Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of both olanzapine combined with fluoxetine (combination therapy) and fluoxetine (monotherapy) for refractory depression. Methods According to the computer retrieval from PubMed (1966 to September 2009), Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), EMbase (1974 to September 2009), SCI (1974 to September 2009), CNKI (1994 to September 2009), CBM (1978 to September 2009), CSJD (1989 to September 2009) and Wanfang Database (1997 to September 2009), and the manual retrieval from related journals and conference proceedings were conducted, to include randomized controlled trials of comparison in between olanzapine combined with fluoxetine and fluoxetine in treating refractory depression. We collected the valid data after assessing the methodology quality of included studies on the basis of Jadad scoring standard, and conducted meta-analysis with RevMan 5.0 software. Results A total of 7 studies with 1 230 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that, there was no significant difference between two groups about the scores of HAMA (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) at the end of the 1st week, but the olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in trial group was much better for relieving anxiety situation compared to fluoxetine in control group at the end of the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week. In accordance with the scores of CGI (Clinical Global Impression Scale), there was no significant difference at the end of 2nd and 4th week after treatment, but there was a significant difference at the end of 8th and 12th week. As to the changes of MADRS (Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale), the trial group was much distinct than control group at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th week. In summary, the clinical effect of trial group was superior to that of control group, and there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between two groups (RR=1.10, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.23). Conclusion Current evidence shows that, the clinical effect and safety of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in treating refractory depression is obviously superior to that of fluoxetine.
Objective To investigate the characteristics of cognitive function and its correlation to neuroendocrine status in patients with refractory depression. Methods A total of 41 patients diagnosed by ICD-10 as depression onset who have been treated with more than two antidepressants drugs, fulfilled the criteria of refractory depression. Another 40 patients diagnosed by ICD-10 as depression onset but who have not been treated, or have been treated with only one antidepressant drug were selected as controls. Patients in both groups were evaluated by WAIS-RC, STROOP, VF, TRAILS A, B, TOH and M-WCST, and the concentrations of CORT, ACTH, T3, FT3, T4, FT4, TSH were also determined. Results A significant difference was found in VF between the refractory depression group and the control group. This showed that the damage to short-term memory, attention and interference rejection capability was much more serious in the refractory depression group. The ACTH concentration in the refractory depression group was significantly different from that of the control group, which indicated that the damage to the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was more serious in the refractory depression group. In particular in relation to memory and attention defect. Conclusion Changes in the levels of CORT, ACTH, TSH, FT3 and T4 may be correlated to cognitive function damage in patients with refractory depression.