Key result
Prophylactic SSRIs linked to a 0.3% bleeding rate in HCV patients receiving interferon and ribavirin.
Why the study?
Prior studies cautioned against combined use of SSRIs and interferon due to increased hemorrhage risk, necessitating reexamination of bleeding risk in hepatitis C patients.
Does prophylactic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use increase the risk of bleeding in hepatitis C patients receiving interferon therapy?
Cohort (n=303)
Does prophylactic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use increase the risk of bleeding in hepatitis C patients receiving interferon therapy?
Prophylactic use of SSRIs in hepatitis C patients undergoing interferon therapy is associated with a very low risk of bleeding, challenging prior concerns.
Minimal bleeding observed with prophylactic SSRIs; leaves open whether routine use is warranted pending randomized confirmation.
OBJECTIVE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat interferon-associated depression in patients receiving hepatitis C virus therapy. Prior studies have cautioned against the combined use of SSRIs and interferon due to increased risk of hemorrhage. Given the morbidity of depression and its impact on interferon compliance, we sought to reexamine the data. METHOD: In a retrospective analysis of our database of hepatitis C virus patients, a consecutive series of 303 patients (receiving treatment between January 2001 and January 2005) were evaluated for any evidence of bleeding. On the basis of our standard practice of care, patients were treated prophylactically with antidepressants for 3 to 4 weeks before beginning combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin. Patients were evaluated every 4 weeks during antiviral treatment with physical examinations and complete blood cell counts with differentials and platelets. RESULTS: The overall rate of bleeding in our study was 0.3%, representing a single case of hemophilia. CONCLUSIONS: The bleeding risk of SSRIs is lower than previously reported.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Martin et al. (2007) conducted a cohort in Hepatitis C virus infection (n=303). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was evaluated on Any evidence of bleeding. Prophylactic use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in hepatitis C patients receiving interferon and ribavirin was associated with an overall bleeding rate of 0.3%.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: