Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance, and cognition. There is currently no cure for PSP, but medications are often prescribed to manage symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety. However, a recent post hoc analysis suggests that the use of benzodiazepine derivatives may lead to a faster decline in PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) scores.
The study conducted by Anne-Marie Wills, MD, MPH, and colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital aimed to investigate the effects of various medications on PSP progression. The researchers assessed 305 participants in a phase II/III clinical trial of davunetide for PSP. Both the davunetide and placebo groups were included in the analysis, as the trial reported no treatment effect.
The analysis revealed that only one medication class, benzodiazepine derivatives, was associated with a more rapid decline in PSPRS scores. Benzodiazepine derivatives such as lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam were found to be linked to worsening PSP symptoms. Participants who took benzodiazepines experienced a mean worsening of 17.1 PSPRS points per year, compared to 9.9 points per year for those not taking benzodiazepines.
The findings of this study have important implications for the clinical management of PSP. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to PSP patients for insomnia and anxiety, but the study suggests that these medications may accelerate disease progression. Healthcare professionals should carefully consider the risks and benefits of prescribing benzodiazepines to PSP patients and explore alternative treatment options.
The study also brings to light the possibility of other modifiable factors that can influence PSP progression. While benzodiazepine derivatives were found to have a negative impact, other benzodiazepine-related drugs like zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone were not associated with worsening PSPRS scores. Further research is needed to identify and understand these factors, as they may offer new opportunities for intervention and disease management.
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The analysis was a retrospective observational analysis, which is susceptible to bias and confounding by unmeasured variables. Additionally, the study had a limited sample size, which may have affected the ability to detect associations between the duration and dose of benzodiazepine exposure and PSP progression. Further research with larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trials is needed to validate these findings.
The use of benzodiazepine derivatives in patients with PSP may lead to a faster decline in disease progression. These medications, commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety, should be carefully considered by healthcare professionals. The study also suggests that there may be other modifiable factors that influence PSP progression, which requires further investigation. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of PSP and provide valuable insights for the clinical management of this neurodegenerative disorder.