Updated adjunctive minocycline for schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and cognitive outcomes.
Yue Shen, Yi-Fang He, Qiu-Jin Guo et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of adjunctive minocycline in patients with schizophrenia, analyzing data from ten double-blind RCTs involving 895 participants. The study found that minocycline significantly improved negative symptoms (PANSS negative: SMD = -0.55) and overall psychopathology (PANSS total: SMD = -0.49), with modest cognitive benefits in working memory (SMD = 0.24).
Key findings
- Adjunctive minocycline improved negative symptoms (PANSS negative: SMD = -0.55).
- Overall psychopathology showed significant improvement (PANSS total: SMD = -0.49).
- Cognitive benefits were limited to a modest improvement in working memory (SMD = 0.24).
- Adverse event rates were comparable between minocycline and placebo groups.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that adjunctive minocycline may enhance treatment outcomes for negative symptoms in schizophrenia, which are often challenging to manage. Understanding its potential benefits can inform treatment strategies and patient management.
What to keep in mind
The evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity and potential small-study effects.