Search

Brexpiprazole is a new atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia management and as adjunct in major depressive disorder (MDD). We searched randomized controlled trials (RCT) to review brexpiprazole efficacy and tolerability in acute management of schizophrenia and MDD using PubMed, EUDRACT, ClinicalTrials.govand Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A meta-analysis was conducted using the identified 14 RCT to assess its efficacy using positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), clinical global impressions – severity of illness (CGI-S), personal and social performance scale (PSP), Montgomery–Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS), Sheehan disability scale (SDS) and Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS17). The mean difference comparing brexpiprazole and placebo were PANSS −4.48, CGI-S −0.23 and PSP 3.24 favoring brexpiprazole. Compared to aripiprazole and quetiapine, brexpiprazole showed similar efficacy. In MDD, brexpiprazole showed efficacy compared to placebo demonstrated by MADRS −1.25, SDS −0.37 and HDRS17 −1.28. Brexpiprazole was associated with side effects including akathisia risk ratio (RR) = 1.72; weight increase RR = 2.74 and somnolence RR = 1.87. Compared to 4 mg, brexpiprazole 2 mg was associated with less risk of akathisia and somnolence. Brexpiprazole demonstrated significant improvements in schizophrenia and MDD and is well-tolerated; however, associated with akathisia and somnolence. These findings will guide psychiatrists and pharmacists in their clinical role for supporting psychiatric patients care.

Vitamin D is a hormone produced endogenously through cutaneous transformation of 7-dehydrocholesterol by UVB irradiation and exerts its effects through binding to its intracellular receptor. It has skeletal and non-skeletal functions and could be involved in oral health conditions especially periodontitis. In this review, we report the beneficial roles of vitamin D related to oral health. Vitamin D deficiency prevalence is high especially among the elderly and is associated with oral health complications such as periodontitis with a possible role and effects of vitamin D supplementation in the management of oral health conditions. Further research is needed to define vitamin D target levels and establish effective strategies for managing patients suffering from oral health conditions especially periodontitis. Improving the knowledge of dental practitioners, periodontists and pharmacists regarding vitamin D deficiency implications in oral health conditions could guide the management of oral conditions such as periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]