Escitalopram in Depressive Patients With Acute Coronary Artery Syndrome

Efficacy and Safety of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Depressive Patients With Acute Coronary Artery Syndrome: A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in the treatment of depressive patients with acute coronary artery syndrome (CAS).

Depression is common in patients with acute CAS and increases cardiac morbidity and mortality. However, there are a few limited data available regarding the effects and safety of antidepressants for treating depression in patients with acute CAS. This study aims to investigate whether escitalopram might be an effective treatment option for these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18~85
• Diagnosed as acute CAS (unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction) and being conducted coronary angiography
• Beck Depression Inventory > 10 and major or minor depressive disorder by the DSM-IV criteria
• With ability to complete various questionnaires
• Can understand the objective of the study and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Occurrence of acute CAS while the patient was hospitalized for another reason, except for CAS
• Current CAS developed less than 3 months after coronary artery bypass graft procedure
• Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP > 180mmHg or diastolic BP > 100mmHg)
• Resting heart rate < 40/min
• Severe physical illnesses threatening life or interfering with the recovery from CAS
• Persistent clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
• Concomitant use of class I antiarrhythmic medications; reserpine, guanethidine, clonidine, or methyldopa; anticonvulsants or neuroleptics
• History of neuropsychiatric illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, brain tumor, psychoses, alcoholism, and other substance dependence
• Pregnancy