Abstract
The current research aims to systematically review the rates of adherence reported in randomised controlled clinical trials of acamprosate. It also sought to determine the reliability of the adherence monitoring and measurement methods used in these trials. The protocol for this review was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42021230011). A search of the literature was conducted using OVID MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from database inception to January 2021. Randomised controlled trials with a minimum sample size of 10 per treatment arm that compared the efficacy of acamprosate with placebo or other active medication in adults with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence were included. Data on rates of adherence, methods of measurement and monitoring of adherence was extracted from eligible studies independently in duplicate by two reviewers. A weighted mean adherence rate was calculated. The reliability of adherence monitoring methods was determined by calculating an adherence-assurance score based on the adherence monitoring method used. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Fifteen studies met the eligibility criteria involving 4,450 participants (2,480 participants in the placebo arms). A mean adherence rate of 88% (54.2-95.0%) was reported across studies that reported the percentage of medication taken. A mean adherence rate of 84.9% (56.4-91.3%) was reported for trials that reported the percentage of participants taking more than 80% of medication prescribed. There is low confidence in the methods used to monitor adherence with all clinical trials having a low adherence-assurance rating. Risk of bias was judged to be high for all included studies. Adherence to acamprosate in clinical trials can be poor with low confidence in the methods used to measure it. Adherence rates therefore might not be accurate, which has implications for determining the efficacy of acamprosate.
Highlights
Alcohol consumption is a leading factor for disease burden worldwide, associated with 60 acute and chronic health conditions and the leading cause of premature death in those aged 15–49 years
A mean adherence rate of 88% (54.2–95.0%) was reported across studies that reported the percentage of medication taken
A mean adherence rate of 84.9% (56.4–91.3%) was reported for trials that reported the percentage of participants taking more than 80% of medication prescribed
Summary
Alcohol consumption is a leading factor for disease burden worldwide, associated with 60 acute and chronic health conditions and the leading cause of premature death in those aged 15–49 years. In 2016, alcohol consumption was attributable to 2.8 million deaths worldwide [1]. Those requiring treatment for their alcohol use often undergo frequent episodes of withdrawal and resumption of drinking with up to 70% of people returning to drinking in the year following treatment [2]. Guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend acamprosate as a first-line treatment, in conjunction with psychosocial therapy, to help support those who have completed alcohol withdrawal to remain alcohol free [4]. Acamprosate modulates the glutamatergic system and stabilises the imbalance between inhibitory (GABA) and excitatory (glutamate) neurotransmitters in the brain during alcohol withdrawal, whereby reducing the conditioned effect of alcohol and the negative reinforcement of the addiction [5,6,7]
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