Abstract
Objective To observe and compare the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and antidepressants in the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD) using a meta-analysis method. Methods The VIP, CNKI, Wanfang, CMB, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) on electroacupuncture treatment of PSD were searched and further screened. Meta-analysis was performed on electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD to explore the difference in efficacy between electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD. Results Nineteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the Western medicine group, the meta-analysis showed no significant changes in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores between the electroacupuncture group and the antidepressant group (P > 0.05). The number of adverse events in the electroacupuncture group was less than that in the antidepressant group. Conclusion Compared with antidepressants, electroacupuncture is not less effective in improving depression symptoms in PSD patients with greater safety.
Highlights
Poststroke depression (PSD) is the most common complication of poststroke affective disorder
Meta-analysis showed that Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores were significantly reduced in the electroacupuncture group compared to the antidepressant group (P&L; 0.01; SMD -0.30, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): -0.58, -0.01) but showed high heterogeneity (X2 = 52:01, I2 = 77%)
Metaanalysis showed no significant difference in HAMD scores in the electroacupuncture group compared to the antidepressant group (P = 0:15; SMD 0.04, 95% CI: -0.28, 0.36)
Summary
To observe and compare the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and antidepressants in the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD) using a meta-analysis method. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) on electroacupuncture treatment of PSD were searched and further screened. Meta-analysis was performed on electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD to explore the difference in efficacy between electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD. Nineteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the Western medicine group, the meta-analysis showed no significant changes in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores between the electroacupuncture group and the antidepressant group (P > 0:05). The number of adverse events in the electroacupuncture group was less than that in the antidepressant group. Electroacupuncture is not less effective in improving depression symptoms in PSD patients with greater safety
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