Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Lewy Body Disorders: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We performed a meta-analysis of cholinesterase inhibitors for patients with Lewy body disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

METHODS:

The meta-analysis included only randomized controlled trials of cholinesterase inhibitors for Lewy body disorders.

RESULTS:

Seventeen studies (n = 1798) were assessed. Cholinesterase inhibitors significantly improved cognitive function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.53], behavioral disturbances (SMD = -0.28), activities of daily living (SMD = -0.28), and global function (SMD = -0.52) compared with control treatments. Changes in motor function were not significantly different from control treatments. Furthermore, the cholinesterase inhibitor group had a higher all-cause discontinuation (risk ratio [RR] = 1.48, number needed to harm [NNH] = 14), discontinuation due to adverse events (RR = 1.59, NNH = 20), at least one adverse event (RR = 1.13, NNH = 11), nausea (RR = 2.50, NNH = 13), and tremor (RR = 2.30, NNH = 20).

CONCLUSIONS:

Cholinesterase inhibitors appear beneficial for the treatment of Lewy body disorders without detrimental effects on motor function. However, a careful monitoring of treatment compliance and side effects is required.

• Authors: Shinji Matsunaga, Taro Kishi, Ichiro Yasue, Nakao Iwata
• Journal: The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (Int J Neuropsychopharmacol) Vol. 19 Issue 2 (Jul 28 2015) ISSN: 1469-5111 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26221005 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review)
• Copyright: © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

Chemical References

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Topics

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lewy Body Disease (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic (methods)