An open-label trial of citalopram for major depression in patients with hepatitis C.

摘要: BACKGROUND Hepatitis C affects nearly 4 million Americans. Depression is a common comorbid condition in this population and may be induced by interferon alfa, an approved treatment for hepatitis C. major indicator discontinuation of therapy. This open-label study examines the effect citalopram on measures depression quality life tests liver function subjects with depressive disorder. METHOD Subjects were recruited advertisement; those DSM-IV disorder included study. received 8 weeks starting at 20 mg/day. Dosage adjustments made as physicians deemed clinically necessary. No dosages increased prior to week Hamilton Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores, Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Illness scale (CGI-S) Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) ratings, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) obtained baseline, weeks, weeks. RESULTS A total 15 patients (10 men, 5 women) participated The mean daily dose endpoint was 26.67 mg. Mean HAM-D scores decreased significantly (F = 36.3, df 2,42; p .0001). Thirteen demonstrated clinical response, defined 50% or greater reduction scores. CGI-Severity also improved (p statistically significant improvement < .05) all SF-36 subscales. Statistically improvements subscales SCL-90-R. Tests showed no worsening aspartate aminotransferase, alanine gamma-glutamyltransferase levels. CONCLUSION These results suggest that effectively safely treated citalopram.