Varuni de Silva

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis

BackgroundPsychostimulants and non stimulants are effective in the treatment of ADHD. Efficacy of both methylphenidate and atomoxetine has been established in placebo controlled trials. Direct comparison of efficacy is now possible due to availability of results from several head-to-head trials of these two medications.MethodsAll published, randomized, open label or double blind trials, comparing efficacy of methylphenidate with atomoxetine, in treatment of ADHD in children, diagnosed using DSM-IV™ criteria were included. The outcome studied was ADHDRS-IVParent:Inv score. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a measure of effect size.ResultsNine randomized trials comparing methylphenidate and atomoxetine, with a total of 2762 participants were included. Meta-analysis did not find a significant difference in efficacy between methylphenidate and atomoxetine (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI -0.08-0.26) (Z = 1.06, p = 0.29). Synthesis of data from eight trials found no significant difference in response rates (RR = 0.93 95% CI 0.76-1.14, p = 0.49). Sub group analysis showed a significant standardized mean difference favouring OROS methylphenidate (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.53 (Z = 3.05, p < 0.002). Immediate release methylphenidate was not superior to atomoxetine (SMD = -0.04, 95% CI -0.19-0.12) (Z = 0.46, p = 0.64). Excluding open label trials did not significantly alter the effect size (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI -0.04-0.21) (Z = 1.27, p = 0.20). All-cause discontinuation was used as a measure of acceptability. There was no significant difference in all cause discontinuation between atomoxetine and methylphenidate (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.87-1.71). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies (p = 0.002, I2 = 67%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the heterogeneity to be due to the open label trials (p = 0.001, I2 = 81%).ConclusionsIn general atomoxetine and methylphenidate have comparable efficacy and equal acceptability in treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. However OROS methylphenidate is more effective than atomoxetine and may be considered as first line treatment in treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

From pesticides to medicinal drugs: time series analyses of methods of self-harm in Sri Lanka

OBJECTIVE To explore if recent changes in methods of self-harm in Sri Lanka could explain the decline in the incidence of suicide. METHODS Time series analyses of suicide rates and hospitalization due to different types of poisoning were carried out. FINDINGS Between 1996 and 2008 the annual incidence of hospital admission resulting from poisoning by medicinal or biological substances increased exponentially, from 48.2 to 115.4 admissions per 100,000 population. Over the same period, annual admissions resulting from poisoning with pesticides decreased from 105.1 to 88.9 per 100,000. The annual incidence of suicide decreased exponentially, from a peak of 47.0 per 100,000 in 1995 to 19.6 per 100,000 in 2009. Poisoning accounted for 37.4 suicides per 100,000 population in 1995 but only 11.2 suicides per 100,000 in 2009. The case fatality rate for pesticide poisoning decreased linearly, from 11.0 deaths per 100 cases admitted to hospital in 1997 to 5.1 per 100 in 2008. CONCLUSION Since the mid 1990s, a trend away from the misuse of pesticides (despite no reduction in pesticide availability) and towards increased use of medicinal and other substances has been seen in Sri Lanka among those seeking self-harm. These trends and a reduction in mortality among those suffering pesticide poisoning have resulted in an overall reduction in the national incidence of accomplished suicide.

Association between concurrent alcohol and tobacco use and poverty.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The harm from alcohol and tobacco use in low- and middle-income countries includes substantial economic cost to the individual. Our aim was to describe the expenditure on concurrent alcohol and tobacco use in relation to family income in two districts in Sri Lanka. DESIGN AND METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in two districts in Sri Lanka. We sampled 2684 men over 18 years of age using multistage cluster sampling. Cost of alcohol and cigarettes was calculated using the retail price for each brand and multiplying by the amount consumed. RESULTS Among current alcohol users 63.1% were also smokers. Among current smokers 61.9% were also using alcohol. Prevalence of concurrent alcohol and tobacco use in urban areas was 20.1% and in rural areas 14%. The two lowest income categories (<

Efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine versus specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treatment of major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of published studies.

US76 per month) spent more than 40% of their income on concurrent use while the next category (

Alcohol use in a military population deployed in combat areas: a cross sectional study

US76-143 per month) spent 34.8% of their income on concurrent use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The poor spent less than those with higher income on alcohol and tobacco, but the expenditure constituted a much larger slice of their income thus compromising their ability to meet basic needs. In low-income countries, damaging economic consequences start at lower levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption and affect a significant proportion of the population. Defining risk levels and guidelines on safe limits based purely on individual health harm has, at best, little meaning in such settings.

Prevalence of major depressive episode among patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered as first-line treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). There is evidence that venlafaxine may be more effective than several antidepressants in the treatment of MDD. This meta-analysis includes all published, randomized, double-blind, head-to-head trials, which compared venlafaxine and an SSRI in the treatment of MDD in adults. Twenty-six trials comparing venlafaxine with an SSRI were included (total participants: 5858). Meta-analysis using a random effect model showed that venlafaxine was superior to SSRIs in achieving remission [odds ratio (OR)=1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.0–1.28, P=0.05] and response (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.03–1.34, P=0.02). Subgroup analysis found that venlafaxine had a significantly better response rate than fluoxetine (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.05–1.55, P=0.01). There were no significant differences in response or remission between venlafaxine and other individual SSRIs. There was no significant difference in all cause discontinuation between venlafaxine and SSRIs (OR=1.10, 95% CI=0.97–1.25, P=0.15). Venlafaxine had significantly higher discontinuation due to adverse events compared with SSRIs (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.10–1.79, P=0.006). The superior efficacy of venlafaxine over SSRIs is of clinical importance. However, higher rates of discontinuation due to adverse events for venlafaxine compared with SSRIs are a disadvantage. Findings of this meta-analysis that included only published studies were similar to those from meta-analysis that included unpublished data.

Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka.

BackgroundAlcohol misuse is more prevalent among military populations. Association between PTSD and heavy drinking have been reported in many studies. Most of the studies on alcohol use among military personnel are from US and UK. Aim of this study is to describe alcohol consumption patterns among military personnel in Sri Lanka, a country where the alcohol consumption among the general population are very different to that in US and UK.MethodsCross sectional study consisting of representative samples of Sri Lanka Navy Special Forces and regular forces deployed in combat areas continuously during a one year period was carried out. Data was collected using a self report questionnaire. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess alcohol consumption.ResultsSample consisted of 259 Special Forces and 412 regular navy personnel. The median AUDIT score was 2.0 (interquartile range 6.0). Prevalence of current drinking was 71.2 %. Of the current users 54.81 % were infrequent users (frequency ≤ once a month) while 37.87 % of users consumed 2–4 times a month. Prevalence of hazardous drinking (AUDIT ≥ 8) was 16.69 % and binge drinking 14.01 %. Five (0.75 %) had AUDIT total ≥20. There was no significant difference between Special Forces and regular forces in hazardous drinking or binge drinking. Total AUDIT score ≥16 were associated with difficulty performing work.ConclusionsHigh rates of hazardous drinking and binge drinking described among military personnel in US and UK were not seen among SLN personnel deployed in combat areas. This finding contrasts with previously reported association between combat exposure and hazardous alcohol use among military personnel. Alcohol use among military personnel may be significantly influenced by alcohol consumption patterns among the general population, access to alcohol and attitudes about alcohol use. Similar to findings from other countries, heavy alcohol use was associated with poorer psychological health and functional impairment.

Smoking among troops deployed in combat areas and its association with combat exposure among navy personnel in Sri Lanka

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of depression among pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV (SCID) to detect major depressive episode. Study was carried out in a nephrology outpatient clinic in Sri Lanka. Every fifth patient with CKD diagnosed according to the K/DQOI of the National Kidney Foundation of USA criteria stages 2–5 not undergoing dialysis was recruited. Primary outcome was major depressive episode diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID). Results: Sample consisted of 140 patients. Eighty-nine (63.6%) were male. The mean age was 57.9 years (SD = 10.4). Only 41 (29.3%) were in paid employment. Percentage of patients in CKD stages 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 2.9%, 19.6%, 51.4%, and 25%, respectively. Only three patients had diabetes. One hundred and five were on treatment for hypertension. Prevalence of a major depressive episode was 27.9%. Among males, prevalence was 27% (95% CI 17.6–36.3) and among females, 29.4% (95% CI 16.5–42.4). Age, gender, income, employment status, and education were not associated with depression. The only significant variable associated with depression was patients understanding of prognosis. Conclusions: Prevalence of major depressive episode among pre-dialysis CKD patients was 27.9%. Rate of depression diagnosed using a structured clinical interview was lower than that reported when screening instruments were used. The only significant variable associated with depression was patients understanding of prognosis. Future studies should aim to identify risk factors for depression among patients with kidney disease.

Why are we copyrighting science

IntroductionData on caregiver strain and depression of principal caregivers of patients with mental illnesses are few in developing countries. Findings from developed countries cannot be applied directly to developing countries as culture specific factors may influence the outcome.MethodsA prospective study was carried out in the University Psychiatry Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) to identify symptoms of depression, caregiver strain and dissatisfaction with life in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Participants were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index.Results and discussionEighty caregivers were interviewed (males; 36, 45%). Symptoms of depression were significant in 37.5%, while 48.8% had unsatisfactory scores on the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Depression and higher caregiver strain were associated with spending more time with the patient, interruption to work, disputes with relations, being assaulted by patient and self admission of needing professional help to overcome mental stress.ConclusionThis study identified several associations for depression and increased caregiver strain among caregivers in a subset of patients with mental disorder in Sri Lanka. These can be used as markers to screen and increase pretest probability to identify caregivers needing help rather than applying the cumbersome questionnaires to all.

Mental health in Sri Lanka.

BackgroundAmong military personnel alcohol consumption and binge-drinking have increased but cigarette smoking has declined in the recent past. Although there is a strong association between smoking and PTSD the association between combat exposure and smoking is not clear.MethodsThis cross sectional study was carried out among representative samples of SLN Special Forces and regular forces deployed in combat areas. Both Special Forces and regular forces were selected using simple random sampling. Only personnel who had served continuously in combat areas during the one year period prior to end of combat operations were included in the study. Females were not included in the sample. The study assessed several mental health outcomes as well as alcohol use, smoking and cannabis use. Sample was classified according to smoking habits as never smokers, past smokers (those who had smoked in the past but not within the past year) and current smokers (those smoking at least one cigarette within the past 12 months).ResultsSample consisted of 259 Special Forces and 412 regular navy personnel. Prevalence of current smoking was 17.9% (95% CI 14.9-20.8). Of the sample 58.4% had never smoked and 23.7% were past smokers. Prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among Special Forces personnel compared to regular forces. (OR 1.90 (95% CI 1.20-3.02). Personnel aged ≥35 years had the lowest prevalence of smoking (14.0%). Commissioned officers had a lower prevalence (12.1%) than non commissioned officers or other ranks. After adjustment for demographic variables and service type there was significant association between smoking and combat experiences of seeing dead or wounded [OR 1.79 (95%CI 1.08-2.9)], handling dead bodies [OR 2.47(95%CI 1.6-3.81)], coming under small arms fire [OR 2.01(95%CI 1.28-3.15)] and coming under mortar, missile and artillery fire [OR 2.02(95%CI 1.29-3.17)]. There was significant association between the number of risk events and current smoking [OR 1.22 (95%CI1.11-1.35)].ConclusionsThere was significant association between current smoking and combat experiences. Current smoking was strongly associated with current alcohol use. Prevalence of current smoking was less among military personnel than in the general population. Prevalence of smoking was significantly higher among Special Forces personnel.