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Baumer NT, Capone G. Psychopharmacological treatments in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder: State of the research and practical considerations. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:e32069. [PMID: 37870763 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and especially those with both DS and co-occurring ASD (DS + ASD) commonly display behavioral and psychiatric symptoms that can impact quality of life and places increased burden on caregivers. While the mainstay of treatment in DS and ASD is focused on educational and behavioral therapies, pharmacological treatments can be used to reduce symptom burden. There is a paucity of evidence and limited clinical trials in DS and DS + ASD. Some scientific evidence is available, primarily in open label studies and case series that can guide treatment choices. Additionally, clinical decisions are often extrapolated from evidence and experience from those with ASD, or intellectual disability in those without DS. This article reviews current research in pharmacological treatment in DS, ASD, and DS + ASD, reviews co-occurring neurodevelopmental and mental health diagnoses in individuals with DS + ASD across the lifespan, and describes practical approaches to psychopharmacological management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Baumer
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George Capone
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Argonis RA, Pedapati EV, Dominick KC, Harris K, Lamy M, Fosdick C, Schmitt L, Shaffer RC, Smith E, Will M, McDougle CJ, Erickson CA. Patterns in Medication Use for Treatment of Depression in Autistic Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06126-z. [PMID: 37751093 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression impacts many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), carrying increased risk of functional impairment, hospitalization, and suicide. Prescribing medication to target depression in patients with ASD occurs despite limited available systematic data describing medication management of depression in this population. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to discover prescribing patterns for individuals with MDD and ASD during this time period (2004-2012) to inform current and future prescribing practices with historical data. METHOD Drawing from a large clinical database describing the prescribing practices in patients with ASD, we identified 166 individuals with ASD (mean age 14.5 ± 8.3 years old) who received medication targeting symptoms of depression. We report prescribing rates for specific drugs, drug treatment duration, and reasons for drug discontinuation when applicable. RESULTS Sertraline, mirtazapine, and fluoxetine were the three most commonly prescribed medications to treat comorbid depression for this patient population. Among 241 drug starts, 123 (49%) drug treatments were continued at the final reviewed follow-up visit (average treatment duration of ± 0.72 years). The most common reason for discontinuation across all medications prescribed was loss of or lack of effectiveness. CONCLUSION This study raises concern that standard of care pharmacological treatments for depression in individuals with ASD may be less effective than in neurotypical populations. There remains a need to develop effective interventions for depression specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley A Argonis
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Katherine Harris
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Martine Lamy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cara Fosdick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lauren Schmitt
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rebecca C Shaffer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Meredith Will
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Novel role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α in valproic acid rat model of autism: Mechanistic study of risperidone and metformin monotherapy versus combination. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 116:110522. [PMID: 35131336 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of heterogenous etiology exhibiting a challenge in understanding its exact neuro-pathophysiology. Recently, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-α activation was found to play a fundamental role in neuroprotection and improving autistic-like-behaviors in experimental animal models of ASD through alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative-stress, astrocyte reactivity, tauopathy in addition to its favorable role in metabolic regulation, thus attracting attention as a possible target in treatment of ASD. This study aimed to investigate the role of PPAR-α, astrocytic dysfunction and tauopathy in ASD and detect the possible neuroprotective effects of metformin (MET), through PPAR-α activation, and risperidone (RIS) either monotherapy or in combination in alleviating autistic-like-changes at behavioral and neurobiological levels in male Wistar rats. Pregnant female Wistar rats received valproic-acid (VPA) to induce autistic-like-behavioral and neurobiological alterations in their offspring. Chronic intra-peritoneal MET (100 mg/kg/day) and RIS (1 mg/kg/day) either monotherapy or in combination started from postnatal day (PND) 24 till PND61 (38 days). Prenatal VPA exposure simulated the autistic core behaviors associated with neurochemical and histopathological neurodevelopmental degenerative changes. Both MET and RIS either monotherapy or in combination were able to reverse these changes. The effect of MET was comparable to RIS. Moreover, MET was able to alleviate the RIS induced weight gain and improve cognitive functions highlighting its promising adjunctive role in alleviating ASD pathophysiology. Our study highlighted the favorable effects of MET and RIS both in monotherapy and in combination in alleviating the autistic-like-changes and proposed PPAR-α activation along with restoring astrocytes homeostasis as promising targets in novel therapeutic strategies in ASD.
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Vázquez-Bourgon J, Ortiz-García de la Foz V, Gómez-Revuelta M, Mayoral-van Son J, Juncal-Ruiz M, Garrido-Torres N, Crespo-Facorro B. Aripiprazole and Risperidone Present Comparable Long-Term Metabolic Profiles: Data From a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial in Drug-Naïve First-Episode Psychosis. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:795-806. [PMID: 35641112 PMCID: PMC9593219 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aripiprazole and risperidone are 2 of the most used second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) worldwide. Previous evidence shows a similar effect of these SGAs on weight and metabolic changes in the short term. However, a longer period is necessary for a better assessment of the SGA´s metabolic profile. We aimed to compare the long-term (1-year) metabolic profile of these 2 antipsychotics on a sample of drug-naïve first episode-psychosis (FEP) patients. METHODS A total 188 drug-naïve patients, suffering from a first episode of non-affective psychosis (FEP), were randomly assigned to treatment with either aripiprazole or risperidone. Weight and glycemic/lipid parameters were recorded at baseline and after 1-year follow-up. RESULTS We observed significant weight increments in both groups (9.2 kg for aripiprazole and 10.5 kg for risperidone) after 1 year of treatment. Despite this, weight and body mass index changes did not significantly differ between treatment groups (P > .05). Similarly, both treatment groups presented similar metabolic clinical impact with a comparable increase in the proportion of participants meeting criteria for metabolic disorders such as obesity or hypercholesterolemia, but not for metabolic syndrome (Δ9.2% vs Δ4.3%) or hypertriglyceridemia (Δ21.9% vs Δ8.0%), where aripiprazole showed worse outcomes than risperidone. CONCLUSION This study shows that aripiprazole and risperidone share a similar long-term metabolic profile. After 1 year of antipsychotic treatment, drug-naïve FEP patients in both treatment groups presented a significant increase in weight and metabolic changes, leading to a greater prevalence of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Vázquez-Bourgon
- Correspondence: Javier Vázquez-Bourgon, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Valdecilla s/n, Santander, 39008, Spain ()
| | - Víctor Ortiz-García de la Foz
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla - Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Marcos Gómez-Revuelta
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla - Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Jacqueline Mayoral-van Son
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Sevilla, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío-IBiS, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Juncal-Ruiz
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Sierrallana Hospital - Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Torrelavega, Spain
| | - Nathalia Garrido-Torres
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Sevilla, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío-IBiS, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Sevilla, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío-IBiS, Sevilla, Spain
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Pozzi M, Ferrentino RI, Scrinzi G, Scavone C, Capuano A, Radice S, Nobile M, Formisano P, Clementi E, Bravaccio C, Carnovale C, Pisano S. Weight and body mass index increase in children and adolescents exposed to antipsychotic drugs in non-interventional settings: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:21-37. [PMID: 32617775 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotics increase weight, BMI and waist size, particularly in pediatric patients. Switching antipsychotics is common practice, thus defining the risk for each antipsychotic in real-life settings can be important for clinical guidance. We conducted a meta-analysis on antipsychotic-related changes in body measures in pediatric observational studies. Of 934 publications found on PubMed, we analyzed 38, including nine treatment arms: no treatment, mixed antipsychotic treatment, first-generation antipsychotics, aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone. Changes in weight, BMI, BMI-Z and waist size were meta-analyzed according to the duration of clinical observations: 6, 12, > 12 months. Meta-regressions probed influencing factors. Weight in Kg was increased at 6, 12, > 12 months by olanzapine [+ 10.91, + 10.7, data not available (n/a)], mixed antipsychotic treatment (n/a, + 9.42, + 12.59), quetiapine (+ 5.84, n/a, n/a) and risperidone (+ 4.47, + 6.01, + 9.51) and without treatment (n/a, + 2.3, n/a). BMI was increased at 6, 12, > 12 months by olanzapine (+ 3.47, + 3.42, n/a), clozapine (n/a, + 3, n/a) mixed antipsychotic treatment (+ 3.37, + 2.95, + 3.32), risperidone (+ 2, + 2.13, + 2.16), quetiapine (+ 1.5, + 1.82, n/a), aripiprazole (n/a, + 1.7, + 2.1) and without treatment (n/a, + 0.75, n/a). BMI-Z was increased at 6, 12, > 12 months by olanzapine (+ 0.94, + 0.98, + 0.89), clozapine (n/a, + 0.8, n/a), risperidone (+ 0.62, + 0.61, + 0.48), quetiapine (+ 0.57, + 0.54, n/a), mixed antipsychotic treatment (+ 0.51, + 0.94, + 0.44), without treatment (n/a, + 0.37, n/a) and aripiprazole (no gain, + 0.31, n/a). Waist size in cm was increased at 6, 12 months by risperidone (+ 8.8, + 11.5), mixed antipsychotics treatment (+ 9.1, + 10.2) and quetiapine (+ 6.9, + 9.1). Overall, olanzapine and clozapine displayed maximum risk, followed by risperidone, quetiapine and aripiprazole (more risky at longer terms); ziprasidone was associated with no gains. No time-based trends emerged, suggesting a drug-specific risk magnitude. Meta-regressions evidenced variable roles for persistence in therapy and follow-up length, increased risk for drug-naïve patients, and a ceiling effect determined by higher baseline BMI/BMI-Z values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, 23892, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Scrinzi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Cristina Scavone
- Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Radice
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Fatebenefratelli-Sacco Hospital, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università Di Milano, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, 23892, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Fatebenefratelli-Sacco Hospital, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università Di Milano, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Carnovale
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Fatebenefratelli-Sacco Hospital, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università Di Milano, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
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Henneberry E, Lamy M, Dominick KC, Erickson CA. Decades of Progress in the Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4370-4394. [PMID: 34491511 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent decades have been marked by a wave drug treatment research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This work has resulted in improved ability to treat commonly occurring behavioral challenges associated with ASD including most prominently irritability marked by aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums. While treatment of interfering behavior has progressed in our field, there remain several areas of unmet medical need including most prominently a lack of any approved drug therapies for the core, defining symptoms of autism. We outline the progress to date in the field of autism drug treatment while taking a future look forward into how decades of work can inform better future steps in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Henneberry
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Martine Lamy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA.
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Persico AM, Ricciardello A, Lamberti M, Turriziani L, Cucinotta F, Brogna C, Vitiello B, Arango C. The pediatric psychopharmacology of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review - Part I: The past and the present. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110326. [PMID: 33857522 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, with high social costs and a dramatic burden on the quality of life of patients and family members. Despite its high prevalence, reaching 1/54 children and 1/45 adults in the United States, no pharmacological treatment is still directed to core symptoms of ASD, encompassing social and communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and abnormal sensory processing. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of psychopharmacological therapy available today for ASD in children and adolescents, in order to foster best practices and to organize new strategies for future research. To date, atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone and aripiprazole represent the first line of intervention for hyperactivity, impulsivity, agitation, temper outbursts or aggression towards self or others. Tricyclic antidepressants are less prescribed because of uncertain efficacy and important side effects. SSRIs, especially fluoxetine and sertraline, may be effective in treating repetitive behaviors (anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms) and irritability/agitation, while mirtazapine is more helpful with sleep problems. Low doses of buspirone have shown some efficacy on restrictive and repetitive behaviors in combination with behavioral interventions. Stimulants, and to a lesser extent atomoxetine, are effective in reducing hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity also in comorbid ASD-ADHD, although with somewhat lower efficacy and greater incidence of side effects compared to idiopathic ADHD. Clonidine and guanfacine display some efficacy on hyperactivity and stereotypic behaviors. For several other drugs, case reports and open-label studies suggest possible efficacy, but no randomized controlled trial has yet been performed. Research in the pediatric psychopharmacology of ASD is still faced with at least two major hurdles: (a) Great interindividual variability in clinical response and side effect sensitivity is observed in the ASD population. This low level of predictability would benefit from symptom-specific treatment algorithms and from biomarkers to support drug choice; (b) To this date, no psychoactive drug appears to directly ameliorate core autism symptoms, although some indirect improvement has been reported with several drugs, once the comorbid target symptom is abated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Persico
- Interdepartmental Program "Autism 0-90", "G. Martino" University Hospital, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Arianna Ricciardello
- Interdepartmental Program "Autism 0-90", "G. Martino" University Hospital, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Lamberti
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, "Franz Tappeiner" Hospital, Merano (BZ), Italy
| | - Laura Turriziani
- Interdepartmental Program "Autism 0-90", "G. Martino" University Hospital, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Cucinotta
- Interdepartmental Program "Autism 0-90", "G. Martino" University Hospital, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Brogna
- Pediatric Neurology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neuropsychiatric Unit -ASL Avellino, Avellino (AV), Italy
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Celso Arango
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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Varimo E, Aronen ET, Mogk H, Rättö H, Saastamoinen LK. Antipsychotic Treatment Duration in Children and Adolescents: A Register-Based Nationwide Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:421-429. [PMID: 33739863 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2020.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Despite the increasing use of antipsychotic drugs in children and adolescents in many countries, little is known about the treatment duration in this vulnerable population. The present nationwide study investigated the duration of antipsychotic treatment and factors associated with treatment discontinuation in Finnish children and adolescents. Methods: All subjects aged 1-17 years who had started a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drug (risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, or olanzapine) between January 2008 and December 2016 (n = 20,932) were extracted from the Finnish Prescription Registry and followed up until December 31, 2017. Treatment duration was calculated as the time between the initial purchase of medication and treatment discontinuation. Treatment was considered discontinued if the treatment-free gap was more than 270 days. The associations between explanatory factors and treatment discontinuation were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The mean and median treatment durations were 509 days (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 500-517 days) and 317 days (95% CI: 306-325 days), respectively. The duration was shorter in girls than in boys (p < 0.001). Of all SGA users, 35.1% used antipsychotics less than 50 days and 16.0% used more than 600 days. Shorter treatment duration was associated with age groups of 7-12 and 13-15 years compared with 1-6 years (hazard ratio [HR]:1.23 [95% CI: 1.11-1.36]; HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.21-1.51], respectively) and initiating treatment with quetiapine or olanzapine compared with risperidone (HR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.12-1.25]; HR: 1.66 [95% CI 1.46-1.88], respectively). Switching of SGA drug during treatment was associated with longer treatment duration (HR: 0.40 [95% CI: 0.38-0.43]). Conclusions: In children and adolescents, the mean treatment duration of SGAs was relatively long given that the majority of SGA use was off-label. Older age and initiating treatment with quetiapine were associated with earlier treatment discontinuation, whereas switching of antipsychotic drug during therapy increased the possibility of longer SGA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveliina Varimo
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, Laboratory of Developmental Psychopathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva T Aronen
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, Laboratory of Developmental Psychopathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Mogk
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Rättö
- Research Unit, The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
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Mano-Sousa BJ, Pedrosa AM, Alves BC, Fernandes Galduróz JC, Belo VS, Chaves VE, Duarte-Almeida JM. Effects of Risperidone in Autistic Children and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:538-552. [PMID: 32469700 PMCID: PMC8206457 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200529151741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several studies investigating the effects of risperidone on autism, but many of these studies are contradictory or inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of risperidone on five domains of the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) scale on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as weight gain and waist circumference. The protocol for the present systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). For this study, we analysed articles (2,459), selecting them according to the PICOS strategy (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study design). Although risperidone is effective for the treatment of lethargy and inadequate speech, concerns about the association between weight gain, waist circumference and risperidone require a need for evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio in its use. There was a significant association between weight gain, waist circumference and risperidone. In conclusion, it was possible to suggest the efficacy of risperidone for the treatment of lethargy and inadequate speech. Finally, we emphasize that the risk-benefit in its use should be evaluated (Protocol number CRD42019122316).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joaquim Maurício Duarte-Almeida
- Address correspondence to this author at the Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil; E-mail:
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Recent Advances in the Pharmacological Management of Behavioral Disturbances Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Paediatr Drugs 2020; 22:473-483. [PMID: 32686015 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-020-00408-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric condition affecting an estimated one in 36 children. Youth with ASD may have severe behavioral disturbances including irritability, aggression, and hyperactivity. Currently, there are only two medications (risperidone and aripiprazole) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of irritability associated with ASD. Pharmacologic treatments are commonly used to target ASD-associated symptoms including irritability, mood lability, anxiety, and hyperactivity. However, evidence for the efficacy of many commonly used treatments is limited by the lack of large placebo-controlled trials of these medications in this population. Research into the pathophysiology of ASD has led to new targets for pharmacologic therapy including the neuroimmune system, the endocannabinoid system, and the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence base for commonly used treatments, as well as emerging treatment options for common behavioral disturbances seen in youth with ASD.
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11
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Iasevoli F, Barone A, Buonaguro EF, Vellucci L, de Bartolomeis A. Safety and tolerability of antipsychotic agents in neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020; 19:1419-1444. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1820985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Filomena Buonaguro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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12
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Croteau C, Ben Amor L, Ilies D, Mottron L, Tarride JE, Dorais M, Perreault S. Impact of Psychoactive Drug Use on Developing Obesity among Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Diagnosis: A Nested Case-Control Study. Child Obes 2020; 15:131-141. [PMID: 30668140 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2018.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity in children on the autism spectrum (AS) is becoming a significant health concern. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of obesity in a cohort of AS youth and to assess the impact of psychoactive medication use while exploring the second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) dose-response curve. STUDY DESIGN A nested case-control study was conducted using Quebec public administrative databases. Subjects with AS <18 years [≥2 diagnoses International Classification of Diseases: 9th revision (ICD-9): 299.X] were identified (January 1993 to May 2011). Cases were defined as subjects with an obesity diagnosis (ICD-9: 278.X) during the coverage period and matched to 10 controls for age, gender, and follow-up duration. Potential risk factors for obesity (sociodemographic characteristics, other neuropsychiatric conditions, and psychoactive drug use) were evaluated and analyzed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS From a cohort of 5369 AS subjects, we identified 135 obesity cases. Among the different risk factors, only SGAs [rate ratio (RR): 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.07] increased the probability of obesity in multivariate analysis. Exposure for ≥12 months increased significantly the likelihood of obesity (RR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.18-3.42). Higher risk was observed with chlorpromazine-equivalent daily doses ≥100 mg (RR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.00-4.84). Among SGA users, concomitant antidepressants (per 30-day exposure) slightly increased the probability (RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15). CONCLUSIONS Longer and higher SGA exposure increased the risk of obesity, which has to be considered in relation to the paucity of evidence supporting long-term psychoactive medication use in AS children. Results highlight the need to promote optimal use and interventions to mitigate metabolic side effects of SGAs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Croteau
- 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Leila Ben Amor
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Drigissa Ilies
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurent Mottron
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- 4 Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,5 Program for Assessment of Technology in Health (PATH), Research Institute of St. Joseph's Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Dorais
- 6 StatSciences, Inc., ND Ile-Perrot, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Perreault
- 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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13
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Genovese A, Butler MG. Clinical Assessment, Genetics, and Treatment Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4726. [PMID: 32630718 PMCID: PMC7369758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a genetically heterogenous group of neurobehavioral disorders characterized by impairment in three behavioral domains including communication, social interaction, and stereotypic repetitive behaviors. ASD affects more than 1% of children in Western societies, with diagnoses on the rise due to improved recognition, screening, clinical assessment, and diagnostic testing. We reviewed the role of genetic and metabolic factors which contribute to the causation of ASD with the use of new genetic technology. Up to 40 percent of individuals with ASD are now diagnosed with genetic syndromes or have chromosomal abnormalities including small DNA deletions or duplications, single gene conditions, or gene variants and metabolic disturbances with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the heritability estimate for ASD is between 70 and 90%, there is a lower molecular diagnostic yield than anticipated. A likely explanation may relate to multifactorial causation with etiological heterogeneity and hundreds of genes involved with a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics and capabilities to identify causative genes and their variants for ASD. Behavioral and psychiatric correlates, diagnosis and genetic evaluation with testing are discussed along with psychiatric treatment approaches and pharmacogenetics for selection of medication to treat challenging behaviors or comorbidities commonly seen in ASD. We emphasize prioritizing treatment based on targeted symptoms for individuals with ASD, as treatment will vary from patient to patient based on diagnosis, comorbidities, causation, and symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merlin G. Butler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
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14
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Alqahtani F, Alhoshani AR, Alasmari F, Alsaleh NB, Attia SM. 5-aminoisoquinolinone attenuates social behavior deficits and immune abnormalities in the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J mouse model for autism. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 189:172859. [PMID: 31982447 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by core symptoms including impaired social communication and the presence of repetitive and stereotypical behaviors. There is also evidence for immune dysfunction in individuals with ASD, but it is a disease that is still insufficiently controlled by current treatment strategies. The use of 5-aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ) ameliorates several immune-mediated symptoms including rheumatoid arthritis and colitis, and has neuroprotective properties; however, its role in ASD is not yet characterized. In this study, we investigated the effect of 5-AIQ on sociability tests, self-grooming, marble burying, and locomotor activities in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, which serve as an ASD animal model. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanism of 5-AIQ administration on CXCR4-, CXCR6-, IFN-γ-, IL-22-, NOS2-, STAT1-, T-bet-, and RORγT-producing CD3+ T cells isolated from the spleens of treated mice. We also explored its effects on mRNA expression in brain tissue. Our results showed that in BTBR mice, 5-AIQ treatment significantly prevented self-grooming and marble burying behaviors and enhanced social interactions without any adverse effects on locomotor activity/anxiety level. Additionally, 5-AIQ treatment substantially decreased CXCR4-, CXCR6-, IFN-γ-, IL-22-, NOS2-, STAT1-, T-bet-, and RORγT-producing CD3+ T cells in the spleen. Furthermore, 5-AIQ treatment decreased CXCR4, IFN-γ, IL-22, STAT1, and RORγT mRNA expression levels in brain tissue. Our findings demonstrated that 5-AIQ improved behavioral and immune abnormalities associated with ASD, which supports the hypothesis that 5-AIQ has important therapeutic potential for the treatment of behavioral and neuroimmune dysfunctions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali R Alhoshani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser B Alsaleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Cicala G, Barbieri MA, Santoro V, Tata C, Colucci PV, Vanadia F, Drago F, Russo C, Cutroneo PM, Gagliano A, Spina E, Germanò E. Safety and Tolerability of Antipsychotic Drugs in Pediatric Patients: Data From a 1-Year Naturalistic Study. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:152. [PMID: 32265749 PMCID: PMC7108128 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Antipsychotic drugs (APs) are increasingly used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. However, their safety and tolerability profiles, when used in a developmental age context, show different characteristics from the ones observed in adult patients. Treatment with APs in pediatric patients is often long-term. However, the tolerability data regarding these patients mostly derive from short-term studies. Methods: Starting from April 2017, for a 1-year period, patients between 4 and 18 years of age followed by five units of developmental age neuropsychiatry, who initiated a treatment with at least an AP (ATC class N05A) were included into the study. Patient-related data have been collected at baseline and regularly thereafter, as allowed by the clinical routine. Changes to continuous variables over time have been analyzed using a linear mixed model in subsamples of our population treated with risperidone or aripiprazole. Results: During the observation period, 158 patients were initially enrolled, but only 116 completed 12 months of therapy with an AP. Risperidone was the most used AP (n = 52) followed by aripiprazole (n = 44) and olanzapine (n = 7). For both the aripiprazole and risperidone groups, the mean body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001 for both groups) and heart rate (P = 0.026 for aripiprazole group and P < 0.001 for the risperidone one) values significantly increased over time. The mean prolactin concentration value significantly increased over time only in the risperidone group (P = 0.04). Eighty-six patients experienced at least one adverse drug reaction (ADR), accounting for a total of 238 specific reactions, with the most frequent being weight gain (n = 34), increased serum prolactin levels (n = 21), hyperphagia (n = 20), and hypercholesterolemia (n = 14). Among these, only 24 ADRs were classifiable as serious. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that risperidone and aripiprazole are relatively well-tolerated therapeutic options for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders in pediatric patients. However, in findings such as statistically significant increments of BMI and heart rate mean values, the variations over time in prolactin levels observed with risperidone and the differences between the two drugs remark the necessity of systematic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cicala
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria A Barbieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenza Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Tata
- Childhood and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale 8, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Pia V Colucci
- Complex Operative Unit of Neurology for Mental Retardation, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, Enna, Italy
| | - Francesca Vanadia
- Childhood Neuropsychiatry, Arnas Civico di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Flavia Drago
- Childhood Neuropsychiatry, Arnas Civico di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelita Russo
- Childhood Neuropsychiatry, S. Marta and S. Venera Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale 3, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola M Cutroneo
- Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Siciliy, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari and "G. Brotzu" Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Siciliy, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Eva Germanò
- Department of Adulthood and Developmental Age Human Pathology "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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16
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Fleury-Teixeira P, Caixeta FV, Ramires da Silva LC, Brasil-Neto JP, Malcher-Lopes R. Effects of CBD-Enriched Cannabis sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: An Observational Study of 18 Participants Undergoing Compassionate Use. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1145. [PMID: 31736860 PMCID: PMC6834767 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders comprise conditions that may affect cognitive development, motor skills, social interaction, communication, and behavior. This set of functional deficits often results in lack of independence for the diagnosed individuals, and severe distress for patients, families, and caregivers. There is a mounting body of evidence indicating the effectiveness of pure cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa extract (CE) for the treatment of autistic symptoms in refractory epilepsy patients. There is also increasing data support for the hypothesis that non-epileptic autism shares underlying etiological mechanisms with epilepsy. Here we report an observational study with a cohort of 18 autistic patients undergoing treatment with compassionate use of standardized CBD-enriched CE (with a CBD to THC ratio of 75/1). Among the 15 patients who adhered to the treatment (10 non-epileptic and five epileptic) only one patient showed lack of improvement in autistic symptoms. Due to adverse effects, three patients discontinued CE use before 1 month. After 6-9 months of treatment, most patients, including epileptic and non-epileptic, showed some level of improvement in more than one of the eight symptom categories evaluated: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Behavioral Disorders; Motor Deficits; Autonomy Deficits; Communication and Social Interaction Deficits; Cognitive Deficits; Sleep Disorders and Seizures, with very infrequent and mild adverse effects. The strongest improvements were reported for Seizures, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sleep Disorders, and Communication and Social Interaction Deficits. This was especially true for the 10 non-epileptic patients, nine of which presented improvement equal to or above 30% in at least one of the eight categories, six presented improvement of 30% or more in at least two categories and four presented improvement equal to or above 30% in at least four symptom categories. Ten out of the 15 patients were using other medicines, and nine of these were able to keep the improvements even after reducing or withdrawing other medications. The results reported here are very promising and indicate that CBD-enriched CE may ameliorate multiple ASD symptoms even in non-epileptic patients, with substantial increase in life quality for both ASD patients and caretakers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leandro Cruz Ramires da Silva
- Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Associação Brasileira de Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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17
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Goltz J, Ivanov I, Rice TR. Second generation antipsychotic-induced weight gain in youth with autism spectrum disorders: a brief review of mechanisms, monitoring practices, and indicated treatments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 67:159-167. [PMID: 34188897 PMCID: PMC8211136 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2019.1638583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to understand the impact of second generation antipsychotic (SGA)-induced weight gain on youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including the clinical evidence, mechanisms, monitoring guidelines, and treatments. To achieve this, multiple MEDLINE/PUBMED and Google database searches were performed and analyzed articles from January 2001 to April 2018. Existing evidences indicates youth with ASDs may be more prone to SGA-induced weight gain than youth with other psychiatric illnesses. The mechanism by which such weight gain occurs is unclear, but is likely multifactorial. Guidelines have been developed to monitor SGA-induced weight gain, though the existing guidelines have had limited adherence by clinicians. The available randomized control trials that have analyzed the benefit of metformin in youth suffering from SGA-induced weight gain have produced conflicting results, but the data looking specifically at youth with ASD have been positive. Increasing data on use of topiramate, melatonin, and zonisamide to treat SGA-induced weight gain in youth also exists and warrants further study. However, overall, the current understanding of the effect of SGA-induced weight gain on youth with ASD and the therapeutic use of medications like metformin is limited, but the existing literature provides useful guidelines for future research. The clinical algorithms for monitoring and managing SGA-induced weight gain have shown promise; however, their utility in routine clinical practice requires further investigation.
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18
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Frye RE. Behaviorally associated changes in neuroconnectivity following autologous umbilical cord blood infusion in young children with autism spectrum disorder. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:S123. [PMID: 31576330 PMCID: PMC6685876 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.05.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Frye
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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19
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Bartram LA, Lozano J, Coury DL. Aripiprazole for treating irritability associated with autism spectrum disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1421-1427. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1626825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A. Bartram
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Juan Lozano
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel L. Coury
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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20
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Safety and Tolerability of Antipsychotic Medication in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Paediatr Drugs 2019; 21:153-167. [PMID: 31134563 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-019-00333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic medication is a commonly prescribed drug class in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the safety of these agents has not been fully assessed. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate the safety and tolerability profile of antipsychotics in individuals with ASD. METHODS The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched up to January 2018. We included studies that reported adverse events (AEs) in participants with ASD taking first- or second-generation antipsychotic medication. The studies included in the analysis were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that were comparative or noncomparative and published as full text in the English language. The primary outcome of this review was AEs of any severity reported with antipsychotic use at any dose. Meta-analysis was performed on studies with child and adolescent participants to estimate the pooled prevalence of the overall AEs and the relative risk (RR) of AEs associated with antipsychotic use using a random-effects model. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to assess the risk of bias of the included RCTs and observational studies, respectively. RESULTS In total, 54 citations fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 40 were RCTs and 14 were observational studies; eight RCTs were included in the meta-analysis to estimate the RR of AEs associated with antipsychotic use and seven observational studies were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of AEs. The RR of AEs with antipsychotic treatment was 22% higher than with placebo (RR 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.34; I2 = 30.6%; p = 0.184). The estimated pooled prevalence of AEs was 50.5% (95% CI 33-67). The most commonly reported AEs were increased appetite and weight gain, which were associated with discontinuation in many participants. CONCLUSION Antipsychotic-related AEs were common among patients with ASD. Further studies to investigate the implications of antipsychotic-related AEs on health and medication adherence are warranted. PROSPERO registration number: (CRD42018083632).
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21
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Cai Y, Wang L, Nalvarte I, Xiao R, Li X, Fan X. Citalopram attenuates social behavior deficits in the BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J mouse model of autism. Brain Res Bull 2019; 150:75-85. [PMID: 31047973 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core symptoms: impaired social communication and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and/or restricted interests. Alterations in serotonergic signaling are involved in the genesis of ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported to reduce repetitive behaviors and rescue social deficits in ASD mouse models and patients. In the present study, we examined the potential of citalopram (a representative selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on sociability and repetitive behaviors in the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse model of ASD. We found that the deficits of sociability in the BTBR mice were reversed by a 20 mg/kg dose of citalopram treatment without any adverse effects on locomotor activity or anxiety level. In addition, both high (20 mg/kg) and low (10 mg/kg) doses decreased the repetitive behavior of marble burying but did not affect self-grooming behavior. Furthermore, both doses were shown to have antidepressant-like activity in both the B6 and the BTBR mice in the tail suspension test. Taken together, these findings further demonstrate that citalopram can alleviate behavioral abnormalities in the BTBR autism model and lend support to the hypothesis that SSRIs may be potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of behavioral dysfunctions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Cai
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet Hälsovägen 7C, Neo, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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22
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Javaheri KR, McLennan JD. Adherence to Antipsychotic Adverse Effect Monitoring Among a Referred Sample of Children with Intellectual Disabilities. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:235-240. [PMID: 30810348 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite frequent use of antipsychotic medications to target severe behavioral problems among children with intellectual disabilities (ID), there is little information as to the extent to which adverse effect monitoring is in place for this population. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the extent to which monitoring for adverse effects was documented in health records of a cohort of children with ID who had been prescribed antipsychotic medication. METHODS Data were available on all children referred to a mental health clinic at a children's hospital in Canada who had ID and behavioral difficulties with intake appointments between September 1, 2016 and November 30, 2017. Charts of all those on antipsychotic medications were reviewed for a 12-week period to determine the extent to which adverse effect monitoring was documented using the parameters stipulated by the Canadian Alliance for Monitoring Effectiveness and Safety of Antipsychotics in Children (CAMESA), including laboratory, anthropometric, and neurological measures. RESULTS The database was composed of 47 patients of whom 25 were on antipsychotics (56% boys; mean age 13 [SD 3] years). The most commonly used antipsychotic was risperidone (48%). The extent of adherence to the guidelines was (1) 96% for weight, height, and body mass index; (2) 84% for extrapyramidal symptom screening; (3) 80% for blood pressure; (4) 64% for abdominal girth and liver enzymes; (5) 60% for fasting plasma glucose; and (6) 56% for fasting lipids. Only 20% had all core recommended parameters documented. CONCLUSIONS There were significant gaps in adverse effect monitoring in this cohort. Examination of variation in larger samples from multiple clinical services are required to determine the extent of this quality care gap. Several barriers to adherence are proposed with suggested solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D McLennan
- 2 Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,3 Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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23
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Schoemakers RJ, van Kesteren C, van Rosmalen J, Eussen MLJM, Dieleman HG, Beex-Oosterhuis MM. No Differences in Weight Gain Between Risperidone and Aripiprazole in Children and Adolescents After 12 Months. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:192-196. [PMID: 30672720 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight gain due to the use of second-generation antipsychotics is a major health care issue for adult and paediatric psychiatric patients. Little is known about long-term weight gain effects of aripiprazole compared to risperidone in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study is to assess whether risperidone and aripiprazole are associated with different weight changes in children and adolescents during the first 12 months of treatment. Secondary aim was to assess the influence of the covariates co-medication, gender and indication on weight change. METHODS This study was a retrospective observational cohort study of in- and outpatients of a Dutch mental health organization aged ≤19 years on long-term treatment with risperidone or aripiprazole. Primary outcome measure was body-mass index (BMI) z-score change. Data were extracted from medical charts and analysed using linear mixed models. RESULTS In total, 89 risperidone patients and 42 aripiprazole patients were included in the study. At baseline, the BMI z-score of aripiprazole subjects was significantly higher than risperidone subjects (p = 0.003). In both treatment groups BMI z-score significantly increased during 12 months of follow-up. This weight change was not significantly different in risperidone and aripiprazole users after 12 months (p = 0.943). Covariates did not significantly influence weight change. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that there was no significant difference in weight gain between risperidone and aripiprazole users during the first year of treatment. Based on this study, aripiprazole should not be favoured over risperidone in children and adolescents because of the degree of weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joost van Rosmalen
- 3 Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mart L J M Eussen
- 4 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Yulius Mental Health Organization, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty G Dieleman
- 2 Hospital Pharmacist, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
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Pozzi M, Pisano S, Marano G, Carnovale C, Bravaccio C, Rafaniello C, Capuano A, Rossi F, Rizzo R, Bernardini R, Nobile M, Molteni M, Clementi E, Biganzoli E, Radice S. Weight-Change Trajectories of Pediatric Outpatients Treated with Risperidone or Aripiprazole in a Naturalistic Setting. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:133-140. [PMID: 30452281 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) increase appetite and weight, leading toward a metabolic syndrome. Risperidone and aripiprazole, the most widely used pediatric SGAs, have been studied predominantly in short-term clinical trials, where risperidone leads to a rapid weight increase and aripiprazole to a slower one, while long-term effects are not yet elucidated. Factors that may influence weight gain are likewise not clarified, although baseline weight, previous SGA exposure, pubertal status, and type of SGA have been suggested as moderators. We analyzed weight gain induced by risperidone and aripiprazole in a sample of pediatric outpatients enrolled into a 2-year observational study. METHODS We assessed at several time points their body mass index (BMI)-Z scores (age and sex-corrected and referred to national norms). We used hierarchical mixed-effects modeling to design BMI-Z trajectories and observed the effects of several variables on determining them. RESULTS The study group comprised of 127 patients, predominantly males (79%), of 12.6 years on average, treated with risperidone (81%) and aripiprazole (19%) for disruptive behavioral symptoms in patients with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, BMI-Z was 1.2 at first and 1.4 at last visit (no significant change). We could design four weight-change trajectories, determined by the factors: drug (risperidone/aripiprazole) and age status (children/adolescent). Additional factors not retained in the model but possibly explanatory include the previous duration of SGA treatment and a progressive patient-selection effect due to dropouts in this observational study. Risperidone treatment was associated with trends of BMI-Z increase in children and decrease in adolescents. Aripiprazole treatment was associated with significant BMI-Z increase, higher in children than in adolescents. Results are probably due to longer previous drug exposure in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Children were at risk of weight gain more than adolescents, for both risperidone and, of note, aripiprazole. Adolescents and patients with long previous drug exposure tend to reach stable BMI-Z, although in the range between excessive weight and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pozzi
- 1 Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Lecco, Italy
| | - Simone Pisano
- 2 Department of Neurosciences, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon , Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marano
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Carnovale
- 4 Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- 5 Department of Medical Translational Sciences, Università "Federico II ," Napoli, Italy
| | - Concetta Rafaniello
- 6 Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli," University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- 6 Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli," University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- 6 Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli," University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- 7 Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical and Paediatric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- 8 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- 1 Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Clementi
- 1 Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Lecco, Italy .,4 Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Biganzoli
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy .,9 Unit of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Bioinformatics "Giulio A. Maccacaro," Campus Cascina Rosa, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori , Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Radice
- 4 Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan, Italy
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Mooney LN, Dominick KC, Erickson CA. Psychopharmacology of neurobehavioral disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2019; 165:383-390. [PMID: 31727225 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64012-3.00023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
At times psychotropic drug use is required to address behavioral and other interfering symptoms that accompany neurobehavioral disorders. We review such prescribing practice in autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Pillay J, Boylan K, Newton A, Hartling L, Vandermeer B, Nuspl M, MacGregor T, Featherstone R, Carrey N. Harms of Antipsychotics in Children and Young Adults: A Systematic Review Update. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2018; 63:661-678. [PMID: 29865900 PMCID: PMC6187435 DOI: 10.1177/0706743718779950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update and extend our previous systematic review on first- (FGAs) and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) for treatment of psychiatric and behavioral conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults (aged ≤24 years). This article focuses on the evidence for harms. METHOD We searched (to April 2016) 8 databases, gray literature, trial registries, Food and Drug Administration reports, and reference lists. Two reviewers conducted study screening and selection independently, with consensus for selection. One reviewer extracted and another verified all data; 2 reviewers independently assessed risk of bias. We conducted meta-analyses when appropriate and network meta-analysis across conditions for changes in body composition. Two reviewers reached consensus for ratings on the strength of evidence for prespecified outcomes. RESULTS A total of 135 studies (95 trials and 40 observational) were included, and 126 reported on harms. FGAs caused slightly less weight gain and more extrapyramidal symptoms than SGAs. SGAs as a class caused adverse effects, including weight gain, high triglyceride levels, extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, and somnolence. They appeared to increase the risk for high cholesterol levels and type 2 diabetes. Many outcomes for individual drug comparisons were of low or insufficient strength of evidence. Olanzapine caused more short-term gains in weight and body mass index than several other SGAs. The dose of SGAs may not make a difference over the short term for some outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians need to weigh carefully the benefit-to-harm ratio when using antipsychotics, especially when treatment alternatives exist. More evidence is needed on the comparative harms between antipsychotics over the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Pillay
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khrista Boylan
- 2 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Newton
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,3 Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,3 Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ben Vandermeer
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan Nuspl
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tara MacGregor
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robin Featherstone
- 1 University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Normand Carrey
- 4 Douglas Research Institute and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,5 Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Lamy M, Erickson CA. Pharmacological management of behavioral disturbances in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2018; 48:250-264. [PMID: 30262163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric condition that, based on recent CDC estimates affects an estimated 1 in 59 American children. Behavioral treatments remain the mainstay of treatment for the core symptoms of ASD including communication deficits, social interaction deficits and repetitive behavior. However, youth with ASD may also have severe behavioral challenges including irritability, aggression, and hyperactivity. Currently there are only two medications (risperidone and aripiprazole) approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability associated with ASD in children. Psychiatric comorbidities are common in youth with ASD, affecting up to 70% of affected children and adolescents. Given the burden of co-occurring disorders, medications are often employed to target symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Other common co-occurring conditions including gastrointestinal disorders and sleep disorders may be improved with pharmacologic management. Evidence for the efficacy of many commonly used psychotropic medications in ASD is limited by the lack of large placebo-controlled trials in youth with ASD. This paper reviews the current literature regarding use of medications to address co-occurring conditions in children and adolescents with ASD as well as areas of emerging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Lamy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
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Stepanova E, Dowling S, Phelps M, Findling RL. Pharmacotherapy of emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 29398934 PMCID: PMC5789216 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2017.19.4/rfindling] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairment in social communication and restricted patterns of behavior. Although there is no pharmacological treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the core symptoms of ASD, there is mounting support in the literature for the management of behavioral symptoms associated with this developmental disorder, in particular, irritability and hyperactivity. Aripiprazole and risperidone are currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability in youth with ASD. Though not FDA-approved, methylphenidate and guanfacine are effective for the management of hyperactivity in children with ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used in clinical practice to target anxiety and compulsions; however, there is little evidence to support its use in this population. There is a great need for further research on the safety and efficacy of existing psychotropic medications in youth with ASD, as well as the development of new treatment modalities for the core and associated behavioral symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Molly Phelps
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert L Findling
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Cherif L, Boudabous J, Khemekhem K, Mkawer S, Ayadi H, Moalla Y. Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.14302/issn.2640-690x.jfm-18-2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Feeding problems are common in autism. Parents are frequently worried about the health status of their children, which may be threatened by some consequent nutritional deficiencies. Despite this, feeding behaviours remain little explored by clinicians working with children with autism spectrum disorders and researches are lacking especially in Tunisia.
Aims:
To evaluate the frequency and the types of feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Settings and Design:
A comparison was made between 57 children with autism spectrum disorders and 57 control groups regarding the feeding problems. Parents completed the children’s eating behavior inventory (CEBI). Autism severity is evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The SPSS statistical package, version 20.0 was used.
Results:
According to the CEBI, children with autism spectrum disorders showed more feeding problems than the control group (82.4% versus 56.1%, p=0.002). In fact, the parents of these children observed more pica habits on their children compared to the control group (p=0.000). They also observed more selectivity for starchy foods compared to the control group (p=0.000). The more the autistic symptoms were severe, the more children exhibited feeding problems (p=0.02).
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that feeding problems are more common in children with autism. Clinical implications trigger the need for clinicians to provide the necessary assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Cherif
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
| | - Jaweher Boudabous
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
| | - Khaoula Khemekhem
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
| | - Salma Mkawer
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
| | - Héla Ayadi
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
| | - Yousr Moalla
- Hedi Chaker Hospital, Child and adolescent psychiatry Department, Avenue Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie
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Frye RE. Social Skills Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Biological Origins and Progress in Developing Therapeutic Agents. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:713-734. [PMID: 30105528 PMCID: PMC6105175 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0556-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is defined by two core symptoms: a deficit in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. Currently, there is no US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for these core symptoms. This article reviews the biological origins of the social function deficit associated with autism spectrum disorder and the drug therapies with the potential to treat this deficit. A review of the history of autism demonstrates that a deficit in social interaction has been the defining feature of the concept of autism from its conception. Abnormalities identified in early social skill development and an overview of the pathophysiology abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder are discussed as are the abnormalities in brain circuits associated with the social function deficit. Previous and ongoing clinical trials examining agents that have the potential to improve social deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder are discussed in detail. This discussion reveals that agents such as oxytocin and propranolol are particularly promising and undergoing active investigation, while other agents such as vasopressin agonists and antagonists are being activity investigated but have limited published evidence at this time. In addition, agents such as bumetanide and manipulation of the enteric microbiome using microbiota transfer therapy appear to have promising effects on core autism spectrum disorder symptoms including social function. Other pertinent issues associated with developing treatments in autism spectrum disorder, such as disease heterogeneity, high placebo response rates, trial design, and the most appropriate way of assessing effects on social skills (outcome measures), are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas St, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
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Associations Between Family Member BMI and Obesity Status of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2018; 38:690-696. [PMID: 28834788 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an association between parent and sibling obesity status and obesity status in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS We examined predictors of obesity in children with ASD with body mass index data for the proband, 1 sibling, and 2 parents using data from the multisite Simons Simplex Collection. RESULTS In a stepwise logistic regression model, proband obesity status was associated with obesity status of the sibling (odds ratio [OR] 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92-3.70), mother (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.59-2.77), and father (OR 1.51; 95% CI, 1.15-1.98). Proband obesity was also related to somatic complaints (OR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.006-2.53), mood stabilizers (OR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.19-2.72), internalizing problems (OR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.14-2.30), age (OR 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01), and some adaptive functioning domains (OR 0.987; 95% CI, 0.977-0.997). Race, ethnicity, income, sex, and maternal education were not significant predictors. CONCLUSION Familial factors were generally the strongest predictors of obesity rather than medication use, demographics, or psychological characteristics. Results support a family-centered approach to treatment of obesity in children with ASD.
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Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:247-256. [PMID: 27752075 PMCID: PMC5794882 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine whether high-dose folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and language impairment in a double-blind placebo control setting. Forty-eight children (mean age 7 years 4 months; 82% male) with ASD and language impairment were randomized to receive 12 weeks of high-dose folinic acid (2 mg kg-1 per day, maximum 50 mg per day; n=23) or placebo (n=25). Children were subtyped by glutathione and folate receptor-α autoantibody (FRAA) status. Improvement in verbal communication, as measured by a ability-appropriate standardized instrument, was significantly greater in participants receiving folinic acid as compared with those receiving placebo, resulting in an effect of 5.7 (1.0,10.4) standardized points with a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen's d=0.70). FRAA status was predictive of response to treatment. For FRAA-positive participants, improvement in verbal communication was significantly greater in those receiving folinic acid as compared with those receiving placebo, resulting in an effect of 7.3 (1.4,13.2) standardized points with a large effect size (Cohen's d=0.91), indicating that folinic acid treatment may be more efficacious in children with ASD who are FRAA positive. Improvements in subscales of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, the Autism Symptom Questionnaire and the Behavioral Assessment System for Children were significantly greater in the folinic acid group as compared with the placebo group. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between treatment groups. Thus, in this small trial of children with non-syndromic ASD and language impairment, treatment with high-dose folinic acid for 12 weeks resulted in improvement in verbal communication as compared with placebo, particularly in those participants who were positive for FRAAs.
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Wink LK, Adams R, Pedapati EV, Dominick KC, Fox E, Buck C, Erickson CA. Brief Report: Metformin for Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:2290-2294. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Rafaniello C, Pozzi M, Pisano S, Ferrajolo C, Bertella S, Sportiello L, Carnovale C, Sullo MG, Cattaneo D, Gentili M, Rizzo R, Pascotto A, Mani E, Villa L, Riccio MP, Sperandeo S, Bernardini R, Bravaccio C, Clementi E, Molteni M, Rossi F, Radice S, Capuano A. Second generation antipsychotics in 'real-life' paediatric patients. Adverse drug reactions and clinical outcomes of drug switch. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 15:1-8. [PMID: 27875914 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2016.1229301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gap in knowledge on benefit/risk ratio of second generation antipsychotics (SGA) in the paediatric population represents a challenge for the scientific community. This study aims to analyse all suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to SGA observed during the study period; compare the safety profiles of risperidone and aripiprazole; evaluate the effect of switching from risperidone to aripiprazole or to a first generation antipsychotic (FGA). METHODS Prospective analysis of spontaneously reported ADRs concerning 184 paediatric outpatients between 2012 and 2014.; clinical outcomes of drug switch were evaluated. RESULTS Out of the 184 patients, 130 experienced at least one ADR; ADRs were usually not serious and more frequently associated with aripiprazole. Switching to aripiprazole was associated with better results than switching to FGAs in the Clinical Global Impression scale- Efficacy (CGI-E) scores (p = 0.018), Disturbed behaviour checklist-parents (DBC-P) self-absorption subscale (p = 0.010); only a trend for difference between changing to aripiprazole vs FGAs in the DBC-P total score (p = 0.054) and social relating subscale (p = 0.053) was observed. CONCLUSIONS SGAs safety data were consistent with the ones already known; however, there is still a need to improve the knowledge in pharmacovigilance field among clinicians. Switching to aripiprazole may be a valid alternative to risperidone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Rafaniello
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Marco Pozzi
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy
| | - Simone Pisano
- c Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Carmen Ferrajolo
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Silvana Bertella
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy
| | - Liberata Sportiello
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Carla Carnovale
- d Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco , L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppa Sullo
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Dario Cattaneo
- d Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco , L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Marta Gentili
- d Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco , L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- e Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical and Paediatric Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Antonio Pascotto
- c Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Elisa Mani
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy
| | - Laura Villa
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy
| | - Maria Pia Riccio
- c Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Serena Sperandeo
- c Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- f Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- g Department of Translational Medical Sciences , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy.,d Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco , L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- b Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea , Bosisio Parini, Lecco , Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Sonia Radice
- d Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco , L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- a Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, School of Medicine and Surgery , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
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Wink LK, Pedapati EV, Horn PS, McDougle CJ, Erickson CA. Multiple Antipsychotic Medication Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2017; 27:91-94. [PMID: 26465194 PMCID: PMC5335810 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2015.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the use of multiple antipsychotic medications in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by reviewing the longitudinal medication management of 1100 patients consecutively treated for behavioral symptoms associated with ASD at a tertiary care specialty clinic. METHODS We identified all patients with ASD treated with daily doses of two or more antipsychotics for at least two visits at our clinic. For each patient meeting inclusion criteria, diagnostic and demographic data were collected. To evaluate clinical need and effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in this sample, we reviewed symptoms targeted with each antipsychotic medication and concomitant medications prescribed. Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale ratings had been completed at the time of each visit, and the duration of treatment with antipsychotic medications was determined. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of antipsychotic medication use in ASD, we reviewed reported adverse effects and calculated body mass index (BMI) change with treatment. RESULTS Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria (6.4% of our sample). The majority of patients were moderately to severely ill Caucasian males, as determined by baseline mean CGI-S of 4.7 (SD = 0.8), and were diagnosed with autistic disorder and comorbid intellectual disability. The mean age was 15.1 years (SD = 10.9), the primary targeted symptoms were agitation/irritability, physical aggression, and self-injury. The majority of patients remained on two or more antipsychotics for >1 year. In this population, patients demonstrated greater symptomatic improvement and generally tolerated treatment without significant adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS The use of two or more antipsychotic medications may be increasingly common in patients with ASD. This retrospective study demonstrates that this treatment approach may be of some clinical benefit, and is generally well tolerated. Prospective studies focusing on the efficacy and safety of concomitant antipsychotic medication usage in ASD should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan K. Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ernest V. Pedapati
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Paul S. Horn
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christopher J. McDougle
- Lurie Center for Autism, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Yoon Y, Wink LK, Pedapati EV, Horn PS, Erickson CA. Weight Gain Effects of Second-Generation Antipsychotic Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2016; 26:822-827. [PMID: 27389348 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2016.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Irritability (aggression, self-injury, and severe tantrums) associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), which are well known for their associated risk of weight gain in youth. Recent reports suggest that youth with ASD treated with SGAs may suffer more pronounced weight gain than typically developing children. In this study, we present a comprehensive comparison of weight gain effects of five SGAs in a clinical population of youth with ASD. METHODS We completed a subanalysis of demographic and treatment data describing 202 youth with ASD treated at two large, subspecialty psychiatry clinics. Included subjects were between 2 and 20 years of age and were treated with one of five SGAs (risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, or ziprasidone) for up to 4 years. We calculated change in each participant's body-mass index (BMI) z-score during the treatment period using a linear model where the dependent variable was change in BMI z-score and the independent variables were SGA used and duration of treatment. First, these models were run for each drug separately, then the SGA groups were run together to estimate differences between groups. We also adjusted these models for weight gain-attenuating concomitant medications. RESULTS Treatment with risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine resulted in statistically significant increase in BMI z-score (p = 0.03, 0.05, and <0.01 respectively). Ziprasidone and quetiapine were not associated with an increase in BMI z-score in this analysis (p = 0.47 and p = 0.11). Subjects treated with olanzapine showed a statistically significant greater increase in BMI z-score when compared with the other SGAs (all p-values <0.05). These results did not change when adjusted for multiple testing or weight gain-attenuating medication as covariate. CONCLUSION Clinicians treating youth with ASD may be able to use this information to balance the risks and benefits of SGA treatment when managing ASD-associated irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesie Yoon
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Logan K Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Paul S Horn
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio
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Lamberti M, Siracusano R, Italiano D, Alosi N, Cucinotta F, Di Rosa G, Germanò E, Spina E, Gagliano A. Head-to-Head Comparison of Aripiprazole and Risperidone in the Treatment of ADHD Symptoms in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD: A Pilot, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Study. Paediatr Drugs 2016; 18:319-29. [PMID: 27278054 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-016-0183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals in whom the disorders are comorbid show more severe impairment because of deficits in the processing of social situations, adaptive functioning, and executive control than individuals with either disorder alone. OBJECTIVE This open-label pilot study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of risperidone and aripiprazole for treating ADHD symptoms in patients with both ASD and ADHD over the course of 24 weeks of treatment. METHODS Patients (n = 44) were randomly assigned to start treatment with risperidone (22 patients) or aripiprazole (22 patients). Children were evaluated before starting treatment (T0), and after 12 weeks (T1) and 24 weeks (T2) of treatment. At each visit, specific psychiatric clinical scales were administered to assess the efficacy of the two drugs. RESULTS The mean age was 8.4 ± 2.9 years in the aripiprazole group and 7.8 ± 2.3 years in the risperidone group. A total of 37 children (29 boys and 8 girls) completed the study (18 in the aripiprazole group and 19 in the risperidone group). Aripiprazole and risperidone appeared to have similar benefits in terms of efficacy and tolerability, although there were slight differences between the two drugs. Both groups showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms after 24 weeks of treatment (ADHD Rating Scale, Conners Parent Rating Scale-Hyperactivity, and Clinical Global Improvement-Severity Scale). No significant difference between the two drugs on any parameters at 24 weeks were found. Prolactin levels were decreased in the aripiprazole group. Both drugs were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events detected. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the efficacy of both aripiprazole and risperidone in ameliorating ADHD symptoms of children also presenting with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lamberti
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Domenico Italiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Norma Alosi
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Cucinotta
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Eva Germanò
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Frye RE, Rossignol DA. Identification and Treatment of Pathophysiological Comorbidities of Autism Spectrum Disorder to Achieve Optimal Outcomes. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-PEDIATRICS 2016; 10:43-56. [PMID: 27330338 PMCID: PMC4910649 DOI: 10.4137/cmped.s38337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise, no effective medical treatments have become standard of care. In this paper we review some of the pathophysiological abnormalities associated with ASD and their potential associated treatments. Overall, there is evidence for some children with ASD being affected by seizure and epilepsy, neurotransmitter dysfunction, sleep disorders, metabolic abnormalities, including abnormalities in folate, cobalamin, tetrahydrobiopterin, carnitine, redox and mitochondrial metabolism, and immune and gastrointestinal disorders. Although evidence for an association between these pathophysiological abnormalities and ASD exists, the exact relationship to the etiology of ASD and its associated symptoms remains to be further defined in many cases. Despite these limitations, treatments targeting some of these pathophysiological abnormalities have been studied in some cases with high-quality studies, whereas treatments for other pathophysiological abnormalities have not been well studied in many cases. There are some areas of more promising treatments specific for ASD including neurotransmitter abnormalities, particularly imbalances in glutamate and acetylcholine, sleep onset disorder (with behavioral therapy and melatonin), and metabolic abnormalities in folate, cobalamin, tetrahydrobiopterin, carnitine, and redox pathways. There is some evidence for treatments of epilepsy and seizures, mitochondrial and immune disorders, and gastrointestinal abnormalities, particularly imbalances in the enteric microbiome, but further clinical studies are needed in these areas to better define treatments specific to children with ASD. Clearly, there are some promising areas of ASD research that could lead to novel treatments that could become standard of care in the future, but more research is needed to better define subgroups of children with ASD who are affected by specific pathophysiological abnormalities and the optimal treatments for these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Earle JF. An Introduction to the Psychopharmacology of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2016; 29:62-71. [DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason F. Earle
- Armour Academic Center, College of Nursing; Rush University; Chicago IL USA
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Pisano S, Catone G, Veltri S, Lanzara V, Pozzi M, Clementi E, Iuliano R, Riccio MP, Radice S, Molteni M, Capuano A, Gritti A, Coppola G, Milone A, Bravaccio C, Masi G. Update on the safety of second generation antipsychotics in youths: a call for collaboration among paediatricians and child psychiatrists. Ital J Pediatr 2016; 42:51. [PMID: 27209326 PMCID: PMC4875613 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-016-0259-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, a substantial increase in the use of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has occurred for a number of juvenile psychiatric disorders, often as off-label prescriptions. Although they were thought to be safer than older, first generation antipsychotics, mainly due to a lower risk of neurological adverse reactions, recent studies have raised significant concerns regarding their safety regarding metabolic, endocrinological and cardiovascular side effects. Aim of this paper is to update with a narrative review, the latest findings on safety of SGAs in youths. Results suggest that different SGAs may present different safety profiles. Metabolic adverse events are the most frequent and troublesome, with increasing evidences of heightened risk for type II diabetes mellitus. Results are discussed with specific emphasis on possible strategies of an active monitoring, which could enable both paediatricians and child psychiatrists to a possible prevention, early detection, and a timely management of such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pisano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Division, Second University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Division, Second University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Veltri
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Center for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lanzara
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Division, Second University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Riccio
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Division, Second University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Radice
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L Sacco, L. Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Education Science, University Suor Orsola Benincasa of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Gritti
- Child Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Education, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
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Scahill L, Jeon S, Boorin SJ, McDougle CJ, Aman MG, Dziura J, McCracken JT, Caprio S, Arnold LE, Nicol G, Deng Y, Challa SA, Vitiello B. Weight Gain and Metabolic Consequences of Risperidone in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 55:415-23. [PMID: 27126856 PMCID: PMC4851735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine weight gain and metabolic consequences of risperidone monotherapy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD This was a 24-week, multisite, randomized trial of risperidone only versus risperidone plus parent training in 124 children (mean age 6.9 ± 2.35 years; 105 boys and 19 girls) with ASD and serious behavioral problems. We monitored height, weight, waist circumference, and adverse effects during the trial. Fasting blood samples were obtained before treatment and at week 16. RESULTS In 97 children with a mean of 22.9 ± 2.8 weeks of risperidone exposure, there was a 5.4 ± 3.4 kg weight gain over 24 weeks (p < .0001); waist circumference increased from 60.7 ± 10.4 cm to 66.8 ± 11.3 cm (p < .0001). At baseline, 59 of 97 children (60.8%) were classified as having normal weight; by week 24, only 25 of 85 (29.4%) remained in that group. Growth curve analysis showed a significant change in body mass index (BMI) z scores from pretreatment to week 24 (p < .0001). This effect was significantly greater for children with reported increased appetite in the first 8 weeks. From before treatment to week 16, there were significant increases in glucose (p = .02), hemoglobin A1c (p = .01), insulin (p <.0001), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p < .001), alanine aminotransferase (p = .01), and leptin (p < .0001). Adiponectin declined (p = .003). At baseline, 7 children met conventional criteria for metabolic syndrome; by week 16, 12 additional children were so classified. CONCLUSION Rapid weight gain with risperidone treatment may promote the cascade of biochemical indices associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Appetite, weight, waist circumference, liver function tests, blood lipids, and glucose warrant monitoring. Clinical trial registration information-Drug and Behavioral Therapy for Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00080145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Scahill
- Emory University School of Medicine and Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta.
| | | | | | - Christopher J McDougle
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Lurie Center for Autism, Boston
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Ghanizadeh A, Tordjman S, Jaafari N. Aripiprazole for treating irritability in children & adolescents with autism: A systematic review. Indian J Med Res 2016; 142:269-75. [PMID: 26458342 PMCID: PMC4669861 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.166584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES No clear therapeutic benefits of antipsychotics have been reported for the treatment of behavioural symptoms in autism. This systematic review provides an assessment of evidence for treating irritability in autism by aripiprazole. METHODS The databases of MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles about the effect of aripiprazole in children with autism. The articles were searched according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifed for this review. All the double-blind, controlled, randomized, clinical trials examining the efficacy of aripiprazole for treating children and adolescents with autism were included. RESULTS From the 93 titles identified, 26 were irrelevant and 58 were evaluated for more details. Only five articles met the inclusive criteria. The evidence from precise randomized double blind clinical trials of aripiprazole for the treatment of autism in children and adolescents was convincing enough to recommend aripiprazole. Adverse effects were not very common and were usually mild. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Current evidence suggests that aripiprazole is as effective and safe as risperidone for treating irritability in autism. However, further studies with larger sample size and longer duration are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghanizadeh
- Research Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Department of Psychiatry; Substance Abuse Research Center; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, France
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Fung LK, Mahajan R, Nozzolillo A, Bernal P, Krasner A, Jo B, Coury D, Whitaker A, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Hardan AY. Pharmacologic Treatment of Severe Irritability and Problem Behaviors in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2016; 137 Suppl 2:S124-35. [PMID: 26908468 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2851k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a public health issue. Irritability and aggression (IA) often negatively affect the lives of people with ASD and their families. Although many medications have been tested for IA in ASDs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), critical quantitative analyses of these trials are lacking in the literature. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and quantitatively analyze the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic treatments for IA in youth with ASD. DATA SOURCES Studies were identified from Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and review articles. METHODS Original articles on placebo-controlled RCTs of pharmacologic treatments of IA in youth age 2 to 17 years with ASD were included. Data items included study design, study goals, details of study participants, details of intervention, study results, statistical methods, side effects, and risks of bias. The primary study outcome measure was the effect size of reduction in the Aberrant Behavioral Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) scores in the medication group, as compared with placebo, in RCTs using parallel groups design. RESULTS Forty-six RCTs were identified. Compared with placebo, 3 compounds resulted in significant improvement in ABC-I at the end of treatment. Risperidone and aripiprazole were found to be the most effective, with the largest effect sizes. Sedation, extrapyramidal sides effects, and weight gain were assessed quantitatively. CONCLUSIONS Although risperidone and aripiprazole have the strongest evidence in reducing ABC-I in youth with ASD, a few other compounds also showed significant efficacy with fewer potential side effects and adverse reactions in single studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence K Fung
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Rajneesh Mahajan
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alixandra Nozzolillo
- Center for Child & Adolescent Health Research and Policy, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pilar Bernal
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Jose, California
| | - Aaron Krasner
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Daniel Coury
- Department of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Agnes Whitaker
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | | | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California;
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Ghosh A, Mahajan PB, Tripathy PR, Mishra BR, Mahapatra SC, Nanda P. Exploring Health Situation of Indian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) in an Urban Area of Odisha: A Case Study. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:VC05-VC08. [PMID: 26816976 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/16522.6982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioural disorder in children with uncertain aetiology. Gastrointestinal metabolites have direct impact on brain function with possible role in its causation. Data on burden of Autism in India is sparse. AIM The aim of the study was to determine the extent of social, communication and behavioural impairment among children suffering from ASD patientsin Odisha. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to assess 20 children with ASD in Odisha using an autism treatment evaluation checklist to understand the extent of social, communication and behavioural impairment in them. Of these, 72% children were diagnosed with ASD within 2 to 2.5 years of age and 38.9% patients suffered from diarrhoea together with constipation at the time of the study. RESULT There was moderate impairment in, subclasses I (Speech/language/ communication), II (sociability), III (sensory/ cognitive awareness) and overall score but mild impairment in subclass IV (i.e., health/ physical/behaviour). Possibly, the training programme of the school had positive impact on the behaviour and the health component. Severity of scores in subclasses was less in older children. There is need for training in order to improve the communication and social interaction domain of these children. CONCLUSION This study has provided valuable insight into the health situation of children with ASD. The study has been carried out using ATEC checklist. It points towards the need for training in order to improve the communication and social interaction domain of these children. It also reinforces the necessity to carry out further studies to explore possible link of gastrointestinal metabolites in causing ASD and age related changes in ATEC score of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Ghosh
- Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Preetam B Mahajan
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Biswa Ranjan Mishra
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sushil Chandra Mahapatra
- Professor, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Pranati Nanda
- Additional Professor, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Bhubaneswar, India
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Dominick K, Wink LK, McDougle CJ, Erickson CA. A Retrospective Naturalistic Study of Ziprasidone for Irritability in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2015; 25:397-401. [PMID: 26091194 PMCID: PMC5248507 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2014.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of ziprasidone monoantipsychotic treatment targeting irritability in a naturalistic outpatient autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical setting. METHODS We examined the use of ziprasidone, predominantly in combination with other psychotropic agents, targeting irritability in 42 youth with ASD in a large ASD-specific treatment database. Mean age at start of treatment, treatment duration, final dose, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z score, and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale (CGI-I) score at final visit were determined, and changes with treatment were analyzed using paired t tests. Cardiac corrected QT (QTc) interval data were extracted from electrocardiograms when available. RESULTS Mean age at start of treatment was 11.8 years. And final mean dose of ziprasidone was 98.7 mg/day or 1.7 mg/kg/day. Seventeen (40%) participants were considered treatment responders based on the CGI-I. No changes in QTc (although only examined in nine participants), weight, BMI, or other vital signs were noted, with ziprasidone use. The rate of treatment response was less than what has been reported for the two atypical antipsychotics, risperidone and aripiprazole, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of irritability in autistic disorder. The response rate with ziprasidone may be more consistent with response rates for other atypical antipsychotics, although none of these agents has been studied in larger-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The lower rate of response to ziprasidone in this open-label trial is likely influenced by the treatment-refractory nature of the population studied. CONCLUSIONS The weight neutrality of ziprasidone appears favorable compared with other second generation antipsychotics in this population. The response rate to ziprasidone targeting irritability may be lower than response rates associated with FDA-approved agents for this indication. Overall, ziprasidone use appeared well tolerated in youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Dominick
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Logan K. Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christopher J. McDougle
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington, Massachusetts
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Frye RE, Slattery J, MacFabe DF, Allen-Vercoe E, Parker W, Rodakis J, Adams JB, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Bolte E, Kahler S, Jennings J, James J, Cerniglia CE, Midtvedt T. Approaches to studying and manipulating the enteric microbiome to improve autism symptoms. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2015; 26:26878. [PMID: 25956237 PMCID: PMC4425814 DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v26.26878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the health of the microbiome (the trillions of microbes that inhabit the human host) plays an important role in maintaining the health of the host and that disruptions in the microbiome may play a role in certain disease processes. An increasing number of research studies have provided evidence that the composition of the gut (enteric) microbiome (GM) in at least a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) deviates from what is usually observed in typically developing individuals. There are several lines of research that suggest that specific changes in the GM could be causative or highly associated with driving core and associated ASD symptoms, pathology, and comorbidities which include gastrointestinal symptoms, although it is also a possibility that these changes, in whole or in part, could be a consequence of underlying pathophysiological features associated with ASD. However, if the GM truly plays a causative role in ASD, then the manipulation of the GM could potentially be leveraged as a therapeutic approach to improve ASD symptoms and/or comorbidities, including gastrointestinal symptoms. One approach to investigating this possibility in greater detail includes a highly controlled clinical trial in which the GM is systematically manipulated to determine its significance in individuals with ASD. To outline the important issues that would be required to design such a study, a group of clinicians, research scientists, and parents of children with ASD participated in an interdisciplinary daylong workshop as an extension of the 1st International Symposium on the Microbiome in Health and Disease with a Special Focus on Autism (www.microbiome-autism.com). The group considered several aspects of designing clinical studies, including clinical trial design, treatments that could potentially be used in a clinical trial, appropriate ASD participants for the clinical trial, behavioral and cognitive assessments, important biomarkers, safety concerns, and ethical considerations. Overall, the group not only felt that this was a promising area of research for the ASD population and a promising avenue for potential treatment but also felt that further basic and translational research was needed to clarify the clinical utility of such treatments and to elucidate possible mechanisms responsible for a clinical response, so that new treatments and approaches may be discovered and/or fostered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA;
| | - John Slattery
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Derrick F MacFabe
- Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - John Rodakis
- N of One: Autism Research Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - James B Adams
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ellen Bolte
- N of One: Autism Research Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Kahler
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Jill James
- Department of Developmental Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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48
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Shmaya Y, Eilat-Adar S, Leitner Y, Reif S, Gabis L. Nutritional deficiencies and overweight prevalence among children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 38:1-6. [PMID: 25532026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of developing nutritional deviations. Three to six year old children with ASD were compared to their typically developing siblings and to a typically developing age and gender matched control group, in order to evaluate their intake and body mass index. Nutrient intake was compared to the Dietary Reference Intake using three-day diet diaries completed by the parents. The sum percentage of nutritional deficiencies in the ASD group compared to the typical development group was 342.5% (±122.9%) vs. 275.9% (±106.8%), respectively (P=0.026). A trend toward higher deficiency in the ASD group was observed as compared to the sibling group 363% (±122.9%) vs. 283.2% (±94.7%) (P=0.071). A higher body mass index was found in the ASD group compared to their counterparts, despite their nutritional deficiencies. In conclusion, children with ASD are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies despite higher body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Shmaya
- Child Development Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Sackler Medical Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Sigal Eilat-Adar
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Sackler Medical Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Zinman College for Physical Education & Sports, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Yael Leitner
- Department of Pediatrics, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimon Reif
- Department of Pediatrics, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Lidia Gabis
- Child Development Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although there is no known efficacious pharmacotherapy for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed for behavioral/emotional symptoms associated with ASD. We reviewed current evidence-based pharmacotherapy options and updates from recent noteworthy studies. RECENT FINDINGS Atypical antipsychotics, particularly risperidone and aripiprazole, are effective in reducing irritability, stereotypy and hyperactivity. Metabolic adverse events, including weight gain and dyslipidemia, are common. Methylphenidate is effective in reducing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Atomoxetine and alpha-2 agonists appear effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not effective in improving repetitive behaviors in children with ASD, and frequently cause activating adverse events. Efficacy of antiepileptic drugs is inconclusive. Overall, efficacy and tolerability of pharmacotherapy in children with ASD are less favorable than data seen in typically developing children with similar symptoms. Newer agents, including glutamatergic agents and oxytocin, appear promising albeit with mixed results. SUMMARY Current evidence-based pharmacotherapy options in children with ASD are very limited, and many have substantial adverse events. Clinicians should use pharmacotherapy as a part of comprehensive treatment, and judiciously weigh risks and benefits. New pharmacotherapy options for core symptoms as well as co-occurring symptoms of ASD are in urgent need.
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Bowers K, Wink LK, Pottenger A, McDougle CJ, Erickson C. Phenotypic differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder born preterm and at term gestation. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2014; 19:758-63. [PMID: 25192860 DOI: 10.1177/1362361314547366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to characterize the phenotype of males and females with autism spectrum disorder born preterm versus those born at term. Descriptive statistical analyses identified differences between male and female autism spectrum disorder subjects born preterm compared to term for several phenotypic characteristics and comorbidities. Of the 115 (13.0% of 883) born preterm, a greater percentage of males had sleep apnea (13.8% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.0001), seizure disorders (17.0% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.01), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (14.9% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.005). Females born preterm were more likely to be nonverbal (22.2% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.001). In summary, phenotypic differences were observed, especially among males. The results may have implications for understanding the underpinnings of a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and contribute to the development of focused treatments for autism spectrum disorder among children born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Logan K Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
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