Meta-analysis on aripiprazole and clozapine in treating schizophrenia

Objective: To study the difference in therapeutic effects and side effects between aripiprazole and clozapine on schizophrenia. Method:17 studies that compare effects of aripiprazole and clozapine in treating schizophrenia were analyzed by meta-analysis to reevaluate the therapeutic effects and side effects of the two drugs. Results:The significant difference in change of symptom before and after treatment by aripiprazole was found (d=3.62,95%CI(0.60～6.63),χ2=8.52,P0.01),indicating that aripiparozole has good effect on schizophrenia;group comparison results between aripiprazole and clozapine suggested that the two drugs had significant difference in the efficacy even though very weak (d=0.043,95%CI(0.013~0.153),χ2=4.65,P0.05);The incidence of insomnia and headache in aripiprazole group were significantly higher than clozapine group (χ2=27.95,P0.001;χ2=15.54,P0.01),but that of salivate、leucocytopenia、sommolence、increasing in weight、constipation、sinus tachycardia and dizzying in aripiprazole group were lower than that in clozapine group (χ2=39.11～360.60,P0.001). Conclusion:Aripiprazole has showed a better effect than clozapine at an average of about eight weeks treatment and significantly different side effects.