Discrepancy in Response and Remission Rates for SAMe-Treated Patients in a Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

To the Editor: In the August 2010 issue of the Journal, George I. Papakostas, M.D., et al. (1), appear to have inadvertently made a calculation error, which has affected the results of their data. The authors stated that “response rates for SAMe-treated patients versus placebo-treated patients were 36.1% versus 17.6%, respectively, while remission rates were 25.8% versus 11.7%, respectively” (1, p. 946).

Our calculations, based on the data presented in the article, are inconsistent with the aforementioned percentages. The quoted percentage is 36.1% for SAMe plus antidepressant treatment among responders, whereas the actual number of responders indicated on page 945 is 18/39, or 46.1%. Likewise, the quoted percentage for SAMe plus antidepressant treatment among patients who remitted is 25.8%, whereas the actual number of these patients cited on page 945 is 14/39, or 35.8%. Interestingly, Figure 2 appears to correspond with our calculations rather than the percentages cited in the article. We believe that 36.1% was given instead of 46.1% and 25.8% instead of 35.8%. Furthermore, we believe the alteration in these percentages would affect the number needed to treat.

We would be grateful if the authors could clarify the results of this thought-provoking study.