Meta-analysis of comparative study of duloxetine in the treatment of senile depression

Objective To study the difference of efficacy and side effect of duloxetine in the treatmrent of senile depression.Methods 10 comparative studies of duloxetine and other antidepressants in the treatment of senile depression were analyzed by meta-analysis. Results 1Self- comparison study of duloxetine before and after treatment showed that d = 4. 59,95% CI( 3. 01,6. 17),χ2=21. 5,P 0. 01. Comparison between duloxetine and the controlled antidepressants at 2 weeks treatment and at the end of each tril showed that Yco=- 0. 04,95% CI(- 0. 19,0. 11),χ2= 3. 86,P 0. 05,and Yco= 0. 01,95% CI(- 0. 14,0. 17),χ2= 3. 06,P 0. 05 respectiveiy,which revealed that there was no significant difference between duloxetine and the controlled antidepressants with respect to the clinical efficacy. There were no significant difference in side effect between these two groups. Conclusion Duloxetine is an safe and effective antidepressant in the treatment of senile depression.