A prototype for evidence synopsis for hand-held computers* Based on: Review: clozapine reduces relapse and symptoms compared with typical neuroleptic drugs in schizophrenia. Evidence-Based Medicine 1997 Nov-Dec;2:182. Abstract of: Essali MA, Rezk E, Wahlbeck K, et al. Clozapine v typical neuroleptic medication for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1997;(2): latest version 4 March 1997.
| Question | Study groups | Outcome | Weighted EER | Weighted CER | RRR (95% CI) | NNT (CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conclusion: Clozapine reduces relapse and symptoms and produces clinically meaningful improvement in patients with schizophrenia. | ||||||
| *Abbreviations: EER=experimental event rate; CER=control event rate; RRR=relative risk reduction; RBI=relative benefit increase; NNT=number of patients needed to be treated to prevent 1 additional bad outcome or to create 1 additional improved outcome. | ||||||
| Relapse (n=18 studies) | 10.8% | 13.5% | 41% (19 to 57) | 37 (19 to 588) | ||
| Outcome | Weighted EER | Weighted CER | RBI (CI) | NNT (CI) | ||
| In patients with schizophrenia, what is the effectiveness of clozapine compared with typical neuroleptic drugs? | Experimental: clozapine Control: typical neuroleptic drugs | Clinical improvement (n=14 studies) | 53.3% | 34.1% | 50% (33 to 69) | 6 (5 to 7) |