D-113
Is it necessary to update meta-analyses on the neurogenic theory of depression?
JULIANA APARECIDA BOLZAN1, CILENE LINO DE OLIVEIRA2
  1. Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88037-000, Florianópolis - SC, Brazil
  2. Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88037-000, Florianópolis - SC, Brazil.
Presenting Author:
Juliana Aparecida Bolzan
julianabolzann03@gmail.com
Systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analyses (MAN) about the neurogenic theory of depression concluded there is evidence of pro-neurogenic effects of monoaminergic drugs, mainly fluoxetine. However, conclusions may become obsolete as new studies are published. Living Systematic Reviews (LSRs) are tools for incorporating new evidence as it emerges quickly in the literature. Trial Sequential Analyses (TSAs) are an approach that helps determine when conclusive evidence is achieved in an LSR and whether future updates are needed. Samples (k=20) from a database (k=677, https://osf.io/q9bk3) were used to construct the cumulative z-curve adjusted by tau2, DerSimonian-Laird, REM, spending α esOF:Lan&DeMets, O'Brien-Fleming boundaries, α=5%, β=10%(1-β=90%) and empirical I2 in the "RTSA" package. The evidence was considered conclusive when the cumulative z-curve crossed the boundaries for statistical significance (Z =1.96, p = 0.05), monitoring boundaries, and required information. The available information indicated that k=11, k=19, and k=46 studies would be needed to establish the current level of conclusive evidence in the MAN on the effects of antidepressants on hippocampal neurogenesis; neurogenesis and behavior; or behavioral and neurogenic effects of fluoxetine, respectively. Available information for the third MAN is insufficient, and further studies are necessary. For other MANs, it is sufficient to suggest the preliminary termination of the updates, avoiding additional studies.