Abstract

What is known and objectiveDepression is a debilitating complication of brucellosis and how best to treat this is a matter of debate. Inflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis of both brucellosis and depression. Therefore, we hypothesized that celecoxib could be beneficial for the treatment of depression due to brucellosis. MethodsForty outpatients with depression due to brucellosis with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (HDRS) <19 participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and underwent 8weeks of treatment with either celecoxib (200mg bid) or placebo as an adjunctive to antibiotic therapy. Patients were evaluated using HDRS at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. Result and discussionRepeated-measures analysis demonstrated significant effect for time x treatment interaction on the HDRS score F (143, 5741)=3722, P<0001. Significantly greater response to treatment occurred in the celecoxib group than in the placebo group at the study end 10 patients (50%) vs. no patient (0%), respectively, P<0001. No serious adverse event was observed. What is new and conclusionCelecoxib is a safe and effective treatment for depression due to brucellosis when compared with placebo.