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Henstra MJ, Jansma EP, van der Velde N, Swart EL, Stek ML, Rhebergen D. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for electroconvulsive therapy-induced cognitive side effects: a systematic review. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2017; 32:522-531. [PMID: 28295591 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe late-life depression; however, ECT-induced cognitive side effects frequently occur. The cholinergic system is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. We systematically reviewed the evidence for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Ache-I) to prevent or reduce ECT-induced cognitive side effects. METHODS A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane database to identify clinical trials investigating the effect of Ache-I on ECT-induced cognitive side effects. Key search terms included all synonyms for ECT and Ache-I. Risk of bias assessment was conducted by using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. RESULTS Five clinical trials were eligible for inclusion. All studies focused on cognitive functioning as primary endpoint, but assessment of cognitive functioning varied widely in time point of assessment and in cognitive tests that were used. There was also great variety in study medication, route and time of administration and dosages, duration of drug administration, and ECT techniques. Finally, only two out of five studies were considered at low risk of bias. Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, without exception, all studies demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance in individuals treated with Ache-I. CONCLUSIONS Despite large heterogeneity in studies, Ache-I appear to have beneficial effects on ECT-induced cognitive side effects, supporting an association with the cholinergic system in ECT-induced cognitive impairment. Methodological sound studies controlling for putative confounders are warranted. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke J Henstra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elise P Jansma
- Medical Library, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora L Swart
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max L Stek
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, GGZ inGeest, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Didi Rhebergen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, GGZ inGeest, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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