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Study flow diagram (2015 update).
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Figure 1

Study flow diagram (2015 update).

Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies.
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Figure 2

Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies.

Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.
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Figure 3

Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 1 Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean change in BPRS score from baseline (high = good).
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Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 1 Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean change in BPRS score from baseline (high = good).

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 2 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean change in LUNSERS score from baseline (high = poor).
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Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 2 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean change in LUNSERS score from baseline (high = poor).

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 3 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.
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Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL, Outcome 3 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: 1 mean score/change in global state: mean CGI score (high = poor).
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Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: 1 mean score/change in global state: mean CGI score (high = poor).

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean BPRS score (high = poor).
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Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean BPRS score (high = poor).

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change in mental state: mean SAPS score (high = poor).
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Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change in mental state: mean SAPS score (high = poor).

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state: means SANS score (high = poor).
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Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state: means SANS score (high = poor).

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 5 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.
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Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 5 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% to 50% reduction in PANSS total score.
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Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% to 50% reduction in PANSS total score.

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 2 Adverse effect: weight gain.
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Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 2 Adverse effect: weight gain.

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score at endpoint (high = poor).
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Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score at endpoint (high = poor).

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score at endpoint (high = poor).
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Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score at endpoint (high = poor).

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2c. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score at endpoint (high = poor).
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Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2c. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score at endpoint (high = poor).

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 6 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: hypersalivation.
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Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 6 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: hypersalivation.

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 7 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.
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Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE, Outcome 7 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% reduction in PANSS total score.
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Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% reduction in PANSS total score.

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state (positive symptoms) 20% reduction in PANSS positive subscore.
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Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state (positive symptoms) 20% reduction in PANSS positive subscore.

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 1a mean score/change global state: mean CGI subscale score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.3

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 1a mean score/change global state: mean CGI subscale score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 1b mean score/change global state: mean GAF score (high = good).
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Analysis 4.4

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 1b mean score/change global state: mean GAF score (high = good).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean HAMD score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.5

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean HAMD score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 6 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.6

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 6 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 7 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms) mean PANSS positive score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.7

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 7 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms) mean PANSS positive score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 8 Clinical response: 2d mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean PANSS negative score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.8

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 8 Clinical response: 2d mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean PANSS negative score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 9 Clinical response: 2e mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean SANS score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.9

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 9 Clinical response: 2e mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean SANS score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 10 Clinical response: 2f mean score/change in global state: mean PANSS global psychopathology score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.10

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 10 Clinical response: 2f mean score/change in global state: mean PANSS global psychopathology score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 11 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: mean EPS score (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.11

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 11 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: mean EPS score (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean CGI adverse effect scores (high = poor).
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Analysis 4.12

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean CGI adverse effect scores (high = poor).

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 13 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.
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Analysis 4.13

Comparison 4 CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE, Outcome 13 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: 1a. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 50%.
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Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 1 Clinical response: 1a. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 50%.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: 1b. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 25%.
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Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 2 Clinical response: 1b. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 25%.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 1. mean score/change global state: mean CGI‐S score (high = poor).
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Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 3 Clinical response: 1. mean score/change global state: mean CGI‐S score (high = poor).

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor).
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Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 4 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor).

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score (high = poor).
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Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 5 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score (high = poor).

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 6 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score (high = poor).
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Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 6 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score (high = poor).

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 7 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: reported extrapyramidal adverse effects.
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Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 7 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: reported extrapyramidal adverse effects.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 8 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): overall adverse effect rate.
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Analysis 5.8

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 8 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): overall adverse effect rate.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 9 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): agitation.
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Analysis 5.9

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 9 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): agitation.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 10 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): constipation.
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Analysis 5.10

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 10 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): constipation.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 11 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): drowsiness.
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Analysis 5.11

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 11 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): drowsiness.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): dry mouth.
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Analysis 5.12

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): dry mouth.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 13 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): headache.
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Analysis 5.13

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 13 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): headache.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 14 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): insomnia.
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Analysis 5.14

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 14 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): insomnia.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 15 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): orthostatic hypotension.
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Analysis 5.15

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 15 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): orthostatic hypotension.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 16 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): tachycardia.
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Analysis 5.16

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 16 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): tachycardia.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 17 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): vertigo.
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Analysis 5.17

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 17 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): vertigo.

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 18 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.
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Analysis 5.18

Comparison 5 CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE, Outcome 18 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial.

Table 1. Suggested design of study

Methods

Allocation: proper randomisation (e.g. by computer‐generated number sequence) and adequate allocation concealment (e.g. by central randomisation by a third party).

Blinding: ideally double blind, but pragmatically blinding the participant and the outcome assessor is adequate.

Setting: inpatients and outpatients.

Duration: short‐term primary outcome (at 12 weeks), and then medium‐ to long‐term follow‐up (up to 52 week).

Participants

Diagnosis: treatment‐resistant schizophrenia, defined by persistent positive symptoms despite at least 6 months of treatment with clozapine ≥ 400 mg/day.

N = 200.

Sex: men and women.

Age: > 18 years.

Interventions

1. Clozapine plus risperidone (or paliperidone).

2. Clozapine plus aripiprazole (or amisulpride).

Outcomes

Measure of clinical response to include both dichotomous measures of global (e.g. CGI score) and mental state (e.g. BPRS score).

Adverse effects to include weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms, haematological problems, and hypersalivation.

Acceptability assessed by leaving the study early.

Service utilisation (e.g. hospital admission).

Quality of life/satisfaction measure.

Notes

The study should be funded by an independent funding body, such as the National Institute for Health Research or Wellcome Trust.

BPRS: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; CGI: Clinical Global Impression; n: number of participants.

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Table 1. Suggested design of study
Summary of findings for the main comparison. CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL (Cipriani 2013)

Clozapine + aripi prazole versus clozapine + haloperidol for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Patient or population: people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Setting: inpatients and outpatients

Intervention: aripiprazole (+ CLO)

Comparison: haloperidol (+ CLO)

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with haloperidol (+ CLO)

Risk with aripiprazole (+ CLO)

Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Adverse effects: weight gain

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in global state

See comment

See comment

No data reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: change in BPRS score from baseline (high = good),

Long term (12 months)

The mean score/change in mental state (change in BPRS from baseline) ‐ long term (12 months) was 0

The mean score/change in mental state ‐ defined by change in BPRS from baseline ‐ long term (12 months) in the intervention group was 0.9 more (4.38 fewer to 6.18 more)

105
(1 RCT)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
Low 1,2,3,4

Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial

Long term (12 months)

Study population

RR 1.27
(0.72 to 2.22)

106
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,5,6

283 per 1000

359 per 1000
(204 to 628)

Moderate

283 per 1000

359 per 1000
(204 to 628)

Service utilisation outcomes: hospital admission or days in hospital

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Quality of life/satisfaction with care for either recipients of care or carers: significant change in quality of life/satisfaction

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

BPRS: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; CI: confidence interval; CLO: clozapine; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.
Moderate quality: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
Low quality: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.
Very low quality: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

1 Risk of bias: downgraded by 1 level because high risk for performance bias (open label), but low risk for other biases (selection, detection, attrition, reporting).

2 Inconsistency and publication bias: not applicable (no meta‐analysis).

3 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability in terms of participants and interventions and rating scale measures participant‐important outcome (mental state).

4 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because CI around mean difference did not include appreciable benefit and appreciable harm (total score on BPRS = 126).

5 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because leaving the study early a surrogate measure of acceptability of treatment.

6 Imprecision: downgraded by 2 level because underpowered to detect difference and CI around relative effect included appreciable benefit and harm (from less likely to leave study early to over two times more likely to leave study early).

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings for the main comparison. CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL (Cipriani 2013)
Summary of findings 2. CLOZAPINE + AMISULPIRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE (Genc 2007)

Clozapine + amisulpride versus clozapine + quetiapine for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Patient or population: people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Setting: inpatients and outpatients

Intervention: amisulpride (+ CLO)

Comparison: quetiapine (+ CLO)

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with quetiapine (+ CLO)

Risk with amisulpride (+ CLO)

Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

(1 RCT)

No data reported.

Adverse effects: weight gain

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

(1 RCT)

No data reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in global state: mean CGI score (high = poor)

Short term (8 weeks)

The mean score/change in global state (CGI) ‐ short term (8 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in global state (CGI) ‐ short term (8 weeks) in the intervention group was 0.9 fewer (1.38 fewer to 0.42 fewer)

50
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,3,4

Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean BPRS score (high = poor)

Short term (8 weeks)

The mean score/change in mental state (BPRS) ‐ short term (8 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in mental state (BPRS) ‐ short term (8 weeks) in the intervention group was 4 fewer (5.86 fewer to 2.14 fewer)

50
(1 RCT)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
Low 1,2,4,5,6

Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial

Study population

RR 0.20
(0.02 to 1.60)

56
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,4,7

179 per 1000

36 per 1000
(4 to 286)

Moderate

179 per 1000

36 per 1000
(4 to 286)

Service utilisation outcomes: hospital admission or days in hospital

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

(1 RCT)

No data reported.

Quality of life/satisfaction with care for either recipients of care or carers: significant change in quality of life/satisfaction

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

(1 RCT)

No data reported.

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

BPRS: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; CGI: Clinical Global Impression; CI: confidence interval; CLO: clozapine; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.
Moderate quality: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
Low quality: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.
Very low quality: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

1 Risk of bias: downgraded by 2 levels because high risk of reporting bias and unclear (so potentially high) risk of other biases (selection, performance, attrition).

2 Inconsistency and publication bias: not applicable (no meta‐analysis).

3 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability in terms of participants and interventions and rating score measures a participant‐important outcome (global state).

4 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because CI around mean difference did not include appreciable benefit and appreciable harm (total score on CGI = 7).

5 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability in terms of participants and interventions and rating score measures a participant‐important outcome (mental state).

6 Imprecision: not downgraded because powered to detect difference and narrow CI.

7 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because leaving study early surrogate measure of participant‐important outcome (acceptability of treatment).

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 2. CLOZAPINE + AMISULPIRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE (Genc 2007)
Summary of findings 3. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE (Kong 2001)

Clozapine + risperidone versus clozapine + sulpiride for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Patient or population: people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Setting: inpatients

Intervention: risperidone (+ CLO)

Comparison: sulpiride (+ CLO)

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with Sulpiride (+ CLO)

Risk with Risperidone (+ CLO)

Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% to 50% reduction in PANSS total score

Study population

RR 0.82
(0.40 to 1.68)

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,3,4

367 per 1000

301 per 1000
(147 to 616)

Moderate

367 per 1000

301 per 1000
(147 to 616)

Adverse effects: weight gain

Study population

RR 0.40
(0.08 to 1.90)

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,4,5

167 per 1000

67 per 1000
(13 to 317)

Moderate

167 per 1000

67 per 1000
(13 to 317)

Clinical response: mean score/change in global state

See comment

See comment

(1 RCT)

No data reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor)

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) was 0

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) in the intervention group was 2.28 undefined fewer (7.41 fewer to 2.85 more)

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,6,7

Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial

Study population

Not estimable

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,8,9

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Service utilisation outcomes: hospital admission or days in hospital

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Quality of life/satisfaction with care for either recipients of care or carers: significant change in quality of life/satisfaction

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

CI: confidence interval; CLO: clozapine; PANSS: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.
Moderate quality: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
Low quality: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.
Very low quality: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

1 Risk of bias: downgraded by 2 levels because unclear (so potentially high) risk of biases (selection, performance, detection, reporting).

2 Inconsistency and publication bias: not applicable (no meta‐analysis).

3 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because unclear population applicability (inclusion criteria not clearly specified). Not downgraded by 2 levels because rating scale measures participant‐important outcome (mental state).

4 Imprecision: downgraded by 2 levels because underpowered to detect difference and CI around relative effect includes appreciable benefit and harm.

5 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because unclear population applicability (inclusion criteria not clearly specified). Not downgraded by 2 levels because weight gain a direct measure of a participant‐important outcome.

6 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because unclear population applicability (inclusion criteria not clearly specified). Not downgraded by 2 levels because rating scale measures participant‐important outcome (mental state).

7 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because CI around mean difference did not include appreciable benefit and appreciable harm (total score on PANSS = 120).

8 Indirectness: downgraded by 2 levels because unclear population applicability (inclusion criteria not clearly specified) and leaving the study early a surrogate measure of acceptability of treatment.

9 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because no CI.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 3. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE (Kong 2001)
Summary of findings 4. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE (Kuwilsky 2010)

Clozapine + risperidone versus clozapine + ziprasidone for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Patient or population: people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Setting: inpatients and outpatients

Intervention: risperidone (+ CLO)

Comparison: ziprasidone (+ CLO)

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with ziprasidone (+ CLO)

Risk with risperidone (+ CLO)

Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% reduction in PANSS total score
Medium term (26 weeks)

Study population

RR 0.80
(0.28 to 2.27)

24
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,3,4

417 per 1000

333 per 1000
(117 to 946)

Moderate

417 per 1000

333 per 1000
(117 to 946)

Adverse effects: weight gain

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No SDs reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in global state: mean CGI‐II Global improvement score (high = poor)

Short term (6 weeks)

The mean score/change in global state (CGI‐II Global improvement) ‐ short term (6 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in global state (CGI‐II global improvement) ‐ short term (6 weeks) in the intervention group was 0.3 fewer (0.82 fewer to 0.22 more)

22
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,5,6

Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor)

Medium term (26 weeks)

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) ‐ medium term (26 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) ‐ medium term (26 weeks) in the intervention group was 1 more (7.91 fewer to 9.91 more)

16
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,3,7

Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial

Long term (52 weeks)

Study population

RR 1.60
(0.73 to 3.49)

24
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,8,9

417 per 1000

667 per 1000
(304 to 1000)

Moderate

417 per 1000

667 per 1000
(304 to 1000)

Service utilisation outcomes: hospital admission or days in hospital

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Quality of life/satisfaction with care for either recipients of care or carers: significant change in quality of life/satisfaction

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

CI: confidence interval; CLO: clozapine; PANSS: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.
Moderate quality: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
Low quality: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.
Very low quality: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

1 Risk of bias: downgraded by 2 levels because high risk of performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias.

2 Inconsistency and publication bias: not applicable (no meta‐analysis).

3 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability in terms of participants and interventions and rating score measures a participant‐important outcome (mental state).

4 Imprecision: downgraded by 2 levels because underpowered to detect difference and CI around relative effect includes appreciable benefit and harm (from less likely to over two times more likely to have no clinical response in mental state defined by PANSS 20% reduction).

5 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability (participants and interventions), and rating score measures a participant‐important outcome (global state).

6 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because CI around mean difference does not include appreciable benefit and appreciable harm (total score on CGI = 7).

7 Imprecision: downgraded by 1 level because underpowered to detect difference. Not downgraded by 2 levels because CI around mean difference does not include appreciable benefit and appreciable harm (total score on PANSS = 120).

8 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because leaving the study early a surrogate for participant‐important outcome (acceptability of treatment).

9 Indirectness: downgraded by 2 levels because underpowered to detect difference and CI around relative effect includes appreciable benefit and harm (from less likely to over three times more likely to leave the study early).

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 4. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE (Kuwilsky 2010)
Summary of findings 5. CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE (Wen 2015)

Clozapine + ziprasidone versus clozapine + quetiapine for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Patient or population: people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia

Setting: inpatients and outpatients

Intervention: ziprasidone (+ CLO)

Comparison: quetiapine (+ CLO)

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with quetiapine (+ CLO)

Risk with ziprasidone (+ CLO)

Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: ≥ 50% reduction in PANSS total score

Medium term (12 weeks)

Study population

RR 0.54
(0.35 to 0.81)

63
(1 RCT)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
Low 1,2,3,4

844 per 1000

456 per 1000
(295 to 683)

Moderate

844 per 1000

456 per 1000
(295 to 683)

Adverse effects: weight gain

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Clinical response: mean score/change in global state: mean CGI‐S score (high = poor)

Medium term (12 weeks)

The mean score/change in global state (CGI‐S) ‐ medium term (12 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in global state (CGI‐S) ‐ medium term (12 weeks) in the intervention group was 0.7 fewer (1.18 fewer to 0.22 fewer)

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
Low 1,2,4,5

Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor)

Medium term (12 weeks)

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) ‐ medium term (12 weeks) was 0

The mean score/change in mental state (PANSS total) ‐ medium term (12 weeks) in the intervention group was 12.3 fewer (22.43 fewer to 2.17 fewer)

60
(1 RCT)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
Low 1 2 3 4

Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial

Study population

RR 0.52
(0.05 to 5.41)

63
(1 RCT)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low 1,2,6,7

63 per 1000

33 per 1000
(3 to 338)

Moderate

63 per 1000

33 per 1000
(3 to 338)

Service utilisation outcomes: hospital admission or days in hospital

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

Quality of life/satisfaction with care for either recipients of care or carers: significant change in quality of life/satisfaction

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

No data reported.

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

CGI ‐S: Clinical Global Impression – Severity; CI: confidence interval; CLO: clozapine; PANSS: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: risk ratio; SD: standard deviation.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.
Moderate quality: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
Low quality: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.
Very low quality: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

1 Risk of bias: downgraded by 2 levels because unclear (so potentially high) risk of biases (selection, performance, reporting).

2 Inconsistency and publication bias: not applicable (no meta‐analysis).

3 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability in terms of participants and interventions and rating scale measures a participant‐important outcome (mental state).

4 Imprecision: not downgraded because powered to detect difference and narrow CI.

5 Indirectness: not downgraded because good applicability (participants and interventions) and rating scale measures a participant‐important outcome (global state).

6 Indirectness: downgraded by 1 level because leaving the study early surrogate measure for participant‐important outcome (acceptability of treatment).

7 Imprecision: downgraded by 2 levels because underpowered to detect difference and CI around relative effect includes appreciable benefit and harm (from less likely to leave study early to five times more likely to leave study early).

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 5. CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE (Wen 2015)
Comparison 1. CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Clinical response: mean score/change in mental state: mean change in BPRS score from baseline (high = good) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.40 [‐5.59, 2.79]

1.2 Medium term (24 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐4.81, 3.41]

1.3 Long term (52 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.90 [‐4.38, 6.18]

2 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean change in LUNSERS score from baseline (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.9 [‐8.48, ‐1.32]

2.2 Medium term (24 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.9 [‐8.25, ‐1.55]

2.3 Long term (52 weeks)

1

105

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.8 [‐9.79, 0.19]

3 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

106

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.88 [0.34, 2.24]

3.2 Medium term (24 weeks)

1

106

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.17 [0.60, 2.28]

3.3 Long term (52 weeks)

1

106

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.27 [0.72, 2.22]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 1. CLOZAPINE + ARIPIPRAZOLE versus CLOZAPINE + HALOPERIDOL
Comparison 2. CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Clinical response: 1 mean score/change in global state: mean CGI score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

50

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.90 [‐1.38, ‐0.42]

2 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean BPRS score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

50

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.0 [‐5.86, ‐2.14]

3 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change in mental state: mean SAPS score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

50

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐6.90 [‐12.82, ‐0.98]

4 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state: means SANS score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

50

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐5.20 [‐7.14, ‐3.26]

5 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial Show forest plot

1

56

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.2 [0.02, 1.60]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 2. CLOZAPINE + AMISULPRIDE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE
Comparison 3. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% to 50% reduction in PANSS total score Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.40, 1.68]

2 Adverse effect: weight gain Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.4 [0.08, 1.90]

3 Clinical response: 2a mean score/change in mental state: mean PANSS total score at endpoint (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐2.28 [‐7.41, 2.85]

4 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score at endpoint (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐2.55 [‐4.64, ‐0.46]

5 Clinical response: 2c. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score at endpoint (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.54 [‐3.19, 2.11]

6 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: hypersalivation Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.04, 3.03]

7 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Short term (8 weeks)

1

60

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 3. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + SULPIRIDE
Comparison 4. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state: 20% reduction in PANSS total score Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.13, 3.30]

1.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.8 [0.28, 2.27]

2 Clinical response: no clinically significant response in mental state (positive symptoms) 20% reduction in PANSS positive subscore Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.0 [0.36, 24.92]

3 Clinical response: 1a mean score/change global state: mean CGI subscale score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Severity of illness

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.20 [‐0.32, 0.72]

3.2 Global improvement

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐0.82, 0.22]

3.3 Therapeutic efficacy

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐0.79, 0.19]

4 Clinical response: 1b mean score/change global state: mean GAF score (high = good) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [‐7.84, 7.84]

5 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean HAMD score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐3.40 [‐6.71, ‐0.09]

5.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐5.35, 3.95]

6 Clinical response: 2b mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐3.10 [‐11.38, 5.18]

6.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.0 [‐7.91, 9.91]

7 Clinical response: 2c mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms) mean PANSS positive score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.20 [‐1.84, 1.44]

7.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.20 [‐2.58, 2.18]

8 Clinical response: 2d mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean PANSS negative score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.20 [‐4.63, 2.23]

8.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.5 [‐2.66, 5.66]

9 Clinical response: 2e mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms) mean SANS score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

9.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.0 [‐17.55, 9.55]

9.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.80 [‐14.31, 17.91]

10 Clinical response: 2f mean score/change in global state: mean PANSS global psychopathology score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

10.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.60 [‐6.60, 3.40]

10.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [‐5.83, 5.83]

11 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: mean EPS score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

11.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.60 [‐0.67, 1.87]

11.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.30 [‐0.63, 1.23]

12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): mean CGI adverse effect scores (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

12.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.10 [‐0.53, 0.33]

13 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

13.1 Short term (6 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.07, 14.21]

13.2 Medium term (26 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.6 [0.18, 1.97]

13.3 Long term (52 weeks)

1

24

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.6 [0.73, 3.49]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 4. CLOZAPINE + RISPERIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE
Comparison 5. CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Clinical response: 1a. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 50% Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.54 [0.35, 0.81]

2 Clinical response: 1b. no clinically significant response in mental state: PANSS reduction ≥ 25% Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.65 [0.38, 1.10]

3 Clinical response: 1. mean score/change global state: mean CGI‐S score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐1.18, ‐0.22]

4 Clinical response: 2a. mean score/change mental state: mean PANSS total score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐12.30 [‐22.43, ‐2.17]

5 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (positive symptoms): mean PANSS positive score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐3.10 [‐5.52, ‐0.68]

6 Clinical response: 2b. mean score/change in mental state (negative symptoms): mean PANSS negative score (high = poor) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

60

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.80 [‐1.99, 3.59]

7 Adverse effects: specific adverse effects: mean score/change in extrapyramidal adverse effects: reported extrapyramidal adverse effects Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.06 [0.41, 10.47]

8 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): overall adverse effect rate Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.50, 1.13]

9 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): agitation Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

9.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.15, 6.88]

10 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): constipation Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

10.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.15 [0.01, 2.74]

11 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): drowsiness Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

11.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.18, 1.19]

12 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): dry mouth Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

12.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.17 [0.02, 1.35]

13 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): headache Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

13.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.28, 3.77]

14 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): insomnia Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

14.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.12, 3.84]

15 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): orthostatic hypotension Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

15.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.01, 4.13]

16 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): tachycardia Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

16.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.12, 3.84]

17 Adverse effects: other adverse effects (general or specific): vertigo Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

17.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.03, 1.67]

18 Leaving the study early: acceptability of treatment ‐ as measured by completion of trial Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

18.1 Medium term (12 weeks)

1

63

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.52 [0.05, 5.41]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 5. CLOZAPINE + ZIPRASIDONE versus CLOZAPINE + QUETIAPINE