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Adiukwu FN, Yocum AK, Wright BM, Gesler I, McInnis MG. Lithium in the time of COVID: forever vigilant. Int J Bipolar Disord 2024; 12:29. [PMID: 39112765 PMCID: PMC11306459 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-024-00351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been case reports of renal dysfunction with lithium toxicity among severely ill COVID-19 patients. Lithium levels may be affected by comorbid conditions and the presence of infective disease states like the SARS-CoV-2 which clearly adds systemic health burden. This study aimed to review the effect SARS-CoV-2 has on serum Li levels and the possible mechanism underlying it. METHODS Retrospective data from all clinical service encounters within the University of Michigan health system between September 2019 and September 2023 were reviewed. The study cohort included 98 patients with an average age of 45 years (62% female) who were diagnosed with any subtype of bipolar disorder, actively taking Li, and infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the study timeframe. RESULTS There was no overarching effect of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on Li chemistry in the overall sample. Higher serum Li levels were not significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection nor total comorbidity index. However, higher Li levels were observed in males while infected with SARS-CoV-2 when compared with no infection. eGFR remained unassociated with serum Li level. Receiving COVID vaccination was associated with lower serum Li levels (Coeff. = - 0.88, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a diagnosis of BD, treated with Li, and infected with SARS-CoV-2 were not likely to present with elevated Li levels unless they are male or unvaccinated. Elevated serum Li level was not associated with significant renal dysfunction in this cohort. The case reports of severe renal complications and Li toxicity may be among cases of greater overall clinical severity of COVID-19. These findings are reassuring that Li may be used in the context of a COVID-19 illness but emphasize the ongoing need for clinical vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances N Adiukwu
- Department of Mental Health, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Anastasia K Yocum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brittany M Wright
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ian Gesler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melvin G McInnis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Clinebell K, Thomas J, Yabs M, Chengappa KNR. Longitudinal observations of the severity of COVID-19 infection and its impact on clozapine/norclozapine levels and clozapine toxicity in patients experiencing multiple episodes. Schizophr Res 2023; 262:142-145. [PMID: 37967494 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Clinebell
- Pine IOP and Partial, Department of Psychiatry, UPMC-Western Psychiatric Hospital, United States of America
| | - Jane Thomas
- ReSolve Crisis Services, UPMC-Western Psychiatric Hospital, United States of America
| | - Melanie Yabs
- CRS Oxford Clinic and LTSR, UPMC-Western Psychiatric Hospital, United States of America
| | - K N Roy Chengappa
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Service Line Chief - CRS Service Line, UPMC-Western Psychiatric Hospital, United States of America.
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Panchal Y, Gannon JM, Tatar JM, Balasubramani GK. COVID-19 vaccination among patients with schizophrenia prescribed clozapine. Schizophr Res 2023; 261:31-33. [PMID: 37690168 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yachana Panchal
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
| | - Jessica M Gannon
- UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, 3811 O' Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Janina-Marie Tatar
- UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, 3811 O' Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - G K Balasubramani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
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Chrétien B, Brazo P, Da Silva A, Sassier M, Dolladille C, Lelong-Boulouard V, Alexandre J, Fedrizzi S. Infections associated with clozapine: a pharmacovigilance study using VigiBase ®. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1260915. [PMID: 37849735 PMCID: PMC10577313 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1260915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Clozapine is primarily reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to safety concerns associated with its use. Infections have been reported with clozapine, which may lead to elevated serum levels of the drug. However, the existing literature on this topic is limited. Therefore, we conducted a study using VigiBase® to investigate the potential over-reporting of infections associated with clozapine, to explore the presence of dose-dependency, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods: Disproportionality analyses were performed using VigiBase to assess the association between clozapine and all types of infections, the association between clozapine-associated infections and neutropenia, the association between clozapine-associated infections and agranulocytosis, the dose-effect relationship between clozapine and infections, and the interaction between clozapine and the main strong CYP450 inhibitors using reports carried out until 11 April 2023. Results: A statistically significant signal of infections was observed with clozapine, as indicated by an information component of 0.43 [95% CI: (0.41-0.45)]. The most commonly reported infections were respiratory and gastrointestinal in nature. Neutropenia showed weaker association with clozapine-associated reports of infections compared to other clozapine-associated reports [X2 (1, N = 204,073) = 454; p < 0.005], while agranulocytosis demonstrated a stronger association with clozapine-associated reports of infections [X2 (1, N = 204,073) = 56; p < 0.005]. No evidence of dose-dependency was observed. Among the 17 tested CYP inhibitors, significant drug-drug interactions were found with clarithromycin, metronidazole, valproic acid, lansoprazole, omeprazole, amiodarone, and esomeprazole. Discussion: Our study revealed a significant safety signal between clozapine use and infections, predominantly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The co-administration of clozapine with valproic acid or proton pump inhibitors may potentially contribute to an increased risk of infection. Further vigilance is warranted in clinical practice, and consideration of therapeutic drug monitoring of clozapine in cases involving concomitant use of these drugs or in the presence of infections may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basile Chrétien
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Perrine Brazo
- Department of Psychiatry, Esquirol Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA7466, Imagerie et Stratégies Thérapeutiques de la Schizophrénie (ISTS), Caen, France
| | | | - Marion Sassier
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Charles Dolladille
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
- Normandy University, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 Anticipe, Caen, France
| | - Véronique Lelong-Boulouard
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
- Normandy University, UNICAEN, UFR Santé, INSERM UMR 1075, COMETE-MOBILITES “Vieillissement, Pathologie, Santé”, Caen, France
| | - Joachim Alexandre
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA7466, Imagerie et Stratégies Thérapeutiques de la Schizophrénie (ISTS), Caen, France
| | - Sophie Fedrizzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
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Giles G, Varghese S, Shymko G, Nguyen T, Waters F. Clozapine Therapy and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Prevalence Rates, Health Outcomes, Hematological Markers, and Patient Perspectives. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:53-67. [PMID: 36242537 PMCID: PMC9620749 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES There have been concerns that clozapine treatment may undermine the capacity of the body to fight infection and increase the vulnerability to contracting COVID-19. This review of recent cohort studies investigated (1) whether people with a severe psychiatric disorder are at increased risk of COVID-19 and complications, (2) the immunological response of clozapine-users who contract COVID-19, and (3) patients' perspectives on COVID-19 and the pandemic response. METHODS A systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Pubmed, and PsycINFO databases using PRISMA guidelines using "COVID-19", "clozapine", and "vaccination" terms. RESULTS 18 studies (out of 330 identified) met all criteria (N = 119 054 including 8045 on clozapine). There was no strong evidence that clozapine users may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications after adjusting for medical comorbidities. Hematological studies showed temporary reductions in neutrophils in COVID-19-positive patients and vaccination suggesting a clozapine effect in defence against infection. Vaccination studies did not report major adverse effects. Increased plasma levels of clozapine and neutropenia however point to COVID-19-related interference of clozapine metabolism. Patient surveys reported limited impact on mental health and positive attitudes regarding pandemic response. CONCLUSION This review did not find compelling evidence that the immune system of clozapine users put them at risk of COVID-19 and further complications. Evidence of drug-infection interactions however points to the importance of adhering to consensus guidelines about clozapine therapy during the pandemic. More evidence using longitudinal designs is required to examine the longer-term effects of COVID-19 and vaccination in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Giles
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Sunny Varghese
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Gordon Shymko
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Thinh Nguyen
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Clinical Research Centre, Graylands Hospital Campus, North Metropolitan Area Services-Mental Health, Brockway Road, Mount Claremont, Perth, Western Australia, 6010, Australia
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The Modernization of Clozapine: A Recapitulation of the Past in the United States and the View Forward. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:565-580. [PMID: 36170148 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although clozapine was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved more than 3 decades ago, major barriers and gaps in knowledge continue to prevent its effective and safe use. We review modern-day problems encountered with clozapine in the United States (US). METHODS Information surrounding current administrative, clinical, research, and technological gaps or barriers related to clozapine use in the US was reviewed. FINDINGS The history of how clozapine became FDA approved likely contributes to gaps in knowledge. The frequency of safety warnings added to the FDA prescribing information may add to fears about clozapine, as evidence by numerous published survey studies. The clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program has been modified several times in the last decade, causing access and safety issues for patients, which are discussed. Evidence may suggest that the FDA REMS requirements for hematologic monitoring are too cumbersome, and there may be ability to safely loosen requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth the ability for extended interval monitoring but also greater awareness of the clozapine-inflammation interaction. Newer guidelines published describe considerations in personalizing clozapine titration based on principles of ethnopsychopharmacology. Emerging technologies to support the use of clozapine are not widely available. IMPLICATIONS Clozapine is a unique life-saving drug but it is underused in the US, despite its established efficacy. The 2021 REMS changes led to significant difficulties for providers and patients. We highlight the importance of the clozapine-inflammation interaction, therapeutic drug monitoring, and the ability for individual care based on patient-specific factors. There is an urgent need for advancing technology used for clozapine monitoring, evaluating barriers created by REMS, and establishing consistent practices throughout the US.
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