THE EFFECT OF EICOSAPENTANOIC ACID ADMINISTRATION ON CLINICAL OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSION: A PILOT STUDY

Background.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common brain disorder that affects approximately 10% of the world population and leads to significant disability. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of Omega3 PUFAs administration on the clinical outcome of patients with depression.
Patients and Methods.
A prospective, randomized controlled study conducted at the outpatient clinics of a University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt on patients diagnosed with depression according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Forty two patients were randomly assigned to either; Group1; (intervention n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant + omega3 (2100mg) for 8 weeks, or Group 2; (control, n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant only for 8 weeks. Baseline evaluation and 8-week assessment included; patient demographic-data collection, history taking and clinical assessment of DSM-5 criteria & HAM-D score. Laboratory assessment included; complete blood picture (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Patients were followed up regularly every 2 weeks for 8 weeks for the occurrence of side effects due to antidepressants/ Omega 3 and compliance with medications.
Results. The 2 groups were comparable at baseline. The test group showed a significant improvement in the HAMD score from baseline values and versus the control. There was no significant difference in the reported side effects between the 2 groups.
Conclusion. Omega -3 PUFAs administration at a dose of 2100 (EPA1350 mg/ , DHA 600 mg/ 150 mg other omega 3 FA) for 8 weeks, improved depression symptoms and was well tolerated.