (i.e. relapse + discontinuation due to inefficacy), hospitalisation, and non-adherence.   A total of 21 RCTs with 5176 participants were identified and the following findings were reported:   . LAIs were similar to OAPs for relapse prevention at ...
Source: NeLM - Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news