Does citalopram effectively treat post-stroke depression?: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication following a stroke.
• Effective pharmacological interventions for PSD are crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of citalopram in treating patients with post-stroke depression.
• To synthesize current evidence regarding citalopram's effectiveness and tolerability for PSD.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, etc.) up to February 1, 2020.
• Independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment by two investigators, with a third resolving discrepancies.
• Statistical analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.

Main Results:

• This study will synthesize existing data to provide a comprehensive overview of citalopram's efficacy in PSD.
• The analysis will focus on both the therapeutic benefits and potential adverse effects of citalopram in this patient population.

Conclusions:

• The findings aim to inform clinical practice regarding the use of citalopram for managing post-stroke depression.
• This evidence synthesis may guide treatment decisions for healthcare providers caring for stroke survivors with depression.