Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor in Prophylaxis of Depression Following Fragility Fractures

Launched by WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · May 9, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of a specific type of antidepressant, called Duloxetine, to see if it can help prevent depression in older adults who have had a lower extremity fragility fracture, which means a break in a bone from a fall or minor injury. The trial aims to find out if doctors can easily prescribe this medication when patients are discharged from the hospital, and to understand how common depressive symptoms are among patients with different types of injuries. It also explores what kind of ongoing care these patients might need after leaving the hospital.

To participate, you need to be 65 years or older and have had a lower leg fracture that was treated with surgery. During the trial, participants will complete a depression screening before starting the medication and will take Duloxetine daily after discharge. They will be asked to report how well they are taking the medication and will fill out additional surveys about their mood over the next year. If any patient shows signs of depression at any point, they will be referred to a healthcare professional for further help. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it is important to note that people with certain conditions, like severe mental health issues or those on specific medications, cannot participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Geriatric (greater than or equal to 65 years old)
• • Lower extremity fragility fractures managed operatively
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Polytrauma
• • Pathological fractures
• • Patients on hospice
• • Patients with previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders
• • Patients with previously diagnosed dementia
• • Patients already taking Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)s and Serotonin- norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)s
• • Patients already taking mood stabilizing medication
• • Unable to provide informed consent (no use of a legal authorized representative)
• • Patients with pre-existing life limiting diagnoses (cancer, etc.)