To the Editor: The randomized controlled trial by Dr Robinson and colleagues1 provided evidence that escitalopram can reduce the risk of poststroke depression over the first year after stroke. Apart from their antidepressive properties, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to have neuroprotective function in animal models.2 - 4 It would therefore be interesting to know whether the data in the study by Robinson et al suggest an additional neuroprotective effect of escitalopram, using outcomes such as reappearance of cerebral ischemia, degree of recovery from neurological deficits, or duration of physical rehabilitation needed after stroke.
To evaluate preventive effects of the 3 treatment groups for depression, it would also be helpful to look at the severity of depression (such as Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS] score after 1 year) in addition to the categorical analysis of whether diagnostic criteria for major or minor depression were fulfilled.
Financial Disclosures: None reported.
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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