Effect of Fluoxetine on neurologic impairment in patients with post-acute cerebral infarction depression

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of Fluoxetine on neurologic impairment in patients with depression following acute cerebral infarction. Methods A total of 128 patients with post-acute cerebral infarction depression admitted to our hospital in 2016 were randomized into two groups(64 in the study group and 64 in the control group). Patients in the control group received routine treatment, and Fluoxetine was added in the study group.Post-treatment quality of life scores, Hamilton rating scale for depression(HAMD)scores and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores before and after treatment were compared between the groups. Results Before treatment, HAMD and NIHSS scores between the groups were not significantly different(all P>0.05). After treatment, HAMD and NIHSS scores were 14.7±3.0 and 11.2±2.5, respectively, for the study group, and 17.3±2.5 and 13.5±2.0, respectively, for the control group, which were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups(all P<0.05). The HAMD and NIHSS scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(t=-5.326, -5.747; all P<0.05); the overall quality of life score of the stroke impact scale(SIS)in the study group (1 126.0±164.5)was significantly higher than that in the control group (1 024.8±143.2)(t=-3.172, P<0.05); no serious adverse reactions occurred in the study group. Conclusions Fluoxetine can not only help to relieve depression in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction, but also promote the recovery of neurological function and improve prognosis and quality of life. Key words: Brain infarction; Depression; Fluoxetine; Quality of life