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Pan B, Ge L, Lai H, Hou L, Tian C, Wang Q, Yang K, Lu Y, Zhu H, Li M, Wang D, Li X, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Liu M, Ding G, Tian J, Yang K. The Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Insomnia Drugs: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of 153 Randomized Trials. Drugs 2023; 83:587-619. [PMID: 36947394 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01859-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacological treatment is common in practice and widely used for the management of insomnia. However, evidence comparing the relative effectiveness, safety, and certainty of evidence among drug classes and individual drugs for insomnia are still lacking. This study aimed to determine the relative effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of drugs for insomnia. METHODS In this systematic review and network meta-analysis we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to January 10, 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared insomnia drugs with placebo or an active comparator in adults with insomnia. We conducted random-effects frequentist network meta-analyses to summarize the evidence, and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty, categorize interventionsand present the findings. RESULTS A total of 148 articles met our eligibility criteria; these included 153 trials which enrolled 46,412 participants and assessed 36 individual drugs from eight drug classes. Compared with placebo, both subjectively and objectively measured total sleep time were significantly improved with non-benzodiazepine (subjective: mean difference [MD] 25.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.49-34.64, low certainty; objective: MD 22.34, 95% CI 7.64-37.05, high certainty), antidepressants (subjective: MD 54.40, 95% CI 34.96-75.83, low certainty; objective: MD 35.64, 95% CI 13.05-58.24, high certainty), and orexin receptor antagonists (subjective: MD 21.62, 95% CI 0.84-42.40, high certainty; objective: MD 31.81, 95% CI 2.66-60.95, high certainty); of which doxepin, almorexant, suvorexant, and lemborexant were among the relatively effective drugs with relatively good tolerability and lower risks of any adverse events (AEs). Both subjectively and objectively measured sleep onset latency were significantly shortened with non-benzodiazepines (subjective: MD - 10.12, 95% CI - 13.84 to - 6.40, moderate certainty; objective: MD - 12.11, 95% CI - 19.31 to - 4.90, moderate certainty) and melatonin receptor agonists (subjective: MD - 7.73, 95% CI - 15.21 to - 0.26, high certainty; objective: MD - 7.04, 95% CI - 12.12 to - 1.95, moderate certainty); in particular, zopiclone was among the most effective drugs with a lower risk of any AEs but worse tolerability. Non-benzodiazepines could significantly decrease both subjective and objective measured wake time after sleep onset (subjective: MD - 16.67, 95% CI - 21.79 to - 11.56, moderate certainty; objective: MD - 13.92, 95% CI - 22.71 to - 5.14, moderate certainty). CONCLUSIONS Non-benzodiazepines probably improve total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and wake time after sleep onset. Other insomnia drug classes and individual drugs also showed potential benefits in improving insomnia symptoms. However, the choice of insomnia drugs should be based on the phenotype of insomnia presented, as well as each drug's safety and tolerability. Protocol registration PROSPERO (CRD42019138790).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Pan
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Long Ge
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Honghao Lai
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Liangying Hou
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Tian
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kelu Yang
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yao Lu
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hongfei Zhu
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Deren Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiuxia Li
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ming Liu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Guowu Ding
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jinhui Tian
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Effects of tranquilization therapy in elderly patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases: A meta-analysis. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2023; 73:43-57. [PMID: 36692463 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The current meta-analysis searched the literature connected to different tranquilizers used to treat elderly people and assessed it in terms of dose, types of outcomes and adverse effects, to determine a safe and acceptable tranquilizer and its optimal dose. A systematic literature review was undertaken for randomized controlled trials, case-control, retrospective and prospective studies on the use of tranquilizers in elderly patients, using PubMed, Ebsco, SCOPUS and Web of Science. PICOS criteria were used to select studies, and pertinent event data was collected. This meta-analysis includes 16 randomized control trials spanning the years 2000 to 2022, using the data from 2224 patients. The trials that were included used various tranquilizers such as diazepam, alprazolam, temazepam and lorazepam, and indicated high treatment efficacy and low adverse effects. With a p-value of 0.853 for Egger's test and 0.13 for Begg's test, the current meta-analysis shows a minimal probability of publication bias. A recent meta-analysis supports the use of tranquilizers in older people to treat sleeplessness, epilepsy or anxiety, but only at modest doses, because large doses are harmful and produce numerous withdrawal symptoms.
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Palagini L, Bianchini C. Pharmacotherapeutic management of insomnia and effects on sleep processes, neural plasticity, and brain systems modulating stress: A narrative review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:893015. [PMID: 35968380 PMCID: PMC9374363 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.893015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionInsomnia is a stress-related sleep disorder, may favor a state of allostatic overload impairing brain neuroplasticity, stress immune and endocrine pathways, and may contribute to mental and physical disorders. In this framework, assessing and targeting insomnia is of importance.AimSince maladaptive neuroplasticity and allostatic overload are hypothesized to be related to GABAergic alterations, compounds targeting GABA may play a key role. Accordingly, the aim of this review was to discuss the effect of GABAA receptor agonists, short-medium acting hypnotic benzodiazepines and the so called Z-drugs, at a molecular level.MethodLiterature searches were done according to PRISMA guidelines. Several combinations of terms were used such as “hypnotic benzodiazepines” or “brotizolam,” or “lormetazepam” or “temazepam” or “triazolam” or “zolpidem” or “zopiclone” or “zaleplon” or “eszopiclone” and “insomnia” and “effects on sleep” and “effect on brain plasticity” and “effect on stress system”. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of existing literature, we ended up with a narrative review.ResultsAmong short-medium acting compounds, triazolam has been the most studied and may regulate the stress system at central and peripheral levels. Among Z-drugs eszopiclone may regulate the stress system. Some compounds may produce more “physiological” sleep such as brotizolam, triazolam, and eszopiclone and probably may not impair sleep processes and related neural plasticity. In particular, triazolam, eszopiclone, and zaleplon studied in vivo in animal models did not alter neuroplasticity.ConclusionCurrent models of insomnia may lead us to revise the way in which we use hypnotic compounds in clinical practice. Specifically, compounds should target sleep processes, the stress system, and sustain neural plasticity. In this framework, among the short/medium acting hypnotic benzodiazepines, triazolam has been the most studied compound while among the Z-drugs eszopiclone has demonstrated interesting effects. Both offer potential new insight for treating insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palagini
- Psychiatry Division, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Palagini,
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Chiu HY, Lee HC, Liu JW, Hua SJ, Chen PY, Tsai PS, Tu YK. Comparative efficacy and safety of hypnotics for insomnia in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Sleep 2021; 44:6010169. [PMID: 33249496 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety of various hypnotics for identifying the best treatments for insomnia in older adults. METHODS We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I databases from the inception to September 12, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials comparing hypnotics with either another hypnotic or placebo for insomnia treatment in elderly people were included. Sleep outcomes, including total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, were derived from polysomnography, valid questionnaires, or sleep diaries. RESULTS We identified 24 articles with 5917 older adults. Eszopiclone and low-dose doxepin were ranked the optimal therapy for prolonging objective and subjective total sleep time (26.69 and 28.19 min), respectively, compared to placebo. Zaleplon was the most effective therapy in reducing objective and subjective sleep onset latency (-21.63 and -15.86 min) compared with control. Temazepam was the best treatment for objective and subjective wake after sleep onset (-25.29 and -22.25 min) compared with control. Low-dose doxepin appeared to be the effective treatment for increasing objective sleep efficiency (6.08%) Triazolam showed the higher risk of overall adverse events (odds ratio, 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.03-3.74) when compared to zaleplon. CONCLUSIONS Considering study quality and the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines, low-dose doxepin seems to be the optimal pharmacotherapy for the improvements in total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Future RCTs investigating the treatment effects of hypnotics, particularly low-dose doxepin, on insomnia in older adults are warranted. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42016046301.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Yean Chiu
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center of Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chien Lee
- Research Center of Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Wei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Jun Hua
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yuan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Song ML, Park KM, Motamedi GK, Cho YW. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in restless legs syndrome patients. Sleep Med 2020; 74:227-234. [PMID: 32861015 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). METHODS This is a randomized controlled study. The patients were sequentially selected and randomly assigned to either a CBTI group or a non-CBTI group. A total of 25 RLS patients with comorbid insomnia were recruited from a tertiary university hospital sleep center. Twelve were assigned to the CBTI group, and 13 were assigned to the non-CBTI group. The CBTI group received 4 sessions of behavioral therapy, while the non-CBTI group received one informative session on sleep hygiene. All patients completed sleep and psychiatric-related questionnaires. In addition, each individual completed a one-week sleep log for collecting subjective sleep data and actigraphy for objective sleep data. RESULTS After conducting the CBTI, there were significant improvements in severity of insomnia symptoms, subjective sleep efficiency, total sleep time, latency to sleep onset, wake after sleep onset, objective latency to sleep onset, and anxiety in the CBTI group as compared to the non-CBTI group. The effect of CBTI on sleep-related data was maintained for up to three months. CONCLUSIONS CBTI was effective in RLS patients by improving sleep quality and anxiety symptoms. CBTI may be considered in clinical practice for RLS patients with comorbid insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ling Song
- College of Nursing, Daegu Health College, Daegu, South Korea; College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyung Min Park
- College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Gholam K Motamedi
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University, School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea.
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Schlitzer J, Heubaum S, Frohnhofen H. [Sleep and sleep disorders in the elderly. Part 2: therapy]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2015; 47:611-8; quiz 619-20. [PMID: 25277109 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-014-0810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders need to be treated if they affect the quality of life, lead to functional problems in daily life or unfavorably affect self-sufficiency. The large number of sleep disorders is reflected in the number of different and varied available therapeutic procedures. The basic therapeutic procedure for any sleep disorder is the use of sleep hygiene. Sleeplessness (insomnia) is most effectively treated through behavioral therapy, with stimulus control and sleep restriction as the most effective measures, whereas pharmacotherapy is considerably less effective and has side effects. Sleep-disordered breathing is also the most common cause of hypersomnia in the elderly and is most effectively treated by nocturnal positive pressure breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Schlitzer
- Kliniken Essen Mitte, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Essen-Duisburg, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276, Essen, Deutschland
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Gooneratne NS, Vitiello MV. Sleep in older adults: normative changes, sleep disorders, and treatment options. Clin Geriatr Med 2014; 30:591-627. [PMID: 25037297 PMCID: PMC4656195 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 5% of older adults meet criteria for clinically significant insomnia disorders and 20% for sleep apnea syndromes. It is important to distinguish age-appropriate changes in sleep from clinically significant insomnia, with the latter having associated daytime impairments. Non-pharmacologic therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, can be highly effective with sustained benefit. Pharmacologic therapies are also available, but may be associated with psychomotor effects. A high index of suspicion is crucial for effective diagnosis of sleep apnea because symptoms commonly noted in younger patients, such as obesity or loud snoring, may not be present in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalaka S Gooneratne
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michael V Vitiello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Mitchell MD, Gehrman P, Perlis M, Umscheid CA. Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: a systematic review. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2012; 13:40. [PMID: 22631616 PMCID: PMC3481424 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Insomnia is common in primary care, can persist after co-morbid conditions are treated, and may require long-term medication treatment. A potential alternative to medications is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CBT-I to any prescription or non-prescription medication in patients with primary or comorbid insomnia. Trials had to report quantitative sleep outcomes (e.g. sleep latency) in order to be included in the analysis. Extracted results included quantitative sleep outcomes, as well as psychological outcomes and adverse effects when available. Evidence base quality was assessed using GRADE. Results Five studies met criteria for analysis. Low to moderate grade evidence suggests CBT-I has superior effectiveness to benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine drugs in the long term, while very low grade evidence suggests benzodiazepines are more effective in the short term. Very low grade evidence supports use of CBT-I to improve psychological outcomes. Conclusions CBT-I is effective for treating insomnia when compared with medications, and its effects may be more durable than medications. Primary care providers should consider CBT-I as a first-line treatment option for insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Mitchell
- Center for Evidence-based Practice, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, 19104, USA.
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Leung L. Cellular therapies for treating pain associated with spinal cord injury. J Transl Med 2012; 10:37. [PMID: 22394650 PMCID: PMC3320547 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury leads to immense disability and loss of quality of life in human with no satisfactory clinical cure. Cell-based or cell-related therapies have emerged as promising therapeutic potentials both in regeneration of spinal cord and mitigation of neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury. This article reviews the various options and their latest developments with an update on their therapeutic potentials and clinical trialing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Leung
- Centre of Neurosciences Study, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Abstract
Insomnia is a common, often chronic medical disorder with significant medical and socioeconomic repercussions. However, unlike other medical conditions, there is intense debate as to whether the long-term treatment of insomnia is clinically appropriate. The perceived deleterious side effect of sedative-hypnotic medications may result in patients remaining untreated or undertreated. This review proposes that a more subtle approach needs to be taken in the management of patients with chronic insomnia and that long-term use of the newer sedative-hypnotics may be a feasible and effective treatment option when used in conjunction with thorough medical assessment and regular patient follow-up. This review discusses these issues and discusses the pros and cons of long-term sedative-hypnotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azmeh Shahid
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
SummaryInsomnia is a prevalent sleep complaint amongst older people, affecting physical and mental health as well as many aspects of life quality and well-being. For the lack of explicit guidelines for the assessment and treatment of insomnia in older people, this summary of available information represents the best evidence to inform current practice. Clinicians need to be more aware of their patients’ sleep and conduct formal assessments as appropriate. Despite past practice trends, non-pharmacological treatments should be considered first for chronic insomnia as a means to reduce dependency, adverse effects, and polypharmacy. Behavioural treatment methods such as stimulus control and sleep restriction are especially beneficial for older insomniacs as they target maladaptive sleep habits. Pharmacological treatment should be employed only if insomnia persists, involving the careful patient-specific consideration of the lowest effective dose, best intermittence of dosing, shortest effective duration, best gradual discontinuation scheme, and most effective elimination half-life.
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Abstract
Disturbed sleep is common in the elderly, who, as a group, take a disproportionately large number of hypnotic medications. Benzodiazepine hypnotics, as well as the newer benzodiazepine receptor agonists, are the primary treatments for these late-life sleep disorders and are effective and safe when used within recommended prescribing guidelines. The elderly also receive other psychiatric medications to induce sleep, although these are off-label uses not well supported by research literature. There is also no literature support for the use of over-the-counter sleep preparations, although both melatonin and a melatonin receptor agonist appear to be moderately effective and safe. Prescribing guidelines for the elderly continue to emphasize short-term, low-dose use, with short-half-life medications. Hypnotic drugs should be used in conjunction with nonmedication treatments, including appropriate sleep hygiene practice, and treatment of other medical or psychiatric causes of disturbed sleep.
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Abstract
Problems with sleep are one of the commonest reasons for seeking medical attention. Knowledge gained from basic research into sleep in animals has led to marked advances in the understanding of human sleep, with important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. At the same time, research guided by human sleep disorders is leading to important basic sleep concepts. For example, sleep may not be a global, but rather a local, brain phenomenon. Furthermore, contrary to common assumptions, wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep are not mutually exclusive states. This striking realization explains a fascinating range of clinical phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Mahowald
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, and Department of Neurology, Hennepin County Medical Center, and University of MN Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA.
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