Key result
Recent suicide attempt was associated with significantly higher plasma nitric oxide metabolite levels compared to non-suicidal psychiatric patients and normal controls (p<0.001).
Why the study?
Are plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites associated with suicide attempts?
Observational (n=186)
Are plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites associated with suicide attempts?
Increased plasma nitric oxide production is associated with suicide attempts, particularly in patients with major depression.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Elevated nitric oxide metabolites may signal recent suicide attempts; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before any clinical use.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate any correlation between plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NO(x)) and suicide attempt. METHOD: Plasma NO(x) levels were measured in 53 patients who had recently attempted suicide, 58 non-suicidal psychiatric patients, and 75 normal controls. The severity of suicidal behaviors was evaluated using Weisman and Worden's Risk-Rescue Rating Scale. RESULTS: Plasma NO(x) levels were significantly higher in suicidal patients than non-suicidal psychiatric patients or normal control subjects (F=11.029, d.f.=2, 183, p<0.001). Among the patients with a diagnosis of major depression, suicidal depressive patients had significantly higher plasma NO(x) levels than non-suicidal depressive patients (t=-3.090, d.f.=84, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that increased NO production in plasma is associated with suicide attempt, especially in depressive patients.
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Lee et al. (2006) conducted an observational in Suicide attempt (n=186). Recent suicide attempt vs. Non-suicidal psychiatric patients and normal controls was evaluated on Plasma nitric oxide metabolites (NO(x)) levels (p=<0.001). Recent suicide attempt was associated with significantly higher plasma nitric oxide metabolite levels compared to non-suicidal psychiatric patients and normal controls (p<0.001).
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