The effects of Donepezil on traumatic brain injury acute rehabilitation outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of administering Donepezil during inpatient rehabilitation for individuals with TBI.


METHODS
Retrospective, age and injury severity matched, mixed between-within subjects analysis.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with moderate-to-severe TBI admitted to acute rehabilitation within 90 days of injury. Main outcome measures included FIM cognitive total scores and rehabilitation lengths of stay.


METHODS
Initiation of Donepezil administration beginning at 5 mg daily. Dose titration and continuation based on perceived clinical response.


RESULTS
No differences in cognitive improvement were observed between the Donepezil treatment group and the matched control group. Sub-set analyses suggested that administration of Donepezil early in the rehabilitation stay was significantly related to higher rates of cognitive improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evidence suggests that Donepezil administration early in the rehabilitation stay may have advantageous treatment effects. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with standard timing, dosage and treatment duration is recommended to further evaluate treatment efficacy.
Walker
W
W
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
Seel
R
R
Gibellato
M
M
Lew
H
H
Cornis-Pop
M
M
Jena
T
T
Silver
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000077265:Donepezil; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007189:Indans; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil