Does citalopram effectively treat post-stroke depression?: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of citalopram for the treatment of patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: We will comprehensively search Cochrane Library, PUBEMD, EMBASE, WorldSciNet, Web of Science, VIP Database, CBM database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The search period is limited from the construction of each database to the February 1, 2020. No language and publication status are limited. Two investigators will independently carry out study choosing, data extraction, study methodological quality assessment, and quality of evidence. A third investigator will help to resolve any disagreements between 2 investigators. RevMan 5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize the up-to-date evidence and synthesize the data to explore the efficacy and safety of citalopram for patients with PSD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may present helpful evidence to determine whether citalopram is an effective management for patients with PSD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020171015.