Which comes first: atypical antipsychotic treatment or cardiometabolic risk?

Olanzapine attenuates 5-HT2cR and GHSR1a interaction to increase orexigenic hypothalamic NPY: Implications for neuronal molecular mechanism of metabolic side effects of antipsychotics

The main cause of second-generation antipsychotic (SGA)-induced obesity is considered due to the antagonism of serotonin 2c receptors (5-HT2cR) and activation of ghrelin receptor type 1a (GHSR1a) signalling. It is reported that 5-HT2cR interacted with GHSR1a, however it is unknown whether one of the SGA olanzapine alters the 5-HT2cR/GHSR1a interaction, affecting orexigenic neuropeptide signalling in the hypothalamus. We found that olanzapine treatment increased average energy intake and body weight gain in mice; olanzapine treatment also increased orexigenic neuropeptide (NPY) and GHSR1a signaling molecules, pAMPK, UCP2, FOXO1 and pCREB levels in the hypothalamus. By using confocal fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology, we found that 5-HT2cR interacted/dimerised with the GHSR1a in the hypothalamic neurons. As 5-HT2cR antagonist, both olanzapine and S242084 decreased the interaction between 5-HT2cR and GHSR1a and activated GHSR1a signaling. The 5-HT2cR agonist lorcaserin counteracted olanzapine-induced attenuation of interaction between 5-HT2cR and GHSR1a and inhibited activation of GHSR1a signalling and NPY production. These findings suggest that 5-HT2cR antagonistic effect of olanzapine in inhibition of the interaction of 5-HT2cR and GHSR1a, activation GHSR1a downstream signaling and increasing hypothalamic NPY, which may be the important neuronal molecular mechanism underlying olanzapine-induced obesity and target for prevention metabolic side effects of antipsychotic management in psychiatric disorders.

Association of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy and Two-Year All-Cause Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 33,221 Italian Continuous Users

Background: Differences in survival between patients treated with antipsychotic monotherapy vs. polytherapy are debated. This study aimed to examine the association of antipsychotic polytherapy with 2-year all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort. Methods: Data were retrieved from healthcare databases of four local health units of Lombardy, Italy. Subjects aged 18-79 years who received continuous antipsychotic prescriptions in 2018 were identified. Overall survival among patients with antipsychotic monotherapy vs. polytherapy was compared. A multivariate Cox PH model was used to estimate the association between antipsychotic therapy, or antipsychotic use (continuous vs. non-continuous), and all-cause mortality. Adjustments were made for the presence of metabolic disturbances, total antipsychotic dosage amount (olanzapine equivalent doses), age, and sex. Results: A total of 49,875 subjects receiving at least one prescription of antipsychotics during 2018 were identified. Among the 33,221 patients receiving continuative antipsychotic prescriptions, 1958 (5.9%) experienced death from any cause at two years. Patients with continuous antipsychotic use had a 1.13-point increased mortality risk compared with non-continuous users. Patients treated with antipsychotic polytherapy showed an adjusted mortality risk increased by 17% (95% CI: 2%, 33%) compared to monotherapy. Conclusions: The study highlights the potential risks associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy, emphasizing the importance of optimizing drug prescriptions to improve patient safety and reduce mortality rates in individuals receiving antipsychotic therapy.

Management of antipsychotics in primary care: Insights from healthcare professionals and policy makers in the United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

Antipsychotic medication is increasingly prescribed to patients with serious mental illness. Patients with serious mental illness often have cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, and antipsychotics independently increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Despite this, many patients prescribed antipsychotics are discharged to primary care without planned psychiatric review. We explore perceptions of healthcare professionals and managers/directors of policy regarding reasons for increasing prevalence and management of antipsychotics in primary care.

METHODS

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 11 general practitioners (GPs), 8 psychiatrists, and 11 managers/directors of policy in the United Kingdom. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Respondents reported competency gaps that impaired ability to manage patients prescribed antipsychotic medications, arising from inadequate postgraduate training and professional development. GPs lacked confidence to manage antipsychotic medications alone; psychiatrists lacked skills to address cardiometabolic risks and did not perceive this as their role. Communication barriers, lack of integrated care records, limited psychology provision, lowered expectation towards patients with serious mental illness by professionals, and pressure to discharge from hospital resulted in patients in primary care becoming 'trapped' on antipsychotics, inhibiting opportunities to deprescribe. Organisational and contractual barriers between services exacerbate this risk, with socioeconomic deprivation and lack of access to non-pharmacological interventions driving overprescribing. Professionals voiced fears of censure if a catastrophic event occurred after stopping an antipsychotic. Facilitators to overcome these barriers were suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

People prescribed antipsychotics experience a fragmented health system and suboptimal care. Several interventions could be taken to improve care for this population, but inadequate availability of non-pharmacological interventions and socioeconomic factors increasing mental distress need policy change to improve outcomes. The role of professionals' fear of medicolegal or regulatory censure inhibiting antipsychotic deprescribing was a new finding in this study.

Molecular dynamics and free energy calculations of clozapine bound to D2 and H1 receptors reveal a cardiometabolic mitigated derivative

Most atypical antipsychotics derive from a high dropout of drug treatments due to adverse cardiometabolic side effects. These side effects are caused, in part, by the H1 receptor blockade. The current work sought a clozapine derivative with a reduced affinity for the H1 receptor while maintaining its therapeutic effect linked to D2 receptor binding. Explicit molecular dynamics simulations and end-point free energy calculations of clozapine in complex with the D2 and H1 receptors embedded in cholesterol-rich lipid bilayers were performed to analyze the intermolecular interactions and address the relevance of clozapine-functional groups. Based on that, free energy perturbation calculations were performed to measure the change in free energy of clozapine structural modifications. Our results indicate the best clozapine derivative is the iodine atom substitution for chlorine. The latter is mainly due to electrostatic interaction loss for the H1 receptor, while the halogen orientation out of the D2 active site reduces the impact on the affinity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The potential effect of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia and antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Introduction

Metformin has shown good efficacy in the management of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. Its ability to induce antidepressant behavioural effects and improve cognitive functions has also been investigated: yet information has not been systematized. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimension in schizophrenic patients treated with antipsychotics through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.Gov, Embase, PsycINFO, and WHO ICTRP database up to February 2022, Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) evaluating patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders, who were treated with metformin as add-on therapy to antipsychotics for the treatment of weight gain and in which changes in psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions were evaluated.

Results

A total of 19 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed on 12 eligible studies. We found a positive trend after 24 weeks of treatment in schizophrenic patients with stable conditions [SMD (95%CI) = -0.40 (-0.82;0.01), OR (95%CI) = 0.5 (-2.4;3.4)]. Better performance was detected in the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with low heterogeneity among studies. One study reported changes in BACS-verbal memory subdomain in favour of placebo [MD (95%CI) = -16.03 (-23.65;8.42)]. Gastrointestinal disorders, xerostomia, and extrapyramidal syndrome were the most reported adverse effects. Psychiatric adverse events were also described: in particular, symptoms attributable to a relapse of schizophrenia.

Conclusion

Some degree of efficacy was found for Metformin in improving cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with Schizophrenia. Given the clinical relevance of this potential pharmacological effect, longer specific studies using adequate psychometric scales are strongly recommended. Likewise, how metformin acts in this context needs to be evaluated in order to enhance its efficacy or find more efficacious drugs.

Cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in patients treated with long-acting injectables antipsychotics: a retrospective study

The present cross-sectional, retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and metabolic syndrome in a sample of psychiatric patients treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs). The clinical charts of 120 patients, mainly diagnosed with schizophrenia (30.0%), schizoaffective disorder (15.0%), and bipolar disorder (13.3%) on LAIs therapy - initiated in the period from 2013 to 2019 and lasting at least one year - were retrospectively reviewed and related socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected. The 70.8% of patients were treated with first-generation LAIs, and the remaining 29.2% with second-generation LAIs. The overall sample showed low compliance in performing the required exams and evaluations related to CVD risk factors. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 30.8%, and, considering specific CVD risk factors, 55% of the total sample reported abdominal obesity, 43.3% arterial hypertension, 41.7% low HDL-cholesterol, 25.8% hypertriglyceridemia, and 20.8% fasting hyperglycemia. Lastly, 6.7% showed prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval at the ECG. Patients treated with LAIs should be regularly monitored for metabolic changes and CVD risk factors. Metabolic changes rapidly develop after initiating an antipsychotic therapy and these often involve parameters, that can be easily recorded in an outpatient setting (e.g. abdominal obesity and hypertension).

Use of urgent, emergency and acute care by mental health service users: A record-level cohort study

BACKGROUND

People with serious mental illness experience worse physical health and greater mortality than the general population. Crude rates of A&E attendance and acute hospital admission are higher in people with serious mental illness than other hospital users. We aimed to further these findings by undertaking a standardised comparison of urgent and emergency care pathway use among users of mental health services and the general population.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis using routine data from 2013-2016 from the CUREd dataset for urgent and emergency care contacts (NHS 111, ambulance, A&E and acute admissions) and linked mental health trust data for Sheffield, England. We compared annual age- and sex-standardised usage rates for each urgent and emergency care service between users of mental health services and those without a recent history of mental health service use.

RESULTS

We found marked differences in usage rates for all four urgent and emergency care services between the general population and users of mental health services. Usage rates and the proportion of users were 5-6 times and 3-4 times higher in users of mental health services, respectively, for all urgent and emergency care services. Users of mental health services were often more likely to experience the highest or lowest acuity usage characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Current users of mental health services were heavily over-represented among urgent and emergency care users, and they made more contacts per-person. Higher service use among users of mental health services could be addressed by improved community care, more integrated physical and mental health support, and more proactive primary care. A complex pattern of service use among users of mental health services suggests this will need careful targeting to reduce avoidable contacts and optimise patient outcomes.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and associated factors among inpatients with severe mental illness in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of inter-related risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is highly prevalent among individuals with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Chronic psychiatric disorders such as severe mental illness are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome among inpatients with severe mental illness in a resource limited setting with high HIV prevalence.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among adult inpatients at a referral psychiatric hospital in Botswana. We used convenience sampling to enrol participants available at the time of the study. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel-III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria was used to define the metabolic syndrome. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics as well as multiple logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

A total of 137 participants were enrolled. Of these, 119 (87%) had complete data for the main analysis. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.6% (95% CI 15.9, 30.6) and did not differ significantly by gender or HIV status. Age was significantly associated with the risk of having the metabolic syndrome while gender, body mass index, HIV status, and days of moderate physical activity were not.

CONCLUSION

There was a moderately high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Thus, the management of individuals with severe mental illness in resource limited settings should include assessment of cardiovascular risk and target modifiable risk factors in this population. Consideration for the patient's age should be made when rationalizing the limited resources available for assessing metabolic syndrome among patients with severe mental illness.

Non-affective psychotic disorders and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Non-affective psychotic disorders have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. However, research in this area remains limited, highlighting the need for an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence. We aimed to systematically review and quantify the risk of dementia associated with psychotic disorders. We searched four electronic databases for longitudinal studies investigating non-affective psychotic disorders and subsequent dementia. We used random-effects meta-analyses to pool estimates across studies and assessed risk of bias for each study. Non-affective psychotic disorders were associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia; pooled risk ratio (RR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.67-3.80), I2 = 99.7%, n = 12,997,101; 11 studies, with high heterogeneity between studies. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in studies with shorter follow-up periods, conducted in non-European countries, published after 2020, and where ≥60% of the sample were female. The risk was higher in people aged <60 years at baseline, in typical and late-onset psychotic disorders versus very late-onset psychosis, in broader psychotic disorders vs schizophrenia, and in prospective vs retrospective studies. Associations remained after excluding low quality studies (pooled RR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.71-3.68), I2 = 99.0%). Our review finds a substantial association between psychotic disorders and subsequent dementia. Our findings indicate that psychotic disorders are a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia and suggest that individuals with psychotic disorders need to be closely monitored for cognitive decline in later life. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the association between psychotic disorders and dementia.

Whole proteome mapping of compound-protein interactions

Off-target binding is one of the primary causes of toxic side effects of drugs in clinical development, resulting in failures of clinical trials. While off-target drug binding is a known phenomenon, experimental identification of the undesired protein binders can be prohibitively expensive due to the large pool of possible biological targets. Here, we propose a new strategy combining chemical similarity principle and deep learning to enable proteome-wide mapping of compound-protein interactions. We have developed a pipeline to identify the targets of bioactive molecules by matching them with chemically similar annotated "bait" compounds and ranking them with deep learning. We have constructed a user-friendly web server for drug-target identification based on chemical similarity (DRIFT) to perform searches across annotated bioactive compound datasets, thus enabling high-throughput, multi-ligand target identification, as well as chemical fragmentation of target-binding moieties.

Clozapine's multiple cellular mechanisms: What do we know after more than fifty years? A systematic review and critical assessment of translational mechanisms relevant for innovative strategies in treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Almost fifty years after its first introduction into clinical care, clozapine remains the only evidence-based pharmacological option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which affects approximately 30% of patients with schizophrenia. Despite the long-time experience with clozapine, the specific mechanism of action (MOA) responsible for its superior efficacy among antipsychotics is still elusive, both at the receptor and intracellular signaling level. This systematic review is aimed at critically assessing the role and specific relevance of clozapine's multimodal actions, dissecting those mechanisms that under a translational perspective could shed light on molecular targets worth to be considered for further innovative antipsychotic development. In vivo and in vitro preclinical findings, supported by innovative techniques and methods, together with pharmacogenomic and in vivo functional studies, point to multiple and possibly overlapping MOAs. To better explore this crucial issue, the specific affinity for 5-HT₂R, D1R, α_2c, and muscarinic receptors, the relatively low occupancy at dopamine D2R, the interaction with receptor dimers, as well as the potential confounder effects resulting in biased ligand action, and lastly, the role of the moiety responsible for lipophilic and alkaline features of clozapine are highlighted. Finally, the role of transcription and protein changes at the synaptic level, and the possibility that clozapine can directly impact synaptic architecture are addressed. Although clozapine's exact MOAs that contribute to its unique efficacy and some of its severe adverse effects have not been fully understood, relevant information can be gleaned from recent mechanistic understandings that may help design much needed additional therapeutic strategies for TRS.

Lifestyle behaviors, metabolic disturbances, and weight gain in psychiatric inpatients treated with weight gain-associated medication

Many psychiatric patients suffer from overweight/obesity and subsequent metabolic disturbances, where psychotropic medication is one of the main contributors. However, the magnitude of weight gain ranges individually, which leads to questioning the role of other contributors like lifestyle factors. The present study investigated several lifestyle factors among psychiatric inpatients, their relation to biological factors, and their predictive capability for weight gain during treatment. Using a naturalistic observational study design, psychiatric inpatients of all diagnoses were followed for 4 weeks from the start of treatment with weight gain-associated medication. N = 163 participants entered the study. Lifestyle factors were assessed by patient self-report questionnaires. Body weight change over time was calculated relative to baseline body weight. Our study provides three main findings: (1) Obesity and/or metabolic syndrome (metSy) were associated with emotional eating (disinhibition), craving for fast food and sweets, and weight cycling. (2) Patients without metSy and normal BMI experienced increased sweets craving (also for women), a more positive attitude towards drugs, and an improvement of affect (also for men). (3) Sex, presence of metSy and/or drug dosage interacted with disinhibition change, sweets craving change (trend), and fast food craving change to predict weight change over time. Furthermore, drug attitude change interacted with BMI, drug dosage, and presence of metSy to predict weight change. Lifestyle factors, especially eating behaviors, are related to metabolic disturbances and predict weight gain in interaction with clinical parameters.

The effect of lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in mental health rehabilitation hostel residents at-risk: a cluster-randomized controlled 15-month trial

OBJECTIVE

Cardiometabolic disorders contribute to morbidity and mortality in people with severe mental illnesses (SMI), yet lifestyle-intervention efficacy in patients with SMI is unclear. Israel's unique mental-health rehabilitation hostels (MHRHs) provide housing to subjects with SMI. We tested how multi-component lifestyle intervention affects cardiometabolic risk-factors in at-risk SMI populations residing in MHRHs.

METHODS

In a prospective, cluster-randomized, controlled study, six MHRHs, paired by residents' functioning level, were randomized to lifestyle intervention (nutrition education, physical education), or usual care. Subjects recruited included those with ≥1 of: BMI > 25 kg/m²; plasma triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; HbA1c ≥ 5.7%; fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL and plasma HDL < 40_(men)/ 50_(women) mg/dL. Primary outcome was BMI change after 15 months; other outcomes were plasma lipids levels and glycemic control. Low cooperation in one MHRH pair led to their exclusion, the others were assigned to intervention or control.

RESULTS

Eighty residents were enrolled to intervention groups and 74 to control. Compared to baseline, intervention-arm participants experienced improvements in BMI (-0.83 kg/m² [-1.36, -0.29] _95%CI), triglycerides (-30.60 mg/dL [-49.39, -11.82]_95%CI) and LDL (-15.51 mg/dL [-24.53, -6.50]_95%CI) (all P ≤ 0.003). BMI improvement correlated with number of dietitian consultations (r = -0.30; P = 0.001). No significant differences were found between treatment arms in BMI (-0.46 kg/m² [-1.11, 0.18]_95%CI;P = 0.189), triglycerides (-24.70 mg/dL [-57.66, 8.25]_95%CI), LDL (-9.24 mg/dL [-20.50, 2.03]_95%CI), HDL and glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle intervention significantly improved BMI, LDL and triglycerides compared to baseline in at-risk MHRHs residents with SMI, yet compared to usual care the differences did not reach statistical significance. The association between the number of dietitian's consultations and BMI improvement suggests that programs should highlight participants' adherence.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Schizophrenia Maintained without Antipsychotics: A Cross-sectional Survey of a Case Series

Objective

While antipsychotics are necessary for relapse prevention in the treatment of schizophrenia in general, some minority of patients may be maintained without continuous antipsychotic treatment. However, the characteristics of such patients are not well known and previous reports have not evaluated key elements such as physical comorbidities and functioning.

Methods

Among 635 patients with schizophrenia who participated in a 12-year follow-up, those who were maintained without antipsychotic treatment for at least one year after the study were investigated. The patients underwent comprehensive assessments, including Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for psychopathology, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) for physical comorbidities, and Functional Assessment for Comprehensive Treatment of Schizophrenia (FACT-Sz), Barthel Index, and EuroQoL five dimensions (EQ5D) for function.

Results

Six patients were included (mean ± standard deviation age, 66.8 ± 17.4 years; 4 inpatients). The four inpatients were old (77.8 ± 4.8 years) and chronically ill (duration of illness, 49.3 ± 12.5 years) with a high PANSS score (total score, 118.0 ± 9.8; negative syndrome subscale, 41.3 ± 6.9), low functioning (FACT-Sz, 9.8 ± 3.6; Barthel Index, 8.8 ± 9.6), and serious physical comorbidities (CIRS-G, 15.5 ± 1.1). By contrast, the two outpatients were relatively young (45.0 ± 12.0 years) and clinically in good condition (PANSS total score, 44.5 ± 0.5; Barthel Index, 100 for both; EQ5D, 0.85 ± 0.04).

Conclusion

Although the number is limited, two types of patients with schizophrenia were identified who were free from ongoing antipsychotic treatment; 1) older chronic inpatients with serious physical comorbidities, and 2) younger outpatients with milder impairments. Future explorations are needed to identify those who will be successfully withdrawn from continuous antipsychotic treatment.

Rapid-onset clozapine-induced hyperglycaemia: pathways of glycaemic dysregulation

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in refractory schizophrenia, also efficient in alleviating dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease. Despite its potency, this drug is associated with severe metabolic side effects, including increased risk for diabetes. We report the case of a 45-year-old overweight woman with Parkinson's disease who presented with rapid-onset hyperglycaemia within 2 months after starting clozapine for refractory dyskinaesia. She had a history of gestational diabetes. At presentation, her blood glucose level was 505 mg/dL and glycated haemoglobin 12.4%, with no catabolic symptoms. Clozapine was suspended and metformin was started, but adequate glycaemic control was achieved only with insulin therapy, along with exenatide and empagliflozin afterwards. We assume that clozapine acted as a trigger for rapid deterioration of glycaemic control through direct pathophysiological mechanisms, rather than an indirect slowly evolving weight gain-related metabolic syndrome pathway. Clinicians should be aware of this complication, enabling timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Mortality and non-use of antipsychotic drugs after acute admission in schizophrenia: A prospective total-cohort study

BACKGROUND

In society at large, it is debated whether use of antipsychotic drugs is associated with increased or decreased mortality among patients with schizophrenia. Large register studies have demonstrated an increased mortality risk associated with non-use of antipsychotic drugs, but prospective studies are missing.

AIMS

To investigate the association between mortality and non-use of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

An open cohort study included and followed all patients with a discharge-diagnosis of schizophrenia consecutively admitted to a psychiatric acute unit at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway during a 10 year period (n = 696). Cox multiple regression analyses were conducted with use of antipsychotic drugs as a time dependent variable, and periods of use and non-use were compared within individual patients. Adjustments were made for gender, age at index admission, number of acute psychiatric hospital admissions, excessive use of alcohol and illicit substances and use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

RESULTS

A total of 68 (9.8%) deaths were registered during follow-up. Of these, 40 (59%) had natural causes, whereas 26 (38%) had unnatural causes. Non-use of antipsychotics was associated with 2.15 (p = .01, CI: 1.24-3.72) times higher mortality risk compared to use of antipsychotics. The difference in mortality risk between use and non-use of antipsychotic drugs was age dependent, with the largest risk difference in young patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-use of antipsychotic drugs was associated with twofold increased mortality risk in patients with schizophrenia.

Living with diabetes alongside a severe mental illness: A qualitative exploration with people with severe mental illness, family members and healthcare staff

AIMS

Diabetes is two to three times more prevalent in people with severe mental illness, yet little is known about the challenges of managing both conditions from the perspectives of people living with the co-morbidity, their family members or healthcare staff. Our aim was to understand these challenges and to explore the circumstances that influence access to and receipt of diabetes care for people with severe mental illness.

METHODS

Framework analysis of qualitative semi-structured interviews with people with severe mental illness and diabetes, family members, and staff from UK primary care, mental health and diabetes services, selected using a maximum variation sampling strategy between April and December 2018.

RESULTS

In all, 39 adults with severe mental illness and diabetes (3 with type 1 diabetes and 36 with type 2 diabetes), nine family members and 30 healthcare staff participated. Five themes were identified: (a) Severe mental illness governs everyday life including diabetes management; (b) mood influences capacity and motivation for diabetes self-management; (c) cumulative burden of managing multiple physical conditions; (d) interacting conditions and overlapping symptoms and (e) support for everyday challenges. People living with the co-morbidity and their family members emphasised the importance of receiving support for the everyday challenges that impact diabetes management, and identified barriers to accessing this from healthcare providers.

CONCLUSIONS

More intensive support for diabetes management is needed when people's severe mental illness (including symptoms of depression) or physical health deteriorates. Interventions that help people, including healthcare staff, distinguish between symptoms of diabetes and severe mental illness are also needed.

Effect of 5-HT2C receptor gene polymorphism (HTR2C-759C/T) on metabolic adverse effects in Thai psychiatric patients treated with risperidone

BACKGROUND

The use of Atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) is related to metabolic disturbances, which put psychiatric patients at risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Evidence is emerging of genetic risk factors. The HTR2C gene is an essential candidate in pharmacogenetic studies of antipsychotic-induced metabolic effects. Nevertheless, there were inconsistent results among studies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between -759C/T, functional polymorphism of the HTR2C gene and metabolic adverse effects in Thai psychiatric patients treated with risperidone monotherapy.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, 108 psychiatric patients treated with risperidone monotherapy for ≥3 months were recruited. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were obtained upon enrollment and history of treatment was reviewed from medical records. Weight gain was defined as an increase ≥7% of baseline weight. Metabolic syndrome was evaluated according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Asia criteria. The -759C/T, polymorphism was genotyped. The associations between -759C/T polymorphism and metabolic side effects were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was used for determining potential confounders.

RESULTS

Neither weight gain nor metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with -759C/T allelic and genotype variants of HTR2C. However, T allele of -759C/T polymorphism significantly associated with the hypertension. This association was not affected by possible confounding factors such as gender, risperidone dose, duration of treatment and family history of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that psychiatric patients with T allele of -759C/T polymorphism may be at higher risk for hypertension. Further study with prospective design with larger patient groups are needed.

Antipsychotics result in more weight gain in antipsychotic naive patients than in patients after antipsychotic switch and weight gain is irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis: A meta-analysis

Introduction

Antipsychotics are associated with bodyweight gain and metabolic disturbance. Previous meta-analyses were limited to mainly antipsychotic switch studies in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis with short follow-up periods. The present meta-analysis aimed to analyse the impact of weight change in antipsychotic-naive and antipsychotics switch patients and whether body weight change depended on diagnosis.

Method

We performed a meta-analysis of clinical trials of antipsychotics that reported weight change, irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis. Outcome measure was body weight change. Studies were classified into antipsychotic-naive and antipsychotic-switch. Forest plots stratified by antipsychotic and the duration of antipsychotic use were generated and results were summarised in figures.

Results

In total, 404 articles were included for the quantitative synthesis. 58 articles were on antipsychotic naive patients. In the antipsychotic naive group, all antipsychotics resulted in body weight gain. In the antipsychotic switch group, most antipsychotics likewise resulted in bodyweight gain, with exception of amisulpride, aripiprazole and ziprasidone that showed no body weight gain or even some weight loss after switching antipsychotics. Diagnosis was not a discriminating factor of antipsychotic induced weight change.

Conclusion

Antipsychotic use resulted in substantial increase in body weight in antipsychotic-naive patients. In antipsychotic-switch patients the weight gain was mild and not present in amisulpride, aripiprazole and ziprasidone. In both groups, weight gain was irrespective of the psychiatric diagnosis.

Identification and management of cardiometabolic risk in subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A Delphi expert consensus study

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have worse physical health and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. In 2009, the European Psychiatric Association, the European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes published a position paper aimed to improve cardiovascular and diabetes care in patients with severe mental illnesses. However, the initiative did not produce the expected results. Experts in SSD or in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases convened to identify main issues relevant to management of cardiometabolic risk factors in schizophrenia patients and to seek consensus through the Delphi method.

METHODS

The steering committee identified four topics: 1) cardiometabolic risk factors in schizophrenia patients; 2) cardiometabolic risk factors related to antipsychotic treatment; 3) differences in antipsychotic cardiometabolic profiles; 4) management of cardiometabolic risk. Twelve key statements were included in a Delphi questionnaire delivered to a panel of expert European psychiatrists.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached for all statements with positive agreement higher than 85% in the first round. European psychiatrists agreed on: 1) high cardiometabolic risk in patients with SSD, 2) importance of correct risk management of cardiometabolic diseases, from lifestyle modification to treatment of risk factors, including the choice of antipsychotic drugs with a favourable cardiometabolic profile. The expert panel identified the psychiatrist as the central coordinating figure of management, possibly assisted by other specialists and general practitioners.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates high level of agreement among European psychiatrists regarding the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and management in subjects with SSD.

Troubles psychotiques et troubles du sommeil : revue de la littérature

Contexte La disparition de la nomenclature des troubles du sommeil dits primaires ou secondaires, rendue obsolète par le Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux (DSM-5), représente bien l’engouement académique actuel pour ce domaine de recherche. Il est de plus en plus reconnu que les troubles du sommeil sont plus que de simples conséquences d’un trouble psychiatrique et qu’ils peuvent persister malgré un traitement adéquat de la condition comorbide et même précéder ou exacerber cette dernière. Les troubles du sommeil dans les troubles psychotiques, très fréquents, sont donc devenus un sujet d’actualité, représentant une cible d’intervention jusqu’ici sous-estimée.

Objectif Cet article vise à présenter l’état des connaissances actuelles sur la relation entre les troubles du sommeil et les troubles psychotiques ainsi que sur l’utilisation de la thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (TCC) pour traiter les troubles du sommeil dans ce contexte.

Méthode L’article fait une recension narrative de la littérature pour décrire la relation bidirectionnelle entre la psychose et les troubles du sommeil, les corrélations cliniques et les traitements ciblant l’insomnie chez les patients psychotiques.

Résultats Malgré la présence d’une relation entre les troubles du sommeil et les troubles psychotiques, les mécanismes neuronaux, hormonaux et socioculturels régissant cette relation demeurent encore incertains. Bien que l’association reliant les troubles du sommeil et les troubles psychotiques demeure à clarifier, les études démontrent qu’elle serait bidirectionnelle et peut engendrer un cercle vicieux où ces deux composantes s’aggravent mutuellement. Dans ce contexte de comorbidités, les modèles unifiés en TCC deviennent un traitement de choix, à condition d’adapter les protocoles de TCC pour insomnie (TCC-i) à une population avec trouble psychotique (TCC-ip).

Conclusion Malgré la complexité de la relation entre les troubles psychotiques et ceux du sommeil, la TCC-i a été démontrée efficace pour traiter les troubles du sommeil dans une population psychotique et pourrait, dans certains cas, permettre d’alléger la symptomatologie psychotique. De futures études sur ce domaine pourraient permettre le développement de protocoles de thérapie cognitivo-comportementale pour les troubles du sommeil mieux adaptés à la population avec troubles psychotiques.

Increased ABCA1 (ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1)-Specific Cholesterol Efflux Capacity in Schizophrenia

Objective:

Patients with schizophrenia have increased long-term mortality attributable to cardiovascular disease and commonly demonstrate features of mixed dyslipidemia with low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The removal of cholesterol from cells by HDL via specific ATP-binding cholesterol transporters is a major functional property of HDL, and its measurement as cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) can predict cardiovascular risk. Whether HDL function is impaired in patients with schizophrenia is unknown.

Approach and Results:

We measured basal and ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1)- and ABCG1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter G1)-dependent CEC, comparing patients with schizophrenia with age- and sex-matched healthy controls, and related our findings to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of lipoprotein subclasses. Total plasma cholesterol and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were comparable between healthy controls (n=51) and patients (n=120), but patients with schizophrenia had increased total plasma triglyceride, low HDL-C and apo (apolipoprotein) A-I concentrations. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated a marked (15-fold) increase in large triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle concentration, increased small dense LDL particles, and fewer large HDL particles. Despite lower HDL-C concentration, basal CEC was 13.7±1.6% higher, ABCA1-specific efflux was 35.9±1.6% higher, and ABCG1 efflux not different, in patients versus controls. In patients with schizophrenia, ABCA1-specific efflux correlated with the abundance of small 7.8 nm HDL particles but not with serum plasminogen or triglyceride levels.

Conclusions:

Patients with schizophrenia have increased concentrations of atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins, decreased concentrations of large HDL particles, but enhanced ABCA1-mediated CEC. In this population, preventative strategies should focus on reducing atherogenic lipoproteins rather than increasing CEC.

Management of hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the most common lipid abnormalities encountered in clinical practice. Many monogenic disorders causing severe hypertriglyceridemia have been identified, but in most patients triglyceride elevations result from a combination of multiple genetic variations with small effects and environmental factors. Common secondary causes include obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol misuse, and various commonly used drugs. Correcting these factors and optimizing lifestyle choices, including dietary modification, is important before starting drug treatment. The goal of drug treatment is to reduce the risk of pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease in those with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. This review discusses the various genetic and acquired causes of hypertriglyceridemia, as well as current management strategies. Evidence supporting the different drug and non-drug approaches to treating hypertriglyceridemia is examined, and an easy to adopt step-by-step management strategy is presented.

A 3-year prospective study on the metabolic effect of aripiprazole, quetiapine and ziprasidone: A pragmatic clinical trial in first episode psychosis patients

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder with an excess morbidity and mortality partly due to a higher incidence of metabolic disturbances and cardio-vascular events. The exposure to antipsychotic treatment has been observed linked to these metabolic abnormalities. This study explores the metabolic effects of aripiprazol, quetiapine and ziprasidone in drug-naïve patients with a first-episode of psychosis, at long-term. Two-hundred and two patients with first-episode of psychosis were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive quetiapine, ziprasidone, or aripiprazole. Clinical, sociodemographic and anthropometric measures, as well as lipid and glyceamic parameters, were recorded at baseline and after three years of initiating antipsychotic treatment. Body weight and BMI increased significantly after 3 years of follow-up (F = 35.0, p<0.001; and F = 37.6, p<0.001, respectively). Most of the increase in weight occurred within the first year of treatment. The proportion of patients meeting criteria for obesity (5.6% vs 25.7%; p<0.001), hypercholesterolemia (23.2% vs 41.7%; p<0.001) and hypertriglyceridemia (5.8% vs 23.0%; p<0.001) increased significantly. Head-to-head comparisons between antipsychotic groups revealed that the ziprasidone group presented significantly smaller increments in weight (p = 0.034) and BMI (p = 0.020) than aripiprazole group. After 3 years of having presented a first episode of psychosis, patients show significant increments in body weight and BMI, as well as in lipid and glycaemic parameters leading to clinical metabolic disturbances. In this context, the first year is the critical period for weight gain and development of metabolic changes. In this study, ziprasidone produced smaller weight gain than aripiprazole.

The metabolic effects of antipsychotics in the early stage of treatment in first-episode patients with schizophrenia: A real-world study in a naturalistic setting

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to better characterize the metabolic effects of antipsychotics in the early stage of treatment in first-episode patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective real-world study in a naturalistic setting that included inpatients with first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia; metabolic profiles were measured at baseline and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after antipsychotic treatment. The metabolic profiles of medicated patients with first-episode schizophrenia were also included.

RESULTS

Insulin resistance, based on the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C), increased significantly after 2 weeks of antipsychotic treatment, whereas fasting glucose (FG) decreased significantly. Regarding lipid metabolism, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased significantly after 2 weeks of antipsychotic treatment; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly after 4 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between the antipsychotic groups in any of the metabolic parameters evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that insulin resistance and lipid metabolic abnormalities occurred as early as two weeks after the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. Our findings suggest that metabolic profiles should been monitored in the early stage of antipsychotics treatment in clinical practice. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the short-term effects of antipsychotics on metabolic parameters.

Lurasidone and risk for metabolic syndrome: results from short- and long-term clinical studies in patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of treatment with lurasidone on risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Rates of metabolic syndrome during treatment with lurasidone (40-160 mg/d) were analyzed using pooled, short-term data from three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (vs olanzapine and quetiapine XR); long-term data from two active-comparator-controlled studies (vs risperidone and quetiapine XR); and data from two open-label studies in which patients were switched from olanzapine or risperidone to lurasidone.

RESULTS

MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. In short-term studies, the odds of meeting criteria for MetS at week 6 LOCF (adjusted for baseline metabolic syndrome status) was similar for the lurasidone and placebo groups (OR = 1.18; [95% CI, 0.81-1.71]; P = .39), but the odds (vs placebo) were significantly greater for olanzapine (OR = 2.81; [95% CI, 1.53-5.15]; P < .001) and quetiapine (OR = 3.49; [95% CI, 1.93-6.29]; P < .0001). No dose effect was observed for lurasidone across the dose range of 40-160 mg/d. In long-term studies, the odds of MetS after 12 months of treatment was significantly higher for risperidone compared with lurasidone (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.15-3.90; P = .016) and for quetiapine XR compared with lurasidone (OR = 3.92; 95% CI, 1.15-13.40; P = .029). In open-label extension studies, the rate of MetS decreased in patients switched to lurasidone after 6 weeks of treatment with olanzapine or 12 months of treatment with risperidone.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis of lurasidone clinical trials, the odds of developing metabolic syndrome were minimal during short- and long-term treatment with lurasidone (40-160 mg/d).

Treatment Discontinuation Impact on Long-Term (10-Year) Weight Gain and Lipid Metabolism in First-Episode Psychosis: Results From the PAFIP-10 Cohort

BACKGROUND

Patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) are at higher risk of gaining weight and presenting metabolic disturbances, partly related to antipsychotic exposure. Previous studies suggest that treatment discontinuation might have a positive impact on weight in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment discontinuation on weight and metabolic changes in a FEP cohort.

METHODS

A total of 209 FEP patients and 57 healthy controls were evaluated at study entry and prospectively at 10-year follow-up. Anthropometric measures and, clinical, metabolic, and sociodemographic data were collected.

RESULTS

Patients discontinuing antipsychotic treatment presented a significantly lower increase in weight and better metabolic parameter results than those still on antipsychotic treatment at 10-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment discontinuation had a positive effect on the weight and metabolic changes observed in FEP patients; however, this effect was not sufficient to reaching a complete reversal to normal levels.

Prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and risk of cardiovascular disease in a psychiatric inpatient sample: results of the Metabolism in Psychiatry (MiP) Study

The information on prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular risk (CVR) and on sociodemographic variables available in patients with psychiatric diseases about to be treated with weight gain-associated medication (e.g., clozapine, mirtazapine, quetiapine) is limited. In a naturalistic study, psychiatric inpatients (age: 18-75) of all F diagnoses according to ICD-10, who were about to be treated with weight gain-associated medication, were included. Demographic variables were assessed as well as biological parameters to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI), MetS, diabetes and CVR. A total of 163 inpatients were included (60.1% male; mean age: 39.8 (± 15.1, 18-75 years). The three most common disorders were depression (46.0%), bipolar disorder (20.9%) and drug addiction (20.2%). The three most common pharmacotherapeutic agents prescribed were quetiapine (29.4%), mirtazapine (20.9%) and risperidone (12.9%). Of the included inpatients 30.1% were overweight, 17.2% obese, and 26.9% and 22.4% fulfilled the criteria for a MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the National Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP ATP III), respectively, 3.8% had (pre)diabetes and 8.3% had a moderate and 1.9% a high CVR according to the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) score. Detailed information is reported on all assessed parameters as well as on subgroup analyses concerning sociodemographic variables. The results suggest that psychiatric patients suffer from multiple metabolic disturbances in comparison to the general population. Monitoring weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol regularly is, therefore, highly relevant.

Interventions for the management of obesity in people with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common serious mental illnesses, affecting approximately 60 million people worldwide. Characterised by extreme alterations in mood, cognition, and behaviour, bipolar disorder can have a significant negative impact on the functioning and quality of life of the affected individual. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of comorbid obesity is significantly higher in bipolar disorder. Approximately 68% of treatment seeking bipolar patients are overweight or obese. Clinicians are aware that obesity has the potential to contribute to other physical health conditions in people with bipolar disorder, including diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death in bipolar disorder, happening a decade or more earlier than in the general population. Contributing factors include illness-related factors (mood-related factors, i.e. mania or depression), treatment-related factors (weight implications and other side effects of medications), and lifestyle factors (physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, substance abuse). Approaches to the management of obesity in individuals with bipolar disorder are diverse and include non-pharmacological interventions (i.e. dietary, exercise, behavioural, or multi-component), pharmacological interventions (i.e. weight loss drugs or medication switching), and bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions for the management of obesity in people with bipolar disorder.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR) and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to February 2019. We ran additional searches via Ovid databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo to May 2020. We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)) and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also checked the reference lists of all papers brought to full-text stage and all relevant systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomised at the level of the individual or cluster, and cross-over designs of interventions for management of obesity, in which at least 80% of study participants had a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder and comorbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²), were eligible for inclusion. No exclusions were based on type of bipolar disorder, stage of illness, age, or gender. We included non-pharmacological interventions comprising dietary, exercise, behavioural, and multi-component interventions; pharmacological interventions consisting of weight loss medications and medication switching interventions; and surgical interventions such as gastric bypass, gastric bands, biliopancreatic diversion, and vertical banded gastroplasty. Comparators included the following approaches: dietary intervention versus inactive comparator; exercise intervention versus inactive comparator; behavioural intervention versus inactive comparator; multi-component lifestyle intervention versus inactive comparator; medication switching intervention versus inactive comparator; weight loss medication intervention versus inactive comparator; and surgical intervention versus inactive comparator. Primary outcomes of interest were changes in body mass, patient-reported adverse events, and quality of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four review authors were involved in the process of selecting studies. Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of studies identified in the search. Studies brought to the full-text stage were then screened by another two review authors working independently. However, none of the full-text studies met the inclusion criteria. Had we included studies, we would have assessed their methodological quality by using the criteria recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We intended to combine dichotomous data using risk ratios (RRs), and continuous data using mean differences (MDs). For each outcome, we intended to calculate overall effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

None of the studies that were screened met the inclusion criteria.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

None of the studies that were assessed met the inclusion criteria of this review. Therefore we were unable to determine the effectiveness of interventions for the management of obesity in individuals with bipolar disorder. Given the extent and impact of the problem and the absence of evidence, this review highlights the need for research in this area. We suggest the need for RCTs that will focus only on populations with bipolar disorder and comorbid obesity. We identified several ongoing studies that may be included in the update of this review.

The interaction between microbiome and host central nervous system: the gut-brain axis as a potential new therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity and cardiometabolic disease

INTRODUCTION

The role of the intestinal microbiota in host cardiometabolic health and disease has gained significant attention over recent decades. Previous studies have shown effects on metabolic health through gut microbiota modulation; this suggests diverse interaction pathways that constitute the communication between gut microbiota and host central nervous system, the so-called gut-brain axis.

AREAS COVERED

This article provides an overview of the various mechanisms that may mediate the gut-brain axis. It places an emphasis on cardiometabolic health, including effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), alterations in neurotransmitters and gut peptides and microbial effects on chronic inflammation and immune function. Moreover, this paper sheds light on whether these mechanisms afford therapeutic targets to promote metabolic health. To this end, a PubMed search with the terms 'gut microbiota,' 'obesity' and 'insulin sensitivity' was performed.

EXPERT OPINION

Many properties of the human gut microbiome are associated with the central regulation of appetite and metabolic status. Some of these relationships are causal and there are positive effects from certain intervention methods. Microbial manipulation may offer a means to prevent or treat obesity and associated co-morbidities. However, to establish direct causal relations between altered gut microbiota and metabolic disease, clinical intervention studies are necessary.

Nutritional status, food choices, barriers and facilitators to healthy nutrition in pregnant women with severe mental illness: a mixed methods approach

BACKGROUND

Although widely acknowledged that adequate maternal nutrition is important for mother and baby, limited research has focussed on women with severe mental illnesses (SMI) in pregnancy. The present study reports on nutritional factors and food choices and investigates barriers and facilitators to healthy nutritional choices by pregnant women with SMI.

METHODS

A prospective mixed method study was undertaken of 38 pregnant women with SMI, including a cross-sectional survey, a food frequency questionnaire and 12 postnatal qualitative interviews, with integrated analysis of all data.

RESULTS

Elevated rates of obesity (35%) were found, with 82% of women having above the recommended gestational weight gain. Despite perceived knowledge, 32% of women did not meet any of the Five Food Group serving recommendations for pregnancy and consumed above-recommended levels for processed (19%) and sugar snacks (51%). Thematic analysis identified four main barriers: a discrepancy between knowledge and action, food cravings, mental health, and physical health. During pregnancy, food cravings were reported in 66% of women, psychological distress in 71% and physical distress in 37%. Screening identified 19% with potential eating disordered behaviours. Despite the challenges, several facilitators were identified and covered three themes: access to a dietitian, information delivery and support, and comprehensive care.

DISCUSSION

Women with SMI in pregnancy struggle with issues of obesity, gestational weight gain, food cravings and possible eating disorder behaviours. They have additional challenges when pregnant, with management of their mental health and physical health having a direct impact. Interventional strategies in this population should incorporate findings from this research.

Sustained delivery of olanzapine from sunflower oil-based polyol-urethane nanoparticles synthesised through a cyclic carbonate ring-opening reaction

The forefront horizon of biomedical investigations in recent decades is parcelling-up and delivery of drugs to achieve controlled/targeted release. In this regard, developing green-based delivery systems for a spatiotemporal controlling therapeutic agent have drawn a lot of attention. A facile route based on cyclic carbonate ring-opening reaction has been utilised to synthesise a bio-based polyol-containing urethane bond [polyol-urethane (POU)] as a nanoparticulate drug delivery system of olanzapine in order to enhance its bioavailability. After characterisation, the nanoparticles were also estimated for in vitro release, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic studies. As olanzapine has shown poor bioavailability and permeability in the brain, the sustained release of olanzapine from the designed carriers could enhance pharmacokinetic effectiveness. POU in the aqueous solution formed micelles with a hydrophobic core and embedded olanzapine under the influence of its hydrophobic nature. Drug release from the nanoparticles (90 ± 0.43 nm in diameter) indicated a specific pattern with initial burst release, and then a sustained release behaviour (82 ± 3% after 168 h), by the Higuchi-based release mechanism. Pharmacokinetics assessments of POU-olanzapine nanoparticles were carried in male Wistar rats through intravenous administration. The obtained results paved a way to introduce the POU as an efficient platform to enhance the bioavailability of olanzapine in therapeutic methods.

Cardiometabolic Risk in First Episode Psychosis Patients

Previous research in patients with schizophrenia in European and USA population groups has demonstrated a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and disease progression (~35%-40%) and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and long-term mortality. Limited research has determined the prevalence of existing cardiometabolic risk factors at onset of a first episode psychosis. This cross-sectional study presents a clinical overview of the cardiometabolic risk profile in young people with first episode psychosis in the UK. Forty-six participants (72% male) clinically diagnosed with first episode psychosis (n = 25), schizophrenia (n = 13), bipolar disorder (n = 4), unspecified non-organic psychosis (n = 2) or acute psychotic episode (n = 2) with < 6 months Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP; mean 33.4 ± 37.2 days) were assessed for anthropometric, health risk behaviors and clinical measurements including resting heart rate, blood pressure, blood lipids, glycated hemoglobin, and prolactin. Overall, participants (aged 18-37 years) had a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors due to: elevated values for BMI (73%) and abdominal adiposity (50%), blood pressure (47% prehypertensive; 23% hypertensive), resting heart rate (43%); hypercholesterolemia (32%); suboptimal HDL-C levels (36%); and hypertriglyceridemia (40%). Participants also self-reported poor health risk habits including smoking (55%), alcohol use (39%), substance use (18%), poor diet (52%), and sedentary behavior (29%). Young people with psychosis are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders due to elevated clinical markers and health risk behaviors. Physical health interventions (including health behavior advice) are needed early in the treatment process to address this increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders in individuals recently diagnosed with psychosis.

Cardiometabolic Adverse Effects and Its Predictors in Children and Adolescents With First-Episode Psychosis During Treatment With Quetiapine-Extended Release Versus Aripiprazole: 12-Week Results From the Tolerance and Effect of Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents With Psychosis (TEA) Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate cardiometabolic effects and their predictors in youths with first-episode psychosis (FEP) treated with quetiapine-extended release (ER) versus aripiprazole.

METHOD

Youths with FEP who were 12 to 17 years of age were randomized to quetiapine-ER or aripiprazole in the 12-week, double-blinded, Tolerability and Efficacy of Antipsychotics (TEA) trial. Primary outcome was change in body weight; secondary outcomes were changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and lipid and glucose metabolism parameters. Possible predictors of cardiometabolic changes were examined.

RESULTS

Altogether, 113 patients (schizophrenia-spectrum disorders = 93%; age [mean ± SD] = 15.7 ± 1.4 years; male participants = 30.1%) were randomized to quetiapine-ER (n = 55) or aripiprazole (n = 58). Quetiapine-ER led to significant increases in body weight (4.88 kg, 95% CI = 3.92-5.83, p < .0001), BMI z-score (0.43, 95% CI = 0.33-0.53, p < .0001), and WC z-score (0.97, CI = 0.7-1.23, p < .0001). Changes were significantly smaller with aripiprazole (all between-group p values <.0001): body weight: 1.97 kg (CI = 0.97-2.97, p = .0001), BMI z-score: 0.10 (CI = -0.01 to 0.20, p = .0646), and WC z-score: 0.18 (CI = -0.09 to 0.45, p = .1968). Lipid and glucose metabolism parameters increased significantly at week 4 and week 12 only with quetiapine-ER (p range = 0.0001-0.037). Quetiapine-ER was associated with an increased occurrence of obesity, elevated blood lipids and hyperinsulinemia (p range = 0.004-0.039). Early weight gain, obesity, or type 2 diabetes in the family significantly predicted weight and BMI gain at week 12.

CONCLUSION

In youths with FEP, quetiapine-ER was associated with significantly greater weight gain and adverse changes in metabolic outcomes than was aripiprazole. Early weight gain must be addressed and family lifestyle factors taken into consideration when treating youths with antipsychotics.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Tolerance and Effect of Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents With Psychosis (TEA); https://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01119014.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors in an African-Caribbean population with severe mental illness

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with severe mental illness (SMI) on a Caribbean island, Curaçao, using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Among 350 patients (240 men and 110 women) with a mean age of 51.9 years (S.D.=13.5) MetS prevalence was 37.4%, significantly higher in female patients (63.6%) compared to male patients (25.4%). Increased waist circumference was present in 51.1%, low HDL in 50.6%, hypertension in 49.4%, hyperglycemia in 28.6% and 25.7% had hypertriglyceridemia. Except for hypertriglyceridemia, all criteria were more prevalent in female patients. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender, outpatient treatment setting and the absence of substance use disorder were all significant predictors for MetS. Compared to data from the general population obtained by the 2013 National Health Survey Curaçao, this study showed significantly higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in patients with SMI. Moreover, female patients had the highest prevalence of diabetes (28.2%), obesity (50.0%) and increased waist circumference (88.2%). This study demonstrates that African-Caribbean patients with SMI are at high-risk for MetS, especially female patients. Our data suggest to focus on modifiable lifestyle risk factors, as promoting physical activity and healthy dietary habits.

Dietary Intake, Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle-Related Factors in People with Schizophrenia

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary intake of both inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia in the Portuguese population as a potential key contributing factor to the poor physical health profiles, and understand the relationship of diet quality to other lifestyle factors. Participants of this cross-sectional study completed a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was determined by adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. In addition participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short-Form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Tobacco smoking was assessed through a series of general questions. A total of 100 patients (50% inpatients and 28% female) with schizophrenia were included in the final analysis. Patients reported a high consumption of caffeine, while deficits were evident for fibre and folate intakes, when compared to the European Food Safety Authority recommendations. Both inpatients and outpatients reported poor to moderate diet quality. Smokers reported poorer diet quality when compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Dietary intake, and its relationship to other lifestyle components, should be considered for intervention, in order to improve physical health of people living with schizophrenia.

Exploring Severe Mental Illness and Diabetes: Protocol for a Longitudinal, Observational, and Qualitative Mixed Methods Study

Background

The average life expectancy for people with a severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is 15 to 20 years less than that for the population as a whole. Diabetes contributes significantly to this inequality, being 2 to 3 times more prevalent in people with SMI. Various risk factors have been implicated, including side effects of antipsychotic medication and unhealthy lifestyles, which often occur in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage and health care inequality. However, little is known about how these factors may interact to influence the risk of developing diabetes and poor diabetic outcomes, or how the organization and provision of health care may contribute.

Objective

This study aims to identify the determinants of diabetes and to explore variation in diabetes outcomes for people with SMI.

Methods

This study will employ a concurrent mixed methods design combining the interrogation of electronic primary care health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) with qualitative interviews with adults with SMI and diabetes, their relatives and friends, and health care staff. The study has been funded for 2 years, from September 2017 to September 2019, and data collection has recently ended.

Results

CPRD and linked health data will be used to explore the association of sociodemographics, illness, and health care–related factors with both the development and outcomes of type 2 diabetes in people with SMI. Experiences of managing the comorbidity and accessing health care will be explored through qualitative interviews using topic guides informed by evidence synthesis and expert consultation. Findings from both datasets will be merged to develop a more comprehensive understanding of diabetes risks, interventions, and outcomes for people with SMI. Findings will be translated into recommendations for interventions and services using co-design workshops.

Conclusions

Improving diabetes outcomes for people with SMI is a high-priority area nationally and globally. Understanding how risk factors combine to generate high prevalence of diabetes and poor diabetic outcomes for this population is a necessary first step in developing health care interventions to improve outcomes for people with diabetes and SMI.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03534921; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03534921

Willingness to use smartphone apps for lifestyle management among patients with schizophrenia

Mobile technology is a popular intervention mode for patients with schizophrenia because of its accessibility and functionality. We examined patients' willingness to use smartphone apps for lifestyle management and its effect on self-reported lifestyle habits. Five hundred fifty-five inpatients from various mental health institutions participated. Willingness to use smartphone apps was associated with age, education, income, device type, and body mass index. Positive opinions on smartphone app use were significantly associated with willingness to use apps, which was significantly associated with dietary and living habits. Thus, improving willingness to use apps can help patients improve their lifestyle, potentially preventing relapse.

Association of metabolic syndrome and its components with suicidal ideation and depression in adults: A nationally representative sample of the Korean population

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the association of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. This study examined the associations of MetS and its components with suicidal ideation and depression and determined the mediation effect of self-rated health (SRH) on these associations.

METHODS

This study was conducted using cross-sectional data on 9867 people (aged ≥ 19 years old) collected in 2014 and 2016 from a nationally representative sample of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The associations of MetS with suicidal ideation and depression were estimated after adjusting for potential confounding factors using logistic regression analyses, and a mediation analysis by Hayes and Preacher was used to estimate the mediation pathway between such associations through SRH.

RESULT

After adjusting for confounding factors, suicidal ideation was associated with MetS. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were associated with two components of MetS: high triglyceride level and high fasting plasma glucose level. In the mediation analysis, we found a significant mediating effect of SRH on the association between high triglyceride level and suicidal ideation.

LIMITATIONS

We cannot elucidate causal relationships because of the cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides the implication that a high triglyceride level and elevated fasting plasma glucose level may contribute suicidal risk and depressive symptoms in adults and that SRH may contribute to the development of suicidal ideation in adults via the apparent interaction with one of the components of MetS-high triglyceride level.

Risk of readmission in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder newly prescribed clozapine

BACKGROUND

Insight into the effect of clozapine is limited by a lack of controlling for confounding variables in current research. Our objective was to investigate the association between clozapine prescribed at discharge, following an inpatient episode, and risk of readmission into secondary mental health services in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, controlling extensively for confounding variables.

METHODS

Clinical records from 3651 patients were analysed in a retrospective observational cohort study. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to assess the risk of hospital readmission. A series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Propensity score methods were used to address confounding-by-indication.

RESULTS

Patients on clozapine ( n=202) had a reduced risk of readmission compared with patients on other antipsychotics (adjusted hazard ratio=0.79; 95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.99; p=0.043). Clozapine also had a protective effect on risk of readmission when compared with olanzapine (adjusted hazard ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.96; p=0.021). The effect size remained consistent after adjusting for an array of possible confounders, as well as using propensity scores to address confounding-by-indication. A statistically significant result was also noted in all but two sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that clozapine is associated with a reduced risk of readmission into secondary mental health services.

Effect of cannabis on weight and metabolism in first-episode non-affective psychosis: Results from a three-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Cannabis smoking is highly prevalent among patients with psychotic disorders. Its use has been found to be related to clinical characteristics and the prognosis of the disorder. Recent evidence indicates a protective effect of cannabis on weight gain and related metabolic alterations. However, there are no previous studies on the long-term longitudinal effects of cannabis on first-episode drug-naïve patients, which would thereby avoid the confounding effects of chronicity and previous treatment exposure. We aimed to explore the effect of cannabis smoking on weight and lipid/glycaemic metabolic measures in a sample of first-episode non-affective psychosis patients.

METHOD

Anthropometric measurements and glycaemic and lipid parameters were obtained at baseline and three years after initiation of treatment. Patients self-reported their cannabis use at both time points. To explore the longitudinal effect of cannabis, patients were divided into three groups: continuers, discontinuers and non-users.

RESULTS

Cannabis users at baseline presented a lower weight ( F=14.85, p<0.001), body mass index ( F=13.14, p<0.001), total cholesterol ( F=4.85, p=0.028) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( F=6.26, p=0.013) compared to non-users. These differences were also observed after three years: weight ( F=8.07, p=0.005), body mass index ( F=4.66, p=0.032) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( F=3.91, p=0.049). Moreover, those patients discontinuing cannabis use presented a higher increase in weight ( F=2.98, p=0.052), body mass index ( F=2.73, p=0.067) and triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein ratio ( F=2.72, p=0.067) than the 'non-users' and 'continuers'.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that cannabis use may produce a protective effect against weight gain and related metabolic alterations in psychosis. However, these results need to be replicated in a larger sample size.

Metabolic abnormalities and low dietary Omega 3 are associated with symptom severity and worse functioning prior to the onset of psychosis: Findings from the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Studies Consortium

OBJECTIVE

Patients with schizophrenia have a high prevalence of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular mortality. It is possible that a vulnerability to metabolic abnormalities is associated with risk for psychosis, symptoms and functionality. In this study, we evaluate demographic information, cardiometabolic indices, symptoms and functioning in an antipsychotic free cohort at Clinical High Risk (CHR) for psychosis from the NAPLS Omega 3 fatty acid clinical trial.

METHOD

Subjects received physical exams and metabolic monitoring prior to randomization into the Omega 3 versus Placebo trial. Anthropometrical measures, vital signs, glucose, and lipids were assessed along with symptoms, functioning, dietary Omega 3 fatty acids, erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid content and a measure of lipid peroxidation (TBARS, Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances).

RESULTS

The sample included 113 CHR subjects (42.1% female; 17.5% Latino) ages 12-29. The mean BMI was 24.3 with a trend toward higher BMI and a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome in Latino subjects; 36% of the sample was obese/overweight; 37.6% met criteria for prehypertension/hypertension; 4.2% met criteria for prediabetes/diabetes; 9.6% showed evidence of insulin resistance and 44.7% had dyslipidemia. The TBARS was elevated at 9.8 μM ± 6.1 (normal 1.86-3.94 μM). Metabolic parameters and a diet low in Omega 3 rich foods were significantly associated with prodromal symptoms and poor functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

CHR subjects show a high percentage of metabolic abnormalities prior to exposure to antipsychotic medication. These findings reinforce that early detection of metabolic disturbances and food insecurity is crucial since these factors are modifiable with the potential for significant gains in terms of quality of life, physical and mental health.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to evaluate the weight gain drug, mirtazapine transdermal ointment, in cats with unintended weight loss

Mirtazapine is classified as a weight gain drug in cats, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate its efficacy in cats experiencing unintended weight loss. This was a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study in client-owned cats ≥1 year of age, weighing ≥2 kg, with a documented loss (≥5%) in body weight. Cats were treated once daily with either 2 mg/cat mirtazapine transdermal ointment (n = 83) or placebo (n = 94) (Per Protocol population) applied to the inner surface of the pinna for 14 ± 3 days. Physical examination, body weight, complete blood count, serum chemistry, and urinalysis were performed prior to treatment and on Day 14. Changes in body weight between the mirtazapine and placebo groups were evaluated from Day 1 to Day 14 and compared using a two-sample t test. The mean percent change in body weight was +3.9% (standard deviation ±5.4%) in the mirtazapine group and +0.4% (±3.3%) in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The most common adverse event was mild erythema at the application site in 17.4% of placebo and 10.4% of mirtazapine-treated cats. Application of mirtazapine transdermal ointment was well tolerated both topically and systemically and resulted in significant weight gain in cats experiencing unintended weight loss associated with various underlying diseases.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Schizophrenia Who Successfully Discontinued Antipsychotics: A Literature Review

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Although discontinuing antipsychotics clearly increases the risk of relapse in schizophrenia, some patients remain clinically well without continuous antipsychotic treatment. However, data on the characteristics of such patients are still scarce.

METHODS/PROCEDURES

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify predictive factors for successful antipsychotic discontinuation in schizophrenia using PubMed (last search; June 2018) with the following search terms: (antipsychotic* or neuroleptic) AND (withdraw* or cessat* or terminat* or discontinu*) AND (schizophreni* or psychosis). The search was filtered with humans and English. Factors associated with a lower risk of relapse, when replicated in 2 or more studies with a follow-up period of 3 months or longer, were considered successful.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

Systematic literature search identified 37 relevant articles. Mean relapse rate after antipsychotic discontinuation was 38.3% (95% confidence interval = 16.0%-60.6%) per year. Factors associated with a lower risk of relapse were being maintained on a lower antipsychotic dose before discontinuation, older age, shorter duration of untreated psychosis, older age at the onset of illness, a lower severity of positive symptoms at baseline, better social functioning, and a lower number of previous relapses.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

Although this literature review suggests some predictors for successful antipsychotic withdrawal in patients with schizophrenia, the very limited evidence base and unequivocally high relapse rates after discontinuation must remain a matter of serious debate for risk/benefit considerations.

Reduced heart rate variability in a treatment-seeking early psychosis sample

Reduced cardiac autonomic function is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with heart rate variability (HRV) providing an accessible index of cardiac autonomic function. HRV may provide a candidate physiological mechanism linking reduced cardiac autonomic function to increased risk for CVD in schizophrenia illness. This study examines whether HRV is also reduced in a community sample of treatment-seeking participants experiencing early psychosis (n = 48) compared to healthy volunteers (n = 48) and social anxiety control groups (n = 48) matched by gender and age. HRV was assessed during a five-minute interbeat interval recording at rest. Participants also completed self-report psychiatric symptom measures. Early psychosis participants showed significant reductions in HRV compared to social anxiety and healthy control groups. Reductions in HRV were also observed in early psychosis participants taking anticholinergic medications compared to both control groups taking cardio-benign medications or who were non-medicated. Lastly, whether or not early psychosis participants were taking anticholinergic medications was not associated with reductions in HRV. Findings provide preliminary evidence that early psychosis is associated with reduced HRV. This study supports further research with larger sample sizes to precisely determine the influence of anticholinergic drugs on HRV in early psychosis populations.

Incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type-2-diabetes mellitus in patients with psychiatric disorders

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type-2-diabetes in patients with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

A population-based study was conducted using the Swedish national health registries. Patients were identified from the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in 20 primary care centers and were categorized in four diagnosis cohorts according to their first psychiatric diagnosis: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or other mood disorder. A control cohort of patients with no psychiatric disorders followed in the same primary care centers was also identified. Incident CVD and type-2-diabetes were defined as the presence of a diagnosis of CVD or diabetes during the follow-up period in patients without prior event.

RESULTS

The age and sex standardized incidence rate of CVD was 13.5 per 1000 patient-year in the patients with any psychiatric disorder versus 6.3 per 1000 patient-year in the controls. A similar trend was observed for incident diabetes (5.7 versus 3.4 per 1000 patient-year, respectively). The bipolar disorder and the schizophrenia cohorts showed the highest standardized incidence rates.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of CVD and to a lesser extent type-2-diabetes was particularly high in patients with psychiatric disorders. This carries strong clinical implications for the prevention of CVD and type-2-diabetes in these patients.

Predictors and Moderators of Antipsychotic-Related Weight Gain in the Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Study

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic-related weight gain is a common clinically relevant side effect when treating psychotic disorders in pediatric populations, yet few predictors and no moderators of antipsychotic-related weight gain are known.

METHODS

The Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (TEOSS) study randomized 119 youths (age 8-19 years) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment with molindone, risperidone, or olanzapine and assessed treatment response and side effects. In this secondary analysis, we used multivariable linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis to investigate predictors and moderators of weight change and percent weight change from baseline to week 8.

RESULTS

Treatment assignment was the most discriminant predictor of weight change [F(2, 66) = 17.00, p < 0.001] and percent weight change [F(2, 66) = 16.85, p < 0.001]. Mean weight gain was 0.74 (standard deviation ±3.51) kg for molindone, 4.13 ± 3.79 kg for risperidone, and 7.29 ± 3.44 kg for olanzapine. After adjusting for treatment assignment, lower pretreatment hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1C) predicted more weight gain [F(1, 55) = 4.71, p = 0.03]. Diagnosis (schizoaffective vs. schizophrenia) moderated weight change [F(2, 63) = 6.02, p = 0.004] and percent weight change [F(2, 63) = 5.26, p = 0.008] such that schizoaffective diagnosis predicted larger weight gain for youths in the risperidone treatment arm. Age, sex, family income, baseline weight, and symptoms neither predicted nor moderated weight change or percent weight change.

CONCLUSION

We identified prognostic subgroups and novel risk factors for antipsychotic-related weight gain. We confirmed that antipsychotic choice is extremely important for predicting future weight gain. We also found that younger age did not predict greater weight gain, in contrast to prior studies. Our findings require replication in an independent sample because we did not adjust for multiple comparisons to minimize false negatives. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00053703.

Antipsychotics and mortality in a nationwide cohort of 29,823 patients with schizophrenia

INTRODUCTION

It has remained controversial if antipsychotic treatment is associated with increased or decreased mortality among patients with schizophrenia, and if there are any clinically meaningful differences between specific agents and routes of administration.

METHODS

We linked prospectively gathered nationwide register-based data during 2006-2013 to study all-cause mortality among all patients aged 16-64years with schizophrenia in Sweden (N=29,823 in total; N=4603 in the incident cohort). Multivariate Cox regression models were adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic covariates. Sensitivity analyses with the incident cohort were conducted to control for survival bias.

RESULTS

During the mean follow-up of 5.7years, 2515 patients (8.4%) died. During the maximum follow-up (7.5years), the lowest cumulative mortality was observed for second generation (SG) long-acting injection (LAI) use (7.5%). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) compared to SG LAI use were 1.37 (95%CI 1.01-1.86) for first generation (FG) LAIs, 1.52 (1.13-2.05) for SG orals, 1.83 (1.33-2.50) for FG orals, and 3.39 (2.53-4.56) for nonuse of antipsychotics. Concerning specific agents, the lowest mortality was observed for once-monthly paliperidone LAI (0.11, 0.03-0.43), oral aripiprazole (0.22, 0.15-0.34), and risperidone LAI (0.31, 0.23-0.43). In pairwise comparison, LAIs were associated with 33% lower mortality than equivalent orals (0.67, 0.56-0.80). The results with incident cohort were consistent with the primary analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with schizophrenia, LAI use is associated with an approximately 30% lower risk of death compared with oral agents. SG LAIs and oral aripiprazole are associated with the lowest mortality.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk in an Italian psychiatric outpatient sample: A chart review of patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics

Despite the call by the scientific community for a systematic monitoring of physical health in people with psychiatric illnesses, national and international audits have reported poor quality of cardiovascular risk assessments and management in this vulnerable population. Available evidence indicates that in people affected by mental illness, life expectancy is reduced by 10-20 years, mainly due to cardiovascular accidents and metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related diseases. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of cardiovascular risk monitoring in an outpatient sample of patients taking second-generation antipsychotics. The sample consisted of 200 patients consecutively recruited from two community mental health centres. A clinical chart review was performed on the following laboratory tests: total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein, serum triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Blood pressure and waist circumference were measured. A complete cardiovascular risk assessment was available only in 60 patients out of 200 (33.3%). The only variable associated with laboratory tests for MetS was receiving three or more psychotropic medications, which increased fourfold the probability of metabolic screening. In the subsample of patients with full screening, the prevalence of MetS was 33.3%. Our findings suggest that mental health professionals working in community mental health services should incorporate a more systematic assessment of physical health in their practice, and intervene proactively to reduce the significant cardiovascular burden carried by people with several mental illness.