ABSTRACT
Major depressive disorder in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. This 10 week, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release bupropion (150-300 mg once daily) in depressed patients aged 65 years or older. The statistical assumptions necessary for the validity of the protocol-specified analysis of covariance were not met for the analysis of the primary outcome variable (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score at Week 10, last observation carried forward). Alternative statistical methods used for the analysis of this variable demonstrated statistical significance. Statistically significant improvements were observed on the majority of secondary end points when compared with placebo, including the health outcome measures for motivation and energy, and life satisfaction and contentment. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate and similar between treatment groups. This study demonstrated that the extended-release bupropion is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for major depression in the elderly.
Subject(s)
Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation/therapeutic use , Bupropion/therapeutic use , Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy , Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation/adverse effects , Australia , Bupropion/adverse effects , Delayed-Action Preparations , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology , Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors/adverse effects , Double-Blind Method , Europe , Female , Humans , Male , Motivation , North America , Personal Satisfaction , Placebo Effect , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Quality of Life , South Africa , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Four out of 6 goats from a small British goat herd gave birth to weak or stillborn kids. All were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite was isolated from the tissues of one kid and the milk of one goat. Concurrently, one of the goatowner's sons developed a mononucleosis-like illness with serological evidence of current toxoplasma infection. Investigation of the family showed past infection in the other son, but both parents were seronegative. The source of infection for both boys appeared to be the consumption of unpasteurized goat's milk.
