Efficacy and feasibility of deep brain stimulation for patients with depression: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses have examined the clinical efficacy and acceptability of deep brain stimulation (DBS) compared with sham therapy or paired active therapy. However, the absence of head-to-head clinical trials with some treatment comparisons creates uncertainty for decision makers. Thus, to provide new evidence-based medical evidence for clinical treatment, we undertook a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of DBS in patients with depression based on high-quality randomized controlled studies. METHODS: The protocol was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement guidelines. PubMed/Medline and EMBASE will be searched before May 2021 for all studies, using various combinations of the following free text and key terms: deep brain stimulation; depression; random. No language restrictions will be applied. The method of data extraction will follow the approach outlined by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Review Manager software 5.3 is used for the meta-analysis. The quality of randomized trials will be assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The results of our review will be reported strictly following the PRISMA criteria and the review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/Q5B3S.