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de Leon J, Ruan CJ, Schoretsanitis G, Villasante-Tezanos AG, Spina E, Sanz EJ, Betancort M, De Las Cuevas C. Investigating in VigiBase over 6000 cases of pneumonia in clozapine-treated patients in the context of the literature: focus on high lethality and the association with aspiration pneumonia. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38920369 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2373111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature associates clozapine with pneumonia/aspiration pneumonia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The international pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase™) uses the information component (IC) as statistical signal. VigiBase clozapine reports were analyzed for pneumonia/aspiration pneumonia from introduction to 10 May 2023. RESULTS There were 6392 cases of all types of pneumonia (5572 cases of pneumonia, 775 of aspiration pneumonia, and 45 combined). The IC was 3.52 for aspiration pneumonia, introduced as a VigiBase label in 2003, and 1.91 for pneumonia. Patients were reclassified as 3628 with no signs of aspiration and 1533 with signs. Signs of aspiration were strongly associated with some co-medications: olanzapine, odds ratio (OR) = 23.8, 95% confidence interval (CI), 14.9-38.0; risperidone OR = 18.6, CI, 11.4-30.4; valproic acid, OR = 5.5, CI, 4.5-6.6; and benzodiazepines OR = 5.5, CI, 4.5-6.6. In 2415 cases with completed data, fatal outcomes made up 45% (signs of aspiration made no difference), but there was wide variability from 0% (females <45 years of age; duration ≤30 days) to 76% (males >64 years of age; duration >1 year). During the first week, pneumonia was associated with 1) very high titration doses, 2) very small doses in Parkinson's disease, and 3) Japan vs other countries. CONCLUSIONS In clozapine-treated patients: 1) at least 30% of pneumonia cases may be aspiration pneumonia, 2) stopping some co-medications may decrease the risk of aspiration pneumonia, 3) average lethality in pneumonia was 45% but may be around 75% in geriatric patients with long-term treatment, and 4) safer titrations may sometimes require 5-mg tablets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center, Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
- Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apóstol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Can-Jun Ruan
- Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Lab of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | | | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emilio J Sanz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Moisés Betancort
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology, and Methodology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry and Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
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De Las Cuevas C, Sanz EJ, Gross JA, Correll CU, Verdoux H, Lally J, de Filippis R, Schulte PFJ, Molden E, Arrojo-Romero M, Bostrom AD, Schoretsanitis G, Fernandez-Egea E, de Leon J. Revealing the reporting disparity: VigiBase highlights underreporting of clozapine in other Western European countries compared to the UK. Schizophr Res 2024; 268:175-188. [PMID: 38065799 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacovigilance studies indicate clozapine history is marked by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). OBJECTIVE In a 2021 article, the United Kingdom (UK) had >90 % of European clozapine-related fatal outcomes in VigiBase, the World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance database. Two possibly opposing hypotheses could explain this disparity: 1) fewer reported fatal outcomes in other Western European countries mainly reflect underreporting to VigiBase, and 2) the higher number of UK reports reflects higher real relative mortality. METHODS VigiBase reports from clozapine's introduction to December 31, 2022, were studied for ADRs and the top 10 causes of fatal outcomes. The UK was compared with 11 other top reporting Western countries (Germany, Denmark, France, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland). Nine countries (except Ireland and Switzerland) were compared after controlling for population and clozapine prescriptions. RESULTS The UK accounted for 29 % of worldwide clozapine-related fatal outcomes, Germany 2 % and <1 % in each of the other countries. The nonspecific label "death" was the top cause in the world (46 %) and in the UK (33 %). "Pneumonia" was second in the world (8 %), the UK (12 %), Ireland (8 %) and Finland (14 %). Assuming that our corrections for population and clozapine use are correct, other countries underreported only 1-10 % of the UK clozapine fatal outcome number. CONCLUSIONS Different Western European countries consistently underreport to VigiBase compared to the UK, but have different reporting/publishing styles for clozapine-related ADRs/fatal outcomes. Three Scandinavian registries suggest lives are saved as clozapine use increases, but this cannot be studied in pharmacovigilance databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Emilio J Sanz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain; Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Hélène Verdoux
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, Bordeaux, France.
| | - John Lally
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital Fairview, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Renato de Filippis
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Peter F J Schulte
- Mental Health Services Noord-Holland-Noord, Alkmaar, the Netherlands; Dutch Clozapine Collaboration Group, Castricum, the Netherlands.
| | - Espen Molden
- Center for Psychopharmacology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manuel Arrojo-Romero
- Department of Psychiatry, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Adrian D Bostrom
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Fernandez-Egea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn Hospital, Fulbourn, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain.
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Verdoux H, Quiles C, de Leon J. Risks and benefits of clozapine and lithium co-prescribing: A systematic review and expert recommendations. Schizophr Res 2024; 268:233-242. [PMID: 37002013 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the risks and benefits of clozapine‑lithium co-prescription. METHODS Articles published in English or French were identified with a MEDLINE, Web of Sciences and PsycINFO search, from inception through January 2023, using the term 'clozapine' in combination with 'lithium'. Data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS Of the 67 articles included in the review, more than half (n = 38, 56.7 %) were focused on clozapine-related blood dyscrasia. A body of evidence drawn from case reports and retrospective chart studies highlights the potential benefits of lithium prescription for clozapine-related neutropenia, since this strategy may avoid clozapine discontinuation or allow its rechallenge. The most documented adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with clozapine‑lithium co-prescription are neurotoxic events, which may be prevented or detected early by clinical, electroencephalographic and therapeutic drug monitoring. Causality assessment cannot be established for other reported ADRs occurring during clozapine‑lithium co-prescription. The benefits of the combined prescription on psychotic and/or mood symptoms are poorly documented. CONCLUSION The risks and benefits of clozapine‑lithium co-prescription require further exploration as the combination might significantly contribute to reducing underprescription or premature discontinuation of clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Verdoux
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, team pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Clélia Quiles
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Psychiatry and Neurosciences Research Group (CTS-549), USA
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Lin SK, Lane HY. A brief history of clozapine use in Taiwan. Schizophr Res 2024; 268:34-37. [PMID: 37391310 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Blood concentrations of clozapine in Taiwanese patients appeared approximately 30-50 % higher than that from Caucasian patients, and women possessed a higher blood levels. Fluvoxamine was reported to increase the clozapine levels, reduce clozapine-related weight gain and metabolic disturbances, and improved general psychopathology. Clothiapine, a chemical structure analogue of clozapine, showed potential of benefitting patients who are unsuitable for clozapine treatment in Taiwan. Obsessive/compulsive symptom (OCS) is a common side effect of clozapine. Concentrations of clozapine were remarkably higher in patients with OCS than in those without. In conclusion, clozapine is a widely used in patients with schizophrenia in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ku Lin
- Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Taipei City Hospital and Psychiatric Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yuan Lane
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Kang N, Kim SH, Kim J, Kim S, Jang J, Yoon H, Lee J, Kim M, Kim YS, Kwon JS. Association between initial clozapine titration and pneumonia risk among patients with schizophrenia in a Korean tertiary hospital. Schizophr Res 2024; 268:107-113. [PMID: 37770376 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Pneumonia is a significant adverse drug reaction (ADR) associated with clozapine, characterized by high mortality and potential linkage with other inflammatory responses. Despite the critical nature, research regarding the development of pneumonia during initial clozapine titration remains limited. This retrospective study included 1408 Korean inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Data were collected from January 2000 to January 2023. Pneumonia developed in 3.5 % of patients within 8 weeks of clozapine initiation. Patients who developed pneumonia were taking a greater number and higher dose of antipsychotics at baseline (2.14 vs. 1.58, p < 0.001; 25.64 vs. 19.34, p = 0.012). The average onset occurred 17.24 days after initiation, on an average dose of 151.28 mg/day. Titration was either paused or slowed in most of these patients, with no reported fatalities. The types of pneumonia included aspiration pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, and COVID-19 pneumonia. Myocarditis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, and urinary tract infections were also identified. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater number of concomitant antipsychotics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, p = 0.027) and concomitant benzodiazepine use (OR = 2.33, p = 0.005) at baseline were associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Overall, pneumonia development during clozapine titration is linked with other inflammatory ADRs, suggesting a shared immunological mechanism. Close monitoring is recommended, especially for patients taking multiple antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Further studies involving repeated measures of clozapine concentrations at trough and steady state, along with a more detailed description of pneumonia types, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuree Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jayoun Kim
- Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyu Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeok Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Leon J, Wang L, Simpson GM. The introduction of clozapine at the Nathan Kline Institute in New York and its long-term consequences. Schizophr Res 2024; 268:14-20. [PMID: 37689508 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Nathan S. Kline was a pioneer in psychopharmacology in the United States (US). In 1952, Kline started a research unit at Rockland State Hospital, New York. Kline brought clozapine from Switzerland since it was not yet available in the US. At Rockland State Hospital, George Simpson had conducted antipsychotic trials and had developed scales to assess movement disorders. In 1974, Simpson published the first US clozapine trial. In 1978, he published on 1) the effect of clozapine on tardive dyskinesia and 2) high plasma clozapine concentrations in two patients with seizures. His experience of clozapine withdrawal symptoms in his first 2 trials led in the future to more articles in this area. In Philadelphia, Simpson designed a double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) with 3 doses (100, 300 and 600 mg/day) which was published in 1999. From the 50 patients started on the RCT, 47 provided repeated plasma clozapine concentrations every other week of the RCT. This rich database of plasma clozapine concentrations under controlled conditions has contributed to many of the advances in clozapine pharmacokinetics in the last 5 years including: 1) obesity can be associated with clozapine poor metabolism (PM) status, 2) a clozapine ultrarapid metabolizer (UM) with a minimum therapeutic dose of 1591 mg/day, 3) a case of clozapine intoxication dropped from the RCT due to pneumonia, 4) cases of increased plasma concentrations during clozapine-induced fever, 5) the possibility that African-Americans may need higher clozapine doses than those of European ancestry, and 6) three indices of non-adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center, Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apóstol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain.
| | - Linda Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - George M Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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Reeves S, Bertrand J, Obee SJ, Hunter S, Howard R, Flanagan RJ. A population pharmacokinetic model to guide clozapine dose selection, based on age, sex, ethnicity, body weight and smoking status. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:135-145. [PMID: 36793249 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Guidance on clozapine dosing in treatment-resistant schizophrenia is based largely on data from White young adult males. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine (norclozapine) across the age range, accounting for sex, ethnicity, smoking status and body weight. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic model, implemented in Monolix, that linked plasma clozapine and norclozapine via a metabolic rate constant, was used to analyse data from a clozapine therapeutic drug monitoring service, 1993-2017. RESULTS There were 17 787 measurements from 5960 patients (4315 male) aged 18-86 years. The estimated clozapine plasma clearance was reduced from 20.2 to 12.0 L h-1 between 20 and 80 years. Model-based dose predictions to attain a predose plasma clozapine concentration of 0.35 mg L-1 was 275 (90% prediction interval 125, 625) mg day-1 in nonsmoking, White males weighing 70 kg and aged 40 years. The corresponding predicted dose was increased by 30% in smokers, decreased by 18% in females, and was 10% higher and 14% lower in otherwise analogous Afro-Caribbean and Asian patients, respectively. Overall, the predicted dose decreased by 56% between 20 and 80 years. CONCLUSION The large sample size and wide age range of the patients studied allowed precise estimation of dose requirements to attain predose clozapine concentration of 0.35 mg L-1 . The analysis was, however, limited by the absence of data on clinical outcome and future studies are required to determine optimal predose concentrations specifically in those aged over 65 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Reeves
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julie Bertrand
- Institute of Genetics, University College London, London, UK
- UMR 1137 Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution (IAME) French Institute for Medical Research (INSERM), University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stephen John Obee
- Precision Medicine, Networked Services, Bessemer Wing, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Samora Hunter
- Precision Medicine, Networked Services, Bessemer Wing, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Howard
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert James Flanagan
- Precision Medicine, Networked Services, Bessemer Wing, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Magistri C, Mellini C. Clozapine-Associated Agranulocytosis: A Systematic Review. Is It Really So Frighteningly Common? J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 43:527-533. [PMID: 37930206 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine is a very effective therapeutic option for schizophrenic disorders that have been refractory to most other therapies. This extremely positive aspect clashes easily with an adverse effect of the drug that is deemed to be a very dangerous one: agranulocytosis. We asked whether the mandatory strict hematological follow-up prescribed in the black box warning of clozapine's label is proportioned to the actual incidence of agranulocytosis, considering that is the main reason that such a drug is often used only late in the treatment course. METHODS We carried out a systematic review of reports examining clozapine administration and agranulocytosis incidence. We specifically selected those where mild and moderate neutropenia was not used as a trigger to stop administration of clozapine, to better estimate the sheer incidence of agranulocytosis when clozapine was continued even with mild hematological effect, where detected. We used PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases to identify clinical studies conducted between January 1975 and April 2023. RESULTS We included 14 studies, mostly retrospective ones, that examined the incidence of hematological adverse effects in patients using clozapine. A total of 2354 subjects were included. The mean age of the subjects was 33.5 years. The mean duration of observation of subjects who took clozapine was 800 days, with a mean daily dose of 319.5 mg per day. Of the 2354 subjects examined, we found that 11 of them experienced agranulocytosis (0.47%). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the evidence of a lower incidence of agranulocytosis than previously estimated and are in line with more recent meta-analyses. We may therefore think that clinical practice may demand a revision of the approach that both psychiatrists and supervising organizations often take when talking about clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Magistri
- From the Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Center of Viterbo, Local Health Authority of Viterbo, Viterbo
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Jones R, Morales-Munoz I, Shields A, Blackman G, Legge SE, Pritchard M, Kornblum D, MacCabe JH, Upthegrove R. Early neutrophil trajectory following clozapine may predict clozapine response - Results from an observational study using electronic health records. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:267-274. [PMID: 37494985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine has unique effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and is known to cause immunological side-effects. A transient spike in neutrophils commonly occurs in the first weeks of clozapine therapy. There is contradictory evidence in the literature as to whether neutrophil changes with clozapine are linked to treatment response. AIMS The current study aims to further examine the neutrophil changes in response to clozapine and explore any association between neutrophil trajectory and treatment response. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing their first treatment with clozapine and continuing for at least 2 years identified 425 patients (69% male/31% female). Neutrophil counts at baseline, 3 weeks and 1 month were obtained predominantly by linkage with data from the clozapine monitoring service. Clinical Global Impression- Severity (CGI-S) was rated from case notes at the time of clozapine initiation and at 2 years. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was performed to define distinct trajectories of neutrophil changes during the first month of treatment. Logistic regression was then conducted to investigate for association between the trajectory of neutrophil count changes in month 1 and clinical response at 2 years as well as between baseline neutrophil count and response. RESULTS Of the original cohort, 397 (93%) patients had useable neutrophil data during the first 6 weeks of clozapine treatment. LCGA revealed significant differences in neutrophil trajectories with a three-class model being the most parsimonious. The classes had similar trajectory profiles but differed primarily on overall neutrophil count: with low, high-normal and high neutrophil classes, comprising 52%, 40% and 8% of the sample respectively. Membership of the high-normal group was associated with significantly increased odds of a positive response to clozapine, as compared to the low neutrophil group [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.10, p-value = 0.002; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.31-3.36]. Baseline neutrophil count was a predictor of response to clozapine at 2 years, with counts of ≥5 × 109/l significantly associated with positive response (OR = 1.60, p-value = 0.03; 95% CI = 1.03-2.49). CONCLUSIONS Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that patients with low-level inflammation, reflected in a high-normal neutrophil count, are more likely to respond to clozapine, raising the possibility that clozapine exerts its superior efficacy via immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Jones
- Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, UK.
| | | | - Adrian Shields
- Clinical Immunology Service, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Blackman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, OX3 7JX, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Sophie E Legge
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Daisy Kornblum
- King's College London (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience), London, UK
| | - James H MacCabe
- King's College London (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience), London, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust, UK
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10
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Berger SJ, Hofer A. [Safety aspects during treatment with clozapine: : Adverse effects, titration, and therapeutic drug monitoring - a narrative review]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2023; 37:122-129. [PMID: 37349671 PMCID: PMC10491532 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to current guidelines, clozapine should be used as a third step in treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS). In everyday clinical practice, however, it is frequently used at a much later stage, which leads to a significant deterioration of prognosis. The first part of this narrative overview focuses on the most frequent side effects of clozapine, on the relevance of slow titration, and on specific aspects of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS Medline, the Guideline for the use of clozapine 2013 of the Netherlands Clozapine Collaboration Group, and the S3 Guideline for Schizophrenia of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics were searched for relevant literature, the last query dating from April 28th, 2023. RESULTS Despite its unique efficacy clozapine is underused in clinical practice and prescription varies between and within countries. Next to hematological, metabolic, and vegetative side effects, clozapine induced inflammation manifesting in the form of pneumonia or myocarditis, which is mainly associated with rapid titration, represents a major clinical challenge with CRP monitoring being of particular relevance. In this context, it also has to be noted that sex, smoking behavior, and ethnic origin impact clozapine metabolism, thus requiring personalized dosing. CONCLUSION Slow titration when possible, TDM, and CYP diagnostics when appropriate increase patient safety during treatment with clozapine and thus the likelihood of early prescription of this compound in TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan J Berger
- Department für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie, Univ.-Klinik für Psychiatrie I, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Alex Hofer
- Department für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie, Univ.-Klinik für Psychiatrie I, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich.
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11
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de Leon J, Arrojo-Romero M, Verdoux H, Ruan CJ, Schoretsanitis G, Rohde C, Cohen D, Schulte PFJ, Kim SH, Cotes RO, Leung JG, Otsuka Y, Kirilochev OO, Baptista T, Grover S, Every-Palmer S, Clark SR, McGrane IR, Motuca M, Olmos I, Wilkowska A, Sagud M, Anıl Yağcıoğlu AE, Ristic DI, Lazary J, Sanz EJ, De Las Cuevas C. Escaping the Long Shadow Cast by Agranulocytosis: Reflections on Clozapine Pharmacovigilance Focused on the United Kingdom. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 43:239-245. [PMID: 37068034 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND A recent article in this journal presented a US perspective regarding the modernization of clozapine prescription and proposed an escape from the long shadow cast by agranulocytosis. METHODS Here, an international group of collaborators discusses a point of view complementary to the US view by focusing on worldwide outcomes of clozapine usage that may be uneven in terms of frequency of clozapine adverse drug reactions. FINDINGS/RESULTS Studies from the Scandinavian national registries (Finland and Denmark) did not find increased mortality in clozapine patients or any clear evidence of the alleged toxicity of clozapine. Data on clozapine-associated fatal outcomes were obtained from 2 recently published pharmacovigilance studies and from the UK pharmacovigilance database. A pharmacovigilance study focused on physician reports to assess worldwide lethality of drugs from 2010 to 2019 found 968 clozapine-associated fatal outcomes in the United Kingdom. Moreover, the United Kingdom accounted for 55% (968 of 1761) of worldwide and 90% (968 of 1073) of European fatal clozapine-associated outcomes. In a pharmacovigilance study from the UK database (from 2008 to 2017), clozapine was associated with 383 fatal outcomes/year including all reports from physicians and nonphysicians. From 2018 to 2021, UK clozapine-associated fatal outcomes increased to 440/year. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS The interpretation of fatal outcomes in each country using pharmacovigilance databases is limited and only allows gross comparisons; even with those limitations, the UK data seem concerning. Pneumonia and myocarditis may be more important than agranulocytosis in explaining the uneven distribution of fatal outcomes in clozapine patients across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Arrojo-Romero
- Department of Psychiatry, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Hélène Verdoux
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert O Cotes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Yuji Otsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Oleg O Kirilochev
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Astrakhan State Medical University, Astrakhan, Russian Federation
| | | | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Scott R Clark
- University of Adelaide, Discipline of Psychiatry, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian R McGrane
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Mariano Motuca
- Instituto Vilapriño, Center for Studies, Assistance and Research in Neurosciences, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ismael Olmos
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit and Pharmacy Department, Vilardebó Hospital, Administración de Servicios de Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alina Wilkowska
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Judit Lazary
- National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry and Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
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12
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De Las Cuevas C, Sanz EJ, Villasante-Tezanos AG, de Leon J. Respiratory aspiration during treatment with clozapine and other antipsychotics: a literature search and a pharmacovigilance study in VigiBase. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2023; 19:57-74. [PMID: 36920343 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2023.2192401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antipsychotics (APs), during treatment or overdose, may be associated with respiratory aspiration. AREAS COVERED A PubMed search on September 30, 2022, provided 3 cases of respiratory aspiration during clozapine therapy and 1 case during an AP overdose. VigiBase records of respiratory aspiration associated with APs from inception until September 5, 2021, were reviewed. VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global pharmacovigilance database, uses a statistical signal for associations called the information component (IC). EXPERT OPINION The ICs (and IC025) were 2.1 (and 2.0) for APs, 3.2 (and 3.0) for clozapine, 2.6 (and 2.4) for quetiapine, and 2.5 (and 2.2) for olanzapine. Cases of respiratory aspiration associated with APs included: 137 overdose/suicide cases (64 fatal) and 609 cases during treatment (385 fatal) including 333 taking clozapine (238 fatal). In logistic regression models of fatal outcomes, the odds ratios, OR, and (95% confidence intervals, CI) of significant independent variables were: a) 2.3 - 2.6 for clozapine in 3 samples of AP treatment of varying size, b) 1.9 (CI 1.0 to 3.5) for geriatric age in 284 patients on clozapine treatment, and c) 1.8 (CI 1.1 - 3.2) for antidepressant co-medication in 276 patients on non-clozapine APs. Multiple AP pharmacological mechanisms may explain respiratory aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Emilio J Sanz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alejandro G Villasante-Tezanos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky, United States.,Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
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13
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Prevalence of clozapine-induced sialorrhea and its effect on quality of life. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:203-211. [PMID: 36538098 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Clozapine has proven to be superior to other antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia but is under-prescribed due to its potentially severe side effects. Clozapine-induced sialorrhea (CIS) is a frequent and extremely uncomfortable side effect, which remains understudied. OBJECTIVES To examine the prevalence of diurnal and nocturnal CIS in a sample of patients treated with clozapine, and to evaluate its impact on quality of life. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of 130 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with clozapine. The prevalence of CIS was evaluated via specific sialorrhea scales. None of the patients included in the study was receiving a specific treatment for hypersalivation during the study period. Possible associations between sialorrhea and clinical and quality of life variables were analyzed. RESULTS Of 130 subjects, 120 (92.3%) suffered from CIS. Eighty-one (62.31%) suffered from diurnal CIS, 115 (88.56%) from nocturnal CIS, and 85 (65.38%) suffered from both. Significant positive associations between quality of life and diurnal CIS (B = 0.417; p = 2.1e - 6, R2 = 0.156) and nocturnal CIS (B = 0.411; p = 7.7e - 6, R2 = 0.139) were detected. Thirty per cent of the subjects reported a moderate to severe negative impact of sialorrhea on their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that CIS is highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and has an important impact on quality of life in one-third of our sample. Therefore, the inclusion of a systematic evaluation and treatment of CIS in standard clinical practice is highly recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) under reference NCT04197037.
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14
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Qubad M, Bittner RA. Second to none: rationale, timing, and clinical management of clozapine use in schizophrenia. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231158152. [PMID: 36994117 PMCID: PMC10041648 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231158152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its enduring relevance as the single most effective and important evidence-based treatment for schizophrenia, underutilization of clozapine remains considerable. To a substantial degree, this is attributable to a reluctance of psychiatrists to offer clozapine due to its relatively large side-effect burden and the complexity of its use. This underscores the necessity for continued education regarding both the vital nature and the intricacies of clozapine treatment. This narrative review summarizes all clinically relevant areas of evidence, which support clozapine's wide-ranging superior efficacy - for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and beyond - and make its safe use eminently feasible. Converging evidence indicates that TRS constitutes a distinct albeit heterogeneous subgroup of schizophrenias primarily responsive to clozapine. Most importantly, the predominantly early onset of treatment resistance and the considerable decline in response rates associated with its delayed initiation make clozapine an essential treatment option throughout the course of illness, beginning with the first psychotic episode. To maximize patients' benefits, systematic early recognition efforts based on stringent use of TRS criteria, a timely offer of clozapine, thorough side-effect screening and management as well as consistent use of therapeutic drug monitoring and established augmentation strategies for suboptimal responders are crucial. To minimize permanent all-cause discontinuation, re-challenges after neutropenia or myocarditis should be considered. Owing to clozapine's unique efficacy, comorbid conditions including substance use and most somatic disorders should not dissuade but rather encourage clinicians to consider clozapine. Moreover, treatment decisions need to be informed by the late onset of clozapine's full effects, which for reduced suicidality and mortality rates may not even be readily apparent. Overall, the singular extent of its efficacy combined with the high level of patient satisfaction continues to distinguish clozapine from all other available antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mishal Qubad
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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15
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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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16
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De Las Cuevas C, Sanz EJ, de Leon J. Respiratory aspiration during treatment with benzodiazepines, antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs in the pharmacovigilance database from VigiBase. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:541-553. [PMID: 36073179 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2122813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three psychotropic drug classes, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and antidepressants (ADs), whether used in treatment or overdose, may be associated with respiratory aspiration. Polypharmacy was defined by counting suspected drugs from these classes or two others, antipsychotics and opioids. The confounding effects of polypharmacy were considered in this study. AREAS COVERED VigiBase records of respiratory aspiration associated with benzodiazepines, AEDs, and/or ADs from inception until September 5, 2021, were reviewed. VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global pharmacovigilance database, uses a statistical signal for associations called the information component (IC). EXPERT OPINION The ICs (and IC025) were benzodiazepines 2.8 (and 2.6), AEDs 1.6 (and 1.5), and ADs 1.4 (and 1.3). The cases of respiratory aspiration associated with at least one drug from these 3 classes included: 1) 553 cases absent any known overdose (2.8±1.7 drugs) and 2) 347 overdose cases (2.9±1.8 drugs). Little support for the association of respiratory aspiration and benzodiazepine, AED or AD monotherapy in therapeutic dosages was found. Studies of the association between benzodiazepine monotherapy and respiration aspiration are needed in geriatric patients. ADs added to other medications increased lethality in all cases of respiratory aspiration including those associated with overdose, polypharmacy and/or major medical problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Emilio J Sanz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.,Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
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17
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Kikuchi Y, Komatsu H, Sakuma A, Tanifuji H, Tomita H. Successful rechallenge with clozapine after discontinuation due to drug-induced pneumonia: A case report. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2022; 1:e38. [PMID: 38868700 PMCID: PMC11114276 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Background There have been a limited number of case reports of clozapine-induced pneumonia. Few have reported rechallenging of clozapine after discontinuation due to the side-effect. Case Presentation A 43-year-old man was diagnosed with schizophrenia after developing auditory hallucinations and delusions of persecution and reference. After diagnosing him with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, clozapine was started. From a starting dose of 12.5 mg/day, we increased it by 25 mg every 2-3 days to reach 150 mg/day by Day 15. On Day 17, his body temperature suddenly rose to 39.6°C (103.3°F) without any other apparent physical symptoms. Blood biochemistry testing showed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and high counts of leukocytes and neutrophils, but not eosinophils. Chest computed tomography revealed ground-glass opacities in the lower lobes of both lungs. Suspecting bacterial pneumonia, we started him on levofloxacin 500 mg/day. However, pneumonia exacerbated, and eosinophilia became apparent 5 days after the onset of fever. We suspected acute eosinophilic pneumonia induced by clozapine and discontinued its administration the same day. The patient clinically recovered the next day after stopping clozapine. After stopping clozapine, his psychiatric symptoms, such as persecutory/referential delusions, irritability, and polydipsia, became worse. We decided to rechallenge with clozapine in incremental doses slower than the standard protocol, along with careful monitoring of CRP and eosinophil counts. Pneumonia has not recurred, and his psychiatric symptoms have been well managed. Conclusion Our experience suggests that some patients with inflammatory reactions to clozapine can still take the drug if it is reintroduced with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kikuchi
- Department of PsychiatryKodama HospitalIshinomakiMiyagiJapan
| | - Hiroshi Komatsu
- Department of PsychiatryTohoku University HospitalSendaiMiyagiJapan
| | - Atsushi Sakuma
- Department of PsychiatryTohoku University HospitalSendaiMiyagiJapan
| | | | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of MedicineTohoku UniversitySendaiMiyagiJapan
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de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Barone A, Manchia M, De Luca V, Iasevoli F, Correll CU. Clozapine's multiple cellular mechanisms: What do we know after more than fifty years? A systematic review and critical assessment of translational mechanisms relevant for innovative strategies in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108236. [PMID: 35764175 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Almost fifty years after its first introduction into clinical care, clozapine remains the only evidence-based pharmacological option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which affects approximately 30% of patients with schizophrenia. Despite the long-time experience with clozapine, the specific mechanism of action (MOA) responsible for its superior efficacy among antipsychotics is still elusive, both at the receptor and intracellular signaling level. This systematic review is aimed at critically assessing the role and specific relevance of clozapine's multimodal actions, dissecting those mechanisms that under a translational perspective could shed light on molecular targets worth to be considered for further innovative antipsychotic development. In vivo and in vitro preclinical findings, supported by innovative techniques and methods, together with pharmacogenomic and in vivo functional studies, point to multiple and possibly overlapping MOAs. To better explore this crucial issue, the specific affinity for 5-HT2R, D1R, α2c, and muscarinic receptors, the relatively low occupancy at dopamine D2R, the interaction with receptor dimers, as well as the potential confounder effects resulting in biased ligand action, and lastly, the role of the moiety responsible for lipophilic and alkaline features of clozapine are highlighted. Finally, the role of transcription and protein changes at the synaptic level, and the possibility that clozapine can directly impact synaptic architecture are addressed. Although clozapine's exact MOAs that contribute to its unique efficacy and some of its severe adverse effects have not been fully understood, relevant information can be gleaned from recent mechanistic understandings that may help design much needed additional therapeutic strategies for TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Christoph U Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Berlin, Germany
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de Leon J, Ruan CJ, Schoretsanitis G, Rohde C, Yağcıoğlu EA, Baptista T, Kirilochev OO, De Las Cuevas C, Correll CU. An international guideline with six personalised titration schedules for preventing myocarditis and pneumonia associated with clozapine. Gen Psychiatr 2022; 35:e100773. [PMID: 35866000 PMCID: PMC9244675 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2022-100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
White blood cell (WBC) monitoring has reduced clozapine-treated patient deaths associated with agranulocytosis to a rarity. However, clozapine protocols and package inserts worldwide provide no instructions for preventing myocarditis or pneumonia during clozapine titrations. Prescribers worldwide are largely unaware of that. Meanwhile, as they worry about agranulocytosis, their clozapine-treated patients are at risk of dying from pneumonia or myocarditis. Consequently, an international guideline with 104 authors from 50 countries/regions was recently published to provide personalised clozapine titration schedules for adult inpatients. This forum article reviews pneumonia and myocarditis occurring during clozapine titration, as well as the three most innovative aspects of this new guideline: (1) personalised titration, (2) C reactive protein (CRP) measures, and (3) dose predictions based on blood levels. Clozapine metabolism is influenced by 3 levels of complexity: (1) ancestry groups, (2) sex-smoking subgroups, and (3) presence/absence of poor metabolizer status. These 3 groups of variables should determine the maintenance dose and speed of clozapine titration; they are summarised in a table in the full-text. The international clozapine titration guideline recommends measuring CRP levels simultaneously with WBC, at baseline and weekly at least for the first 4 weeks of titration, the highest risk period for clozapine-induced myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center, Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Hospital Santiago Apóstol, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Can-Jun Ruan
- Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Beijing An Ding Hospital, Beijing, China.,The National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Lab of Mental Disorders, Beijing An Ding Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Psychiatry, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
| | - Christopher Rohde
- Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Clinical Medicine, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Trino Baptista
- Physiology, Los Andes University Medical School, Merida, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Oleg O Kirilochev
- Clinical Pharmacology, Astrakhan State Medical University, Astrakhan, Astrahanskaâ, Russian Federation
| | - Carlos De Las Cuevas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry and Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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de Leon J. An international clozapine titration guideline for clozapine: An opportunity for moving forward on personalizing clozapine treatment in India and other countries. Indian J Psychiatry 2022; 64:331-334. [PMID: 36060712 PMCID: PMC9435622 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_423_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.,Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apóstol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
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de Filippis R, Kane JM, Kuzo N, Spina E, De Sarro G, de Leon J, De Fazio P, Schoretsanitis G. Screening the European pharmacovigilance database for reports of clozapine-related DRESS syndrome: 47 novel cases. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 60:25-37. [PMID: 35635994 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine-related drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare adverse reaction. We aimed to screen a large pharmacovigilance database to identify clozapine-related DRESS cases, even if otherwise reported and provide a clinical overview. We screened spontaneous reports of clozapine-related DRESS syndrome in EudraVigilance database applying the European Registry on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (RegiSCAR) criteria and scores to identify probable/definite DRESS syndrome cases. Clinical and demographic characteristics of included cases were provided and associations between RegiSCAR scores, and time to develop/recover DRESS were assessed. In a total of 262,146 adverse drug reactions reports for 75,190 clozapine-treated patients, 596 cases fulfilled RegiSCAR criteria; ultimately, 51 cases were rated as probable/definite DRESS according to RegiSCAR scores, of which 4 were previously published as case reports. The mean age of patients was 41.06 years (43.1% females), with 13 patients (25.5%) receiving reported co-medication with other DRESS culprit drugs. Median time between clozapine initiation and DRESS symptoms was 25 days. Clozapine dose was associated with days to develop symptoms (Spearman's ρ 0.40, p = 0.03). Organ involvement was reported in all cases followed by fever (n = 49; 96.1%) and eosinophilia (n = 47; 92.2%). Treatment involved clozapine discontinuation for 37 patients (72.5%), while 3.9% (n = 2) of cases ended fatally. Clozapine rechallenge was undertaken in 25 patients (49.0%). The screening of the EudraVigilance database revealed 47 novel clozapine-related DRESS cases, and only one was originally reported as DRESS. Clozapine-related DRESS may occur with clozapine monotherapy not only during dose titration, but also during maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato de Filippis
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - John M Kane
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA; Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Nazar Kuzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center, Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apóstol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
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22
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de Leon J. The history of clozapine in clinical practice: From its introduction to a guideline proposing personalized titrations. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:657-660. [PMID: 35634693 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.,Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apóstol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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An international clozapine titration guideline to increase its safety and move forward on the route started by German-speaking psychiatrists in the 1960s. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:537-540. [PMID: 35394202 PMCID: PMC8992393 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01407-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Clozapine-related immunodeficiency: Implications for Parkinson's disease psychosis in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:849-851. [PMID: 34217512 PMCID: PMC8221910 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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