Pharmacogenetic tests and depressive symptom remission: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Aim: To conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined pharmacogenetic-guided decision support tools (DSTs) relevant to depressive symptom remission in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Patients & methods: Random-effects meta-analysis was performed on RCTs that examined the effect of DSTs on remission rates in MDD. RCT quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Criteria.

Results & conclusion: A total of 1737 eligible subjects from five RCTs were examined. Individuals receiving pharmacogenetic-guided DST therapy (n = 887) were 1.71 (95% CI: 1.17-2.48; p = 0.005) times more likely to achieve symptom remission relative to individuals who received treatment as usual (n = 850). Pharmacogenetic-guided DSTs might improve symptom remission among those with MDD.

Keywords: antidepressants; clinical decision support; depression; genetic; pharmacogenetics.