Research and Development, UCB SA
(Pharma Sector), Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.
A meta-analysis has been performed
including nineteen double blind, placebo controlled
studies with piracetam in patients suffering from dementia
or cognitive impairment in the elderly. These studies
had as common outcome measure a clinical global impression
of change, a measure of clinically meaningful improvement.
The meta-analysis of this global outcome followed the
methodology set forward by the Cochrane Collaboration.
This article describes the studies, the patient populations
and the methods of data extraction. The results of the
meta-analysis demonstrate a difference between those
individuals treated with piracetam and those given placebo,
both as significant odds ratio and as a favourable number
needed to treat. While there may be problems in meta-analyses
and the interpretation of the statistical results, the
results of this analysis provide compelling evidence
for the global efficacy of piracetam in a diverse group
of older subjects with cognitive impairment. Copyright
2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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