Antipsychotics and hyperprolactinaemia: clinical recommendations

Treatment of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Background

Hyperprolactinemia is a common antipsychotic-induced adverse event in psychiatric patients, and the quality of clinical studies investigating the best treatments has varied. Thus, to better summarize the clinical evidence, we performed an umbrella review of overlapping systematic reviews and meta-analyses for the treatment of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus and EMBASE were searched, and reviews and meta-analyses meeting our inclusion criteria were selected. Relevant data were extracted, and an umbrella review was conducted of all included meta-analyses. The quality of included meta-analyses was assessed by using PRISMA scores and AMSTAR 2 quality evaluation. Finally, the clinical evidence for appropriate treatments was summarized and discussed.

Results

Five meta-analyses published between 2013 and 2020 met the requirements for inclusion in this umbrella review. The PRISMA scores of the included meta-analyses ranged from 19.5-26. AMSTAR 2 quality evaluation showed that 2 of the 5 included meta-analyses were of low quality and 3 were of very low quality. The included meta-analyses provide clinical evidence that adding aripiprazole or a dopamine agonist can effectively and safely improve antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Two meta-analyses also showed that adjunctive metformin can reduce serum prolactin level, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding.

Conclusion

Adjunctive dopamine agonists have been proven to be effective and safe for the treatment of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Among the researched treatments, adding aripiprazole may be the most appropriate.

Antipsychotic polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions among adults in a London mental health service, 2008-2018

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) occurs commonly but it is unclear whether it is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Electronic health records (EHRs) offer an opportunity to examine APP using real-world data. In this study, we use EHR data to identify periods when patients were prescribed 2 + antipsychotics and compare these with periods of antipsychotic monotherapy. To determine the relationship between APP and subsequent instances of ADRs: QT interval prolongation, hyperprolactinaemia, and increased body weight [body mass index (BMI) ⩾ 25].

METHODS

We extracted anonymised EHR data. Patients aged 16 + receiving antipsychotic medication at Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018 were included. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to elucidate the relationship between APP and the subsequent presence of QT interval prolongation, hyperprolactinaemia, and/or increased BMI following a period of APP within 7, 30, or 180 days respectively.

RESULTS

We identified 35 409 observations of antipsychotic prescribing among 13 391 patients. Compared with antipsychotic monotherapy, APP was associated with a subsequent increased risk of hyperprolactinaemia (adjusted odds ratio 2.46; 95% CI 1.87-3.24) and of registering a BMI > 25 (adjusted odds ratio 1.75; 95% CI 1.33-2.31) in the period following the APP prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that APP should be carefully managed with attention to hyperprolactinaemia and obesity.

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics related with hyperprolactinaemia in psychiatric clinical population

BACKGROUND

Hyperprolactinaemia (HyperPRL) induced by psychotropic drugs is a high-prevalence consequence which has repercussions in psychical and mental health in the psychiatric population, so this research had the objective to expand which sociodemographic and clinical features are associated with prolactin (PRL) elevation in patients treated with antidepressant and/or antipsychotic drugs.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional, comparative and retrolective study was conducted on 300 patients who received clinical attention in a third level of psychiatric care unit in Mexico during 2017. These patients have been reported to show PRL levels greater than 25 ng/mL among women and greater than 20 ng/mL among men. In the same way, sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, as well as psychiatric diagnosis and type of psychopharmacological treatment used by the patients.

RESULTS

HyperPRL was more frequent in women (80.7%) than men (19.3%). The mean levels of PRL were 68.94 ± 62.28 ng/mL with higher levels in women (71.9 ± 67.3, p=.02). Regarding the treatment, 78.3%, 71.3% and 49.7% consumed antipsychotics, antidepressants, and both drugs, respectively. The relationship between hyperPRL (>100 n/mL) and typical antipsychotics was dose-dependent (33.23 ± 13.24 mg, p=.01). In the multivariate regression models according to the type of treatment, as well as the demographic and clinical features, hyperPRL was associated independently with the use of antipsychotic treatment, pituitary adenoma and hypertension (R²=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HyperPRL is a complex clinical syndrome frequent in the psychiatric population with detrimental long-term consequences, as well as its relationship with the use of psychotropic drugs as in the case of antipsychotics. Effective actions should be implemented in the prevention, approach and treatment of this condition paying special attention to the accompanying medical comorbidities.

Risperidone Induced Hyperprolactinemia: From Basic to Clinical Studies

Risperidone is one of the most commonly used antipsychotics (AP), due to its safety and efficacy in reducing psychotic symptoms. Despite the favorable side effect profile, the therapy is accompanied by side effects due to the non-selectivity of this medicine. This review will briefly highlight the most important basic and clinical findings in this area, consider the clinical effects of AP-induced hyperprolactinemia (HPL), and suggest different approaches to the treatment.The route of application of this drug primarily affects the daily variation and the total concentration of drug levels in the blood, which consequently affects the appearance of side effects, either worsening or even reducing them. Our attention has been drawn to HPL, a frequent but neglected adverse effect observed in cases treated with Risperidone and its secondary manifestations. An increase in prolactin levels above the reference values result in impairment of other somatic functions (lactation, irregular menses, fertility) as well as a significant reduction in quality of life. It has been frequently shown that the side effects of the Risperidone are the most common cause of non-compliance with therapy, resulting in worsening of psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization. However, the mechanism of Risperidone-induced HPL is complicated and still far from fully understood. Most of the preclinical and clinical studies described in this study show that hyperprolactinemia is one of the most common if not the leading side effect of Risperidone therefore to improve the quality of life of these patients, clinicians must recognize and treat HPL associated with the use of these drugs.

Is Adjunct Aripiprazole Effective in Treating Hyperprolactinemia Induced by Psychotropic Medication? A Narrative Review

Psychotropic medication treatment can cause elevated serum prolactin levels and hyperprolactinaemia (HPRL). Reports have suggested that aripiprazole may decrease elevated prolactin. The aim of this review was to assess evidence for the efficacy of adjunct aripiprazole in the treatment of psychotropic-induced HPRL. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of adjunct aripiprazole in patients with HPRL attributed to primary psychotropic medications. Data for individual patients from case studies, chart reviews and open-label studies were also identified and assessed. Six RCTs, with a total of 609 patients, met inclusion criteria. Primary psychotropics included risperidone, haloperidol, paliperidone, fluphenazine and loxapine. Reductions in prolactin from baseline, before the introduction of aripiprazole, were significantly greater for adjunct aripiprazole than for adjunct placebo in all the studies (p = 0.04 to p < 0.0001). Normalisation of serum prolactin levels was significantly more likely with adjunct aripiprazole than adjunct placebo (p = 0.028 to p < 0.001, data from three studies). Improvement or resolution of HPRL-related symptoms (galactorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and sexual dysfunction) were reported in three studies. Prolactin levels decreased in all case reports and in both of two open-label studies; they normalised in 30/41 patients (73.2%) in case studies and 12/29 (41.4%) in the open-label studies. Adjunct aripiprazole was statistically significantly effective in treating elevated serum prolactin levels in six RCTs. Evidence from case reports and open-label studies suggests a degree of effectiveness in most patients.

Antipsychotics-induced hyperprolactinemia and screening for macroprolactin

Introduction

High prolactin (PRL) concentrations are found in laboratory test results of patients on majority of antipsychotic drugs. Prevalence rates and degrees of severity of hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) based on PRL concentration may depend on the presence of macroprolactin in the serum. The aim of the study was to investigate the difference between PRL concentrations before and after precipitation of macroprolactin and to examine if there were any changes in the categorization of HPRL between samples prior and after precipitation.

Materials and methods

Total of 98 female patients (median age 33; range 19-47 years) diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, proscribed antipsychotic drugs, and with HPRL were included. Total PRL concentration and PRL concentration after macroprolactin precipitation with polyethylene glycol (postPEG-PRL) were determined by the chemiluminometric method on the Beckman Coulter Access2 analyser.

Results

Total PRL concentrations (median 1471; IQC: 1064-2016 mlU/L) and postPEG-PRL concentrations (median 1453; IQC: 979-1955 mlU/L) were significantly correlated using intraclass correlation coefficient for single measurements (mean estimation 0.96; 95%CI 0.93-0.97) and average measurement (mean estimation 0.98; 95%CI 0.96-0.99), and all investigated female patient had HPRL according to PRL and postPEG-PRL concentration. The median PRL recovery following PEG precipitation was 95; IQC: 90-100%. There was substantial agreement (kappa test = 0.859, 95% CI: 0.764-0.953) between the categories of HPRL severity based on total PRL concentrations and postPEG-PRL concentrations.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that HPRL was present in all subjects using the reference interval for total PRL concentration and postPEG-PRL concentration with no significant impact of macroprolactin presence in the serum on the categorization of patients according to severity of HPRL.

Antipsychotic-induced Hyperprolactinemia in aging populations: Prevalence, implications, prevention and management

This paper reviews the prevalence, implications, prevention and management of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia in aging populations. Antipsychotics are indicated mainly for the treatment of psychotic illness but are also used in other conditions. Complications induced by antipsychotics increase with age, due to age-related changes in drug metabolism and excretion. Almost all antipsychotics lead to hyperprolactinemia by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, which counteracts dopamine's inhibitory action on prolactin secretion. The main findings of this narrative review are that, though many of the known side effects of high prolactin levels lose their salience with age, the risk of exacerbating osteoporosis remains critical. Methods of preventing antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia in older individuals include using antipsychotic medication (AP) as sparingly as possible and monitoring AP serum levels, regularly measuring prolactin levels, closely monitoring bone density, treating substance abuse, and teaching patients stress management techniques. When hyperprolactinemia symptoms cannot be otherwise managed, adjunctive drugs are available. Potential helpful adjuncts are: dopamine agonists, antipsychotics with partial agonist properties (e.g. aripiprazole), selective estrogen receptor modulators, and metformin. Because a gold standard for prevention/treatment has not been established, clinical decisions need to be made based on safety and individual circumstance.

Genetic Variation of a DRD2 Co-expression Network is Associated with Changes in Prefrontal Function After D2 Receptors Stimulation

Dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) contribute to the inverted U-shaped relationship between dopamine signaling and prefrontal function. Genetic networks from post-mortem human brain revealed 84 partner genes co-expressed with DRD2. Moreover, eight functional single nucleotide polymorphisms combined into a polygenic co-expression index (PCI) predicted co-expression of this DRD2 network and were associated with prefrontal function in humans. Here, we investigated the non-linear association of the PCI with behavioral and Working Memory (WM) related brain response to pharmacological D2Rs stimulation. Fifty healthy volunteers took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, functional MRI (fMRI) study with bromocriptine and performed the N-Back task. The PCI by drug interaction was significant on both WM behavioral scores (P = 0.046) and related prefrontal activity (all corrected P < 0.05) using a polynomial PCI model. Non-linear responses under placebo were reversed by bromocriptine administration. fMRI results on placebo were replicated in an independent sample of 50 participants who did not receive drug administration (P = 0.034). These results match earlier evidence in non-human primates and confirm the physiological relevance of this DRD2 co-expression network. Results show that in healthy subjects, different alleles evaluated as an ensemble are associated with non-linear prefrontal responses. Therefore, brain response to a dopaminergic drug may depend on a complex system of allelic patterns associated with DRD2 co-expression.

Prolactin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Conventional Antipsychotic Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum profiles of prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia treated with conventional antipsychotic medication.

Material/Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study included 118 patients, age range 18–57 years (55 men, 63 women), with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia. All patients were stable after antipsychotic treatment. Serum levels of hormones, including prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), were detected in venous blood. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score was used to measure symptom severity of patients with schizophrenia. The Mandarin Chinese version of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), a 5-item scale, was used to measure sexual function.

Results

There were 66 patients (55.9%) who had hyperprolactinemia, the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was markedly higher in the sexual dysfunction group than the non-sexual dysfunction group (91.8% vs. 17.5%) (P<0.001). Mean prolactin levels were significantly increased in patients with sexual dysfunction compared with the patients without sexual dysfunction (P<0.001), with a higher incidence in female patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia were found to be independently associated with sexual dysfunction, and an increased PANSS negative score was an independent risk factor for the development of sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions

The incidence of sexual dysfunction was significantly increased in patients with schizophrenia. Hyperprolactinemia and subclinical hypothyroidism were associated with sexual dysfunction, especially in female patients.

Hormonal Risk Factors for Osteoporosis: Different Profile Among Antipsychotics

Objectives: Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for fracture and treatment is mainly preventive. Patients with severe psychiatric condition and treated with antipsychotics are at risk for vitamin D deficiency and iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia, two serious risk factors of osteoporosis. We aim to determine whether all antipsychotics are similar regarding the risk of osteoporosis in young patients. Methods: From January 2009 to March 2015, we determined the vitamin D blood level (VDBL) among 484 inpatients and from January 2012 to March 2015, we determined the prolactin blood level (PBL) among 205 inpatients. We systematically recorded well-documented risk factors (e.g., age, gender, ethnic origin, body mass index, or season) and suspected risk factors (e.g., disease type or antipsychotic treatment). Results: Up to 89% of the inpatients had a VDBL under the recommended threshold. Up to 60% of the inpatients had hyperprolactinemia. The multivariate model found a significant effect on VDBL for seasonality (higher VDBL in summer), ethnicity (lower VDBL in Black individuals), and treatment exposure. The multivariate model found a significant effect on PBL for gender and treatment exposure. In both models, aripiprazole had a safer profile compared with other antipsychotics. Conclusion: Because adolescence is a period of bone construction and a critical window of opportunity for maximizing bone mass, we recommend vitamin D supplementation in young patients with severe mental condition. It could be interesting to reconsider to regularly monitor PBL among youth patients treated with antipsychotic, with the exception of aripiprazole.

Prevalence and risk factors of hyperprolactinemia among patients with various psychiatric diagnoses and medications

OBJECTIVES

Hyperprolactinemia is a common adverse event associated with psychotropic medications (mainly antipsychotics) used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in psychiatric patients and to evaluate its association with various psychiatric diagnoses and the use of various psychotropic medications.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between July 2012 and June 2014. Patients were recruited from a number of hospitals located in the five regions of Saudi Arabia. Hyperprolactinemia was defined as blood prolactin levels >25 ng/mL in females and >20 ng/mL in males, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 997 patients (553 males and 444 females) were included in the current analysis. The average blood prolactin level was 32.6 ± 44.1 ng/mL, with higher levels among females than males (42.9 ± 61.3 versus 24.4 ± 18.6, p < .001). The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was 44.3%, with no significant gender difference (41.9% in females versus 46.3% in males, p = .164) but with huge variability according to individual antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, hyperprolactinemia was independently and positively associated with using antipsychotic medications (OR = 2.08, 1.26-3.42, p = .004). Additionally, previous hospitalisation, diabetes and hypothyroidism were positively associated, whereas having primary depressive disorders was negatively associated.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a high prevalence of hyperprolactinemia among a large sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia, which was linked to the use of antipsychotic medications. Routine measurement of blood prolactin levels for all patients maintained on antipsychotic agents is recommended, regardless of symptoms.

Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications

The benefits of antipsychotic medications are sometimes obscured by their adverse effects. These effects range from relatively minor tolerability issues (e.g., mild sedation or dry mouth) to very unpleasant (e.g., constipation, akathisia, sexual dysfunction) to painful (e.g., acute dystonias) to disfiguring (e.g., weight gain, tardive dyskinesia) to life-threatening (e.g., myocarditis, agranulocytosis). Importantly, adverse effect profiles are specific to each antipsychotic medication and do not neatly fit into first- and second-generation classifications. This paper reviews management strategies for the most frequent side effects and identifies common principles intended to optimize net antipsychotic benefits. Only use antipsychotics if the indication is clear; only continue antipsychotics if a benefit is discernible. If an antipsychotic is providing substantial benefit, and the adverse effect is not life-threatening, then the first management choice is to lower the dose or adjust the dosing schedule. The next option is to change the antipsychotic; this is often reasonable unless the risk of relapse is high. In some instances, behavioral interventions can be tried. Finally, concomitant medications, though generally not desirable, are necessary in many instances and can provide considerable relief. Among concomitant medication strategies, anticholinergic medications for dystonias and parkinsonism are often effective; beta-blockers and anticholinergic medications are useful for akathisia; and metformin may lead to slight to moderate weight loss. Anticholinergic drops applied sublingually reduce sialorrhea. Usual medications are effective for constipation or dyslipidemias. The clinical utility of recently approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, is unclear.

Hyperprolactinaemia and antipsychotics

This overview explains antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia and offers guidance on the management of this common and underestimated problem in general psychiatric practice.

Management of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common endocrine disorder that can be associated with significant morbidity. Antipsychotic medications are frequently linked to hyperprolactinaemia. This disorder usually presents as menstrual problems in women and sexual problems in men, which affect the patients' quality of life and adherence to antipsychotic treatment. In the past, treatment for hyperprolactinaemia was recommended only for symptomatic patients. However, it has become clear that persistent asymptomatic hyperprolactinaemia can be associated with long-term physical morbidities such as osteoporosis and possibly breast cancer. Hence, it is imperative that hyperprolactinaemia is managed even if asymptomatic when initially detected. This article discusses the various management options, such as reducing the dose of antipsychotic medication, switching to a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic and adding aripiprazole to the treatment regimen.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the physiology of the prolactin hormone

• Be able to judge when to intervene if a patient on an antipsychotic medication presents with hyperprolactinaemia

• Learn about the different treatment options

Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia: case studies and review

Antipsychotics are a known cause of hyperprolactinaemia and can be associated with significant health issues in short term and long term. The effects vary with gender and age of the individual and can contribute towards non-concordance and hence relapse in mental health of our patients. Clinicians need to educate the patients about this significant side effect of not only antipsychotic medications but other medications causing hyperprolactinaemia commonly prescribed in primary care.

Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia: synthesis of world-wide guidelines and integrated recommendations for assessment, management and future research

RATIONALE

Hyperprolactinemia is a highly prevalent adverse effect of many antipsychotic agents, with potentially serious health consequences. Several guidelines have been developed for the management of this condition; yet, their concordance has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this paper were (1) to review current clinical guidelines; (2) to review key systematic evidence for management; and (3) based on our findings, to develop an integrated management recommendation specific to male and female patients who are otherwise clinically stabilised on antipsychotics.

METHODS

We performed searches of Medline and EMBASE, supplemented with guideline-specific database and general web searches, to identify clinical guidelines containing specific recommendations for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, produced/updated 01/01/2010-15/09/2016. A separate systematic search was performed to identify emerging management approaches described in reviews and meta-analyses published ≥ 2010.

RESULTS

There is some consensus among guidelines relating to baseline PRL screening (8/12 guidelines), screening for differential diagnosis (7/12) and discontinuing/switching PRL-raising agent (7/12). Guidelines otherwise diverge substantially regarding most aspects of screening, monitoring and management (e.g. treatment with dopamine agonists). There is an omission of clear sex-specific recommendations. Systematic literature on management approaches is promising; more research is needed. An integrated management recommendation is presented to guide sex-specific clinical response to antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Key aspects include asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia monitoring and fertility considerations with PRL normalisation.

CONCLUSION

Further empirical work is key to shaping robust guidelines for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. The integrated management recommendation can assist clinician and patient decision-making, with the goal of balancing effective psychiatric treatment while minimising PRL-related adverse health effects in male and female patients.

Female schizophrenia patients and risk of breast cancer: A population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. This population-based cohort study aimed to examine the association between breast cancer in female schizophrenia patients and its association with the use of antipsychotics drugs.

METHODS

All study subjects were selected from the Taiwan Insurance Claims Data (1998-2008). We compared the risk for breast cancer between female schizophrenia patients receiving antipsychotics (n=29,641) with female patients without any serious mental illnesses nor receiving antipsychotic drugs (n=59,282). We also compared between patients on 1) first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) alone; 2) combination of first and second generation antipsychotics (SGAs); and 3) SGAs alone. We then stratified those on SGAs into two subgroups according to their prolactin-elevating properties: risperidone (RIS), paliperidone (PAL) or amisulpride (AMI) and all other SGAs.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of breast cancer in female schizophrenia patients was 1.94 higher than the non-schizophrenia cohort (aHR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.43-2.63). Schizophrenia patients receiving a combination of FGAs and SGAs had a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than non-schizophrenic patients (aHR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.56-3.01). Patients on RIS, PAL, and AMI had a 1.96-fold risk of breast cancer compared to the non-schizophrenic cohort (95% CI: 1.36-2.82).

CONCLUSIONS

This study raises awareness among both clinicians and patients about the importance of breast cancer screening and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. Due to the nature of our database, confounding factors - such as parity, obesity, hormone therapy, and smoking - could not be controlled for.

Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia in Tourette syndrome

For many years, Tourette syndrome (TS) was considered to be a rare disorder, but tics and TS are now recognized as fairly common childhood-onset conditions. Children and adolescents with TS are frequently treated with antipsychotics, either as monotherapy or in combination with psychostimulants, melatonin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Antipsychotics are most often used in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and in these conditions hyperprolactinemia is one of the most common adverse effects associated with antipsychotics, occurring in 40-50% of patients. We describe two patients with TS who experienced antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Treatment options generally consist of dose reduction or switching from typical to atypical antipsychotics. However, diminishing dosages can lead to exacerbations of tics. Also, not all atypical antipsychotics have the same pharmacologic properties required to normalize prolactin levels. The choice of treatment may also be affected by the patient's age and sex. These factors are discussed in relation to these cases, and illustrated by the results of therapeutic interventions over the years.

Multidisciplinary consensus on the therapeutic recommendations for iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia secondary to antipsychotics

Hyperprolactinemia is an underappreciated/unknown adverse effects of antipsychotics. The consequences of hyperprolactinemia compromise therapeutic adherence and can be serious. We present the consensus recommendations made by a group of experts regarding the management of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. The current consensus was developed in 3 phases: 1, review of the scientific literature; 2, subsequent round table discussion to attempt to reach a consensus among the experts; and 3, review by all of the authors of the final conclusions until reaching a complete consensus. We include recommendations on the appropriate time to act after hyperprolactinemia detection and discuss the evidence on available options: decreasing the dose of the antipsychotic drug, switching antipsychotics, adding aripiprazole, adding dopaminergic agonists, and other type of treatment. The consensus also included recommendations for some specific populations such as patients with a first psychotic episode and the pediatric-youth population, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and the elderly population.

Hyperprolactinemia, prolactin-related side effects and quality of life in Chinese psychiatric patients

PURPOSE

To examine the frequency of hyperprolactinemia and the socio-demographic, clinical, and quality of life (QOL) correlates. The frequency of prolactin-related side effects and associated subjective experiences were also examined.

METHODS

A cohort of 1364 psychiatric inpatients were consecutively recruited and evaluated. Basic socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. Psychopathology, prolactin-related side effects were measured using standardized instruments. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12.

RESULTS

The frequency of hyperprolactinemia was 61.3% in the whole sample; 61.6% in female and 60.8% in male patients. There was no significant association between hyperprolactinemia and any QOL domain. In the whole sample, 15.1% of patients reported moderately severe breast symptoms and lactation, and 53.9% reported moderate or severe discomfort. Nearly a third of female patients (30.4%) reported at least moderate menstrual changes and 50.2% moderate or severe discomfort, while 24.2% of male patients reported at least moderate erectile dysfunction and 52.6% moderate or severe discomfort. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with hyperprolactinemia were less likely to be married, diagnosed with mood disorders, or treated with clozapine, aripiprazole, or antidepressants but more likely to receive risperidone.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective measures to lower the frequency of hyperprolactinemia and the related side effects should be considered in Chinese psychiatric facilities.

Effects of Antipsychotics on Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Schizophrenia: Gender Differences

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis are common in patients with schizophrenia and detrimental to illness prognosis and life quality. Although the pathogenesis is not fully clear, series of studies have revealed factors related to low BMD such as life style, psychotic symptoms, medication use and the activity of bone absorption markers. It has been known that antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia plays a critical role on decreased BMD. However, it remains uncertain whether the risk factors differ between men and women. According to the effect on prolactin, antipsychotics can be classified into two groups: prolactin-sparing (PS) and prolactin-raising (PR). Our previous study has demonstrated that clozapine which is among the PS antipsychotics is beneficial for BMD when compared with PR antipsychotics in women with chronic schizophrenia. We have also found that risks factors associated with low BMD are different between men and women, suggesting that gender-specific risk factors should be considered for intervention of bone loss in patients with schizophrenia. This article reviews the effects of antipsychotics use on BMD with particular discussion for the differences on gender and age, which implicate the alterations of sex and other related hormones. In addition, currently reported protective and risk factors, as well as the effects of medication use on BMD including the combination of antipsychotics and other psychotropic agents and other potential medications are also reviewed.

Detecting and Managing Adverse Effects of Antipsychotic Medications: Current State of Play

Antipsychotics are some of the most frequently prescribed medications not only for psychotic disorders and symptoms but also for a wide range of on-label and off-label indications. Because second-generation antipsychotics have largely replaced first-generation antipsychotics as first-line options due to their substantially decreased risk of extrapyramidal side effects, attention has shifted to other clinically concerning adverse events associated with antipsychotic therapy. The focus of this article is to update the nonextrapyramidal side effects associated with second-generation antipsychotics. Issues surrounding diagnosis and monitoring as well as clinical management are addressed.

Prolactin and macroprolactin levels in psychiatric patients receiving atypical antipsychotics: A preliminary study

The aims of this study were to clarify whether atypical antipsychotics can elevate serum levels of both macroprolactin and prolactin, and whether the macroprolactin levels differ according to the type of atypical antipsychotic being taken. In total, 245 subjects were enrolled consecutively in 6 hospitals. Serum prolactin and macroprolactin levels were measured at a single time point during maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy. The mean total serum prolactin levels including macroprolactin were 11.91, 20.73, 16.41, 50.83, 12.84, and 59.1ng/mL for patients taking aripiprazole, blonanserin, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, and risperidone, respectively, while those for macroprolactin were 1.71, 3.86, 3.73, 7.28, 2.77, and 8.0ng/mL. The total prolactin and macroprolactin levels were significantly higher among those taking paliperidone and risperidone than among those taking any of the other antipsychotics (p<0.01). Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between serum levels of prolactin and macroprolactin. Sexual dysfunction was reported in 35.5% (87/245) of the total subjects. However, the total prolactin level did not differ significantly between subjects with and without sexual dysfunction except gynecomastia. These findings suggest that treatment with risperidone and paliperidone can induce hyperprolactinemia and macroprolactinemia in psychiatric patients.

Spanish consensus on the risks and detection of antipsychotic drug-related hyperprolactinaemia

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic hyperprolactinaemia (IHPRL) has been more frequently related to some antipsychotic drugs that provoke an intense blockade of dopamine D2 receptors. There is a wide variation in clinical practice, and perhaps some more awareness between clinicians is needed. Due to the high frequency of chronic treatment in severe mental patients, careful attention is recommended on the physical risk. IHPRL symptoms could be underestimated without routine examination.

METHODOLOGY

An intense scientific literature search was performed in order to draw up a multidisciplinary consensus, including different specialists of psychiatry, endocrinology, oncology and internal medicine, and looking for a consensus about clinical risk and detection of IHPRL following evidence-based medicine criteria levels (EBM I- IV).

RESULTS

Short-term symptoms include amenorrhea, galactorrhoea, and sexual dysfunction with decrease of libido and erectile difficulties related to hypogonadism. Medium and long-term symptoms related to oestrogens are observed, including a decrease bone mass density, hypogonadism, early menopause, some types of cancer risk increase (breast and endometrial), cardiovascular risk increase, immune system disorders, lipids, and cognitive dysfunction. Prolactin level, gonadal hormones and vitamin D should be checked in all patients receiving antipsychotics at baseline although early symptoms (amenorrhea-galactorrhoea) may not be observed due to the risk of underestimating other delayed symptoms that may appear in the medium term. Routine examination of sexual dysfunction is recommended due to possible poor patient tolerance and low compliance. Special care is required in children and adolescents, as well as patients with PRL levels >50ng/ml (moderate hyperprolactinaemia). A possible prolactinoma should be investigated in patients with PRL levels >150ng/ml, with special attention to patients with breast/endometrial cancer history. Densitometry should be prescribed for males >50 years old, amenorrhea>6 months, or early menopause to avoid fracture risk.

Prolactin monitoring in the acute psychiatry setting

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common side effect associated with psychotropic medication. Limited guidance on its monitoring and management results in inconsistency in practice due to individual clinical variability. A retrospective service evaluation study was conducted on all patients admitted to an acute psychiatric assessment unit in South Wales, United Kingdom, over one calendar year (n=524), to assess the prevalence and possible causes of hyperprolactinaemia, correlation with symptomatology and monitoring and management by clinicians. The prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia in this population (n=67, 13%) was higher than in the general population. The most common association was medication (n=39, 58%), particularly Risperidone (n=19). Illicit substance use (n=10, 15%), and physical conditions (n=12, 18%) may also have contributed. However, only 44 (66%) received follow-up for their hyperprolactinaemia. There was a statistically significant difference in the sample means of those that did receive follow-up and those who did not, suggesting a degree of bias in patients selected to receive follow-up. These findings suggest that hyperprolactinaemia is relatively common in patients with mental illness, and that comprehensive guidelines need to be established for the monitoring and management thereof.

[Psychiatrists' decision making and monitoring of antipsychotic prescription for elderly schizophrenia patients]

OBJECTIVE

Advancing age entails specific treatment modalities for patients with schizophrenia. The choice of appropriate antipsychotic therapy (AP) and the monitoring of treatment is a major challenge. However, little is known about the real-world prescribing practices of psychiatrists for elderly schizophrenia patients. The aim of this study was to assess prescribing practices and treatment monitoring in elderly schizophrenia patients and whether socio-professional psychiatrists' characteristics are related to their practices.

METHODS

We contacted by mail 190 psychiatrists to take part in an observational survey of their AP prescribing practices for elderly (aged over 65) schizophrenia patients.

RESULTS

The response rate was 44.2%, and of the psychiatrists who replied 75% were treating elderly schizophrenia patients. A second-generation AP (SGAP) was prescribed as first-line of treatment by 87.7% of the psychiatrists. The most frequently used SGAPs were risperidone and olanzapine (respectively preferred by 54.4% and 19.3% of the psychiatrists taking part). At the beginning of treatment, 91.1% of the psychiatrists prescribed a lower dose than for middle-aged patients. Of the psychiatrists taking part, 64.9% prescribed monotherapy; and among these psychiatrists, 65% cited insufficient control of the disease as the reason for their choice, while 48.7% of those who elected not to prescribe combined AP did so in order to limit the side-effects. Of the psychiatrists taking part, 54.4% prescribed long-acting injectable AP (LAAP); better therapeutic compliance and alliance was the main argument in the choice of LAAP given by the psychiatrists taking part who prescribed the drug, whereas the absence of indications and problems of tolerance were arguments against for those who did not. "Personal experience" emerged as the governing factor in the choice of AP. The AP side-effect profile was the main criterion of choice of the AP agent for 3.5% of the psychiatrists taking part, and the most frequently chosen secondary criterion (29.8%). Monitoring of treatment was partly performed according to professional recommendations: pre-treatment and post-prescription assessments of waist circumference and ophthalmological monitoring were very infrequent (8.8 to 18.5%) as were pre-treatment and early post-prescription assessments of prolactinaemia (14.8 to 20.4%); long-term cardiac monitoring was infrequent (43.9%). The psychiatrists taking part whose first-line drug was SGAP were more familiar with professional recommendations than those who prescribed first generation antipsychotic (FGA) drugs (72% as against 14.3%, P=0.006). Of the psychiatrists taking part in the study, 64.9% reported they commonly use professional recommendations. Psychiatrists who declared they commonly use professional recommendations measured pulse rate and blood pressure significantly more often over the long-term than those who did not (74.3% as against 41.2%, P=0.0315). They also measured waist circumference over the long-term significantly more often than psychiatrists who did not commonly use professional recommendations (22.9% as against 0%, P=0.0420). Psychiatrists treating more than ten of these patients yearly measured significantly more often over the long-term pulse rate and blood pressure than those treating fewer patients (80% as against 50%, P=0.0399). Over the long-term monitoring, psychiatrists with a larger number of elderly schizophrenia patients in their care also performed more often fasting blood glucose test, lipid profile and referral for cardiac consultation with ECG (respectively, 95.5% as against 70.8%, P=0.0489; 90.9% as against 58.3%, P=0.0182; 81.8% as against 29.2%, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey need to be confirmed in a larger population sample. The antipsychotic prescribing practices were broadly in agreement with current recommendations except for the tolerance profile which was not the first element taken into account in the choice of the AP agent. Some clinical and paraclinical medical examinations were carried out infrequently, in particular cardiac monitoring over the long-term, which is essential in this elderly patient population. One important element to emerge from our results was that common use of professional recommendations is associated with better monitoring.

Relationship between prolactin, breast cancer risk, and antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia: a critical review

OBJECTIVE

A recent meta-analysis showed that breast cancer probably is more common in female patients with schizophrenia than in the general population (effect size = 1.25, P < 0.05). Increasing experimental and epidemiological data have alerted researchers to the influence of prolactin (PRL) in mammary carcinogenesis. We therefore investigated the possible relationship between antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) and breast cancer risk in female patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

A literature search (1950 until January 2015), using the MEDLINE database, was conducted for English-language published clinical trials to identify and synthesize data of the current state of knowledge concerning breast cancer risk (factors) in women with schizophrenia and its (their) relationship between HPRL and antipsychotic medication.

RESULTS

Although an increasing body of evidence supports the involvement of PRL in breast carcinogenesis, results of human prospective studies are limited, equivocal, and correlative (with risk ratios ranging from 0.70 to 1.9 for premenopausal women and from 0.76 to 2.03 for postmenopausal women). Moreover, these studies equally do not take into account the local production of PRL in breast epithelium, although amplification or overexpression of the local autocrine/paracrine PRL loop may be a more important mechanism in tumorigenesis. Until now, there is also no conclusive evidence that antipsychotic medication can increase the risk of breast malignancy and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Other breast risk factors than PRL, such as nulliparity, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (alcohol dependence, smoking, low physical activity), probably are of greater relevance in individual breast cancer cases within the population of female patients with schizophrenia.

Hyperprolactinemia and medications for bipolar disorder: systematic review of a neglected issue in clinical practice

Drug-induced changes in serum prolactin (sPrl) levels constitute a relevant issue due to the potentially severe consequences on physical health of psychiatric patients such as sexual dysfunctions, osteoporosis and Prl-sensitive tumors. Several drugs have been associated to sPrl changes. Only antipsychotics have been extensively studied as sPrl-elevating agents in schizophrenia, but the extent to which bipolar disorder (BD) treatments affect sPrl levels is much less known. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence of the effects of drugs used in BD on Prl. This review followed the PRISMA statement. The MEDLINE/PubMed/Index Medicus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for articles in English appearing from any time to May 30, 2014. Twenty-six studies were included. These suggest that treatments for BD are less likely to be associated with Prl elevations, with valproate, quetiapine, lurasidone, mirtazapine, and bupropion reported not to change PRL levels significantly and lithium and aripiprazole to lower them in some studies. Taking into account the effects of the different classes of drugs on Prl may improve the care of BD patients requiring long-term pharmacotherapy. Based on the results of this review, lithium and valproate appear to be safer due to their low potential to elevate sPrL; among antipsychotics, quetiapine, lurasidone and aripiprazole appear to be similarly safe.

Frequency of hyperprolactinemia and its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics and antipsychotic medications in psychiatric inpatients in China

PURPOSE

No study has investigated hyperprolactinemia and its risk factors in Chinese psychiatric patients. This study examined the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia and its relationship with demographic and clinical characteristics in inpatients in a large psychiatric institution in Beijing, China.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A consecutive sample of 617 psychiatric inpatients formed the study sample. Basic sociodemographic and clinical data including serum prolactin level were collected.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was 55.9% in the whole sample, and 56.8% and 43.2% for women and men, respectively. The corresponding figures were 59.6%, 40.0%, 53.6%, and 50.8% in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, major depression, bipolar disorders, and other psychiatric disorders, respectively (p = 0.09). In univariate analyses, patients having hyperprolactinemia were younger, more likely to receive risperidone, amisulpride, and first-generation antipsychotics, but less likely to receive clozapine and aripiprazole. In multiple logistic regression analysis, hyperprolactinemia was independently associated with younger age, more use of risperidone or amisulpride and first-generation antipsychotics, and less use of clozapine and aripiprazole (r(2) = 0.197).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Hyperprolactinemia is very common in Chinese psychiatric inpatients. Given the potentially harmful consequences of hyperprolactinemia and its preventable nature, effective measures to lower the frequency hyperprolactinemia in patients with major psychiatric disorders should be implemented in Chinese mental health facilities.

Prolactin serum levels correlate with inflammatory status in drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia

OBJECTIVES

The present study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of prolactin and the inflammatory status in drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients with normal weight.

METHODS

Patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of prolactin (PRL) were measured using electrical chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Sixty patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. The schizophrenia group had higher serum levels of PRL, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the control group. There was a gender difference of hyperprolactinemia in schizophrenia group. There were positive relationships between serum levels of PRL and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α within the schizophrenia group. Within the schizophrenia group, TNF-α was the strongest predictor among the three cytokines for serum levels of prolactin after controlling for gender, age, education, smoking status and disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia present elevated serum levels of PRL, which might be related to the up-regulated inflammatory status in this patient population.

The effects of novel and newly approved antipsychotics on serum prolactin levels: a comprehensive review

Since the 1970s, clinicians have increasingly become more familiar with hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) as a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medication, which remains the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for patients with schizophrenia. Although treatment with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) as a group is, compared with use of the first-generation antipsychotics, associated with lower prolactin (PRL) plasma levels, the detailed effects on plasma PRL levels for each of these compounds in reports often remain incomplete or inaccurate. Moreover, at this moment, no review has been published about the effect of the newly approved antipsychotics asenapine, iloperidone and lurasidone on PRL levels. The objective of this review is to describe PRL physiology; PRL measurement; diagnosis, causes, consequences and mechanisms of HPRL; incidence figures of (new-onset) HPRL with SGAs and newly approved antipsychotics in adolescent and adult patients; and revisit lingering questions regarding this hormone. A literature search, using the MEDLINE database (1966-December 2013), was conducted to identify relevant publications to report on the state of the art of HPRL and to summarize the available evidence with respect to the propensity of the SGAs and the newly approved antipsychotics to elevate PRL levels. Our review shows that although HPRL usually is defined as a sustained level of PRL above the laboratory upper limit of normal, limit values show some degree of variability in clinical reports, making the interpretation and comparison of data across studies difficult. Moreover, many reports do not provide much or any data detailing the measurement of PRL. Although the highest rates of HPRL are consistently reported in association with amisulpride, risperidone and paliperidone, while aripiprazole and quetiapine have the most favorable profile with respect to this outcome, all SGAs can induce PRL elevations, especially at the beginning of treatment, and have the potential to cause new-onset HPRL. Considering the PRL-elevating propensity of the newly approved antipsychotics, evidence seems to indicate these agents have a PRL profile comparable to that of clozapine (asenapine and iloperidone), ziprasidone and olanzapine (lurasidone). PRL elevations with antipsychotic medication generally are dose dependant. However, antipsychotics having a high potential for PRL elevation (amisulpride, risperidone and paliperidone) can have a profound impact on PRL levels even at relatively low doses, while PRL levels with antipsychotics having a minimal effect on PRL, in most cases, can remain unchanged (quetiapine) or reduce (aripiprazole) over all dosages. Although tolerance and decreases in PRL values after long-term administration of PRL-elevating antipsychotics can occur, the elevations, in most cases, remain above the upper limit of normal. PRL profiles of antipsychotics in children and adolescents seem to be the same as in adults. The hyperprolactinemic effects of antipsychotic medication are mostly correlated with their affinity for dopamine D2 receptors at the level of the anterior pituitary lactotrophs (and probably other neurotransmitter mechanisms) and their blood-brain barrier penetrating capability. Even though antipsychotics are the most common cause of pharmacologically induced HPRL, recent research has shown that HPRL can be pre-existing in a substantial portion of antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis or at-risk mental state.

Second-generation and newly approved antipsychotics, serum prolactin levels and sexual dysfunctions: a critical literature review

INTRODUCTION

Using antipsychotic (AP) medication can increase prolactin (PRL) levels and place the patient at risk of sexual dysfunction (SD).

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to describe the PRL propensity of the different second-generation and newly approved APs. It then considers the prevalence rates of SDs associated with these compounds in patients with schizophrenia and treatment strategies for the management of SDs and/or hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). Furthermore, we address the lingering question regarding the association between SDs and PRL.

EXPERT OPINION

SD (particularly long-term) data remain scarce for several APs. A wide variety of assessment techniques used in SD research make reliable comparisons between APs impossible. The majority of these reports do not equally allow us to distinguish between treatment (AP and co-medication)-emergent SDs and illness-related SDs. This makes it difficult to assess the degree to which these side effects are associated with 'PRL-raising' APs, and what part of this fraction is directly reducible to serum PRL levels. Also, few evidence-based treatment strategies for HPRL and associated side effects are available. Therefore, longer-term randomized controlled trials, using reliable and valid structured interviews or questionnaires, are necessary to establish the precise relationship between APs, PRL levels and SDs rates and develop valuable treatment options.

Effects of antipsychotics on bone mineral density and prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia: a 12-month prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Effects of conventional and atypical antipsychotics on bone mineral density (BMD) and serum prolactin levels (PRL) were examined in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-three first-episode inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited, to whom one of three conventional antipsychotics (perphenazine, sulpiride, and chlorpromazine) or one of three atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole) was prescribed for 12 months as appropriate. BMD and PRL were tested before and after treatment. Same measures were conducted in 90 matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

Baseline BMD of postero-anterior L1-L4 range from 1.04 ± 0.17 to 1.42 ± 1.23, and there was no significant difference between the patients group and healthy control group. However, post-treatment BMD values in patients (ranging from 1.02 ± 0.15 to 1.23 ± 0.10) were significantly lower than that in healthy controls (ranging from 1.15 ± 0.12 to 1.42 ± 1.36). The BMD values after conventional antipsychotics were significantly lower than that after atypical antipsychotics. The PRL level after conventional antipsychotics (53.05 ± 30.25 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that after atypical antipsychotics (32.81 ± 17.42 ng/ml). Conditioned relevance analysis revealed significant negative correlations between the PRL level and the BMD values after conventional antipsychotics.

CONCLUSION

The increase of PRL might be an important risk factor leading to a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with schizophrenia on long-term conventional antipsychotic medication.

Differential responses to JNJ-37822681, a specific and fast dissociating dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, in cynomolgus monkey and Sprague-Dawley rat general toxicology studies: clinical observations, prolactin levels, mammary histopathology findings and toxicokinetics

JNJ-37822681 is a potent, specific and fast dissociating dopamine D2 receptor antagonist intended for the treatment of schizophrenia. Its nonclinical toxicological profile was investigated in a series of general repeat dose toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys and Sprague-Dawley rats. The maximum duration of treatment was 9 and 6 months, respectively. Interspecies differences were noted in the response to JNJ-37822681 in terms of extrapyramidal (EPS)-like clinical signs and prolactin-mediated tissue changes in the mammary gland. Monkeys showed severe EPS-like clinical signs such as abnormal posture, abnormal eye movements and hallucination-like behavior at relatively low exposures compared to those associated with EPS in patients with schizophrenia. The high sensitivity of the monkey to JNJ-37822681-induced EPS-like signs was unexpected based on the fast dissociating properties of the compound. Rats, however, were not prone to EPS. Elevated serum prolactin levels were found in rats and monkeys. While rats showed slight to moderate prolactin-related tissue changes upon histopathological examination in all studies, which among others affected the mammary gland, only minor mammary gland tissue changes were noted in monkeys. Prolactin levels were only slightly increased in patients with schizophrenia receiving relatively high dose levels of JNJ-37822681. The monkey toxicology studies did not provide an exposure-based safety margin, while in rats adverse effects were only noted at exposures considerably higher than those achieved at efficacious plasma concentrations in the clinic. Overall, the available data suggest that the cynomolgus monkey showed better predictivity towards the nature of JNJ-37822681-associated adverse events in humans than the Sprague-Dawley rat.

Switching to ziprasidone in the clinical practice setting: an open-label study

OBJECTIVE

This observational study evaluates the long-term outcome of switching to ziprasidone in patients with schizophrenia in the clinical practice setting.

METHODS

Patients (208) with schizophrenia who had been switched to ziprasidone monotherapy due to partial response or tolerability problems were followed for 1 year. Efficacy was assessed at baseline and months 1, 3, and 12 with Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression-severity (CGI-S), and CGI-improvement. Quality of life, functionality, and safety measures, including metabolic parameters, were also assessed; 195 subjects comprised the per protocol analysis population.

RESULTS

A reduction > or = 30% in BPRS total score was observed in 42.5% of the subjects. Mean scores of the BPRS (global and positive and negative clusters), CGI-S and CGI-I significantly decreased at endpoint (p < 0.001). Ziprasidone treatment was also associated with statistically significant improvements in the GAF, WHO-DAS-II, and SF-12. After 1-year follow-up, a mean weight decrease of -1.6 kg (p < 0.05) was observed. Mean levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides also decreased (p < 0.01) while HDL cholesterol levels increased (p < 0.05) at endpoint. No significant changes in mean glucose levels at study end were detected.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that switching to ziprasidone is effective and well tolerated in patients with schizophrenia requiring a change in antipsychotic medication.

Osteoporosis associated with antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most common global mental diseases, with prevalence of 1%. Patients with schizophrenia are predisposed to diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis, than the normal. In comparison with the metabolic syndrome, for instance, there are little reports about osteoporosis which occurs secondary to antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia. There are extensive recent works of literature indicating that osteoporosis is associated with schizophrenia particularly in patients under psychotropic medication therapy. As osteoporotic fractures cause significantly increased morbidity and mortality, it is quite necessary to raise the awareness and understanding of the impact of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia on physical health in schizophrenia. In this paper, we will review the relationship between schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication, hyperprolactinaemia, and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis and fracture risk in people with schizophrenia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Excessive bone mineral density (BMD) loss has been associated with schizophrenia, but its mechanisms and clinical implications are less clear. The aim of this review was to summarize the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures in schizophrenia patients. Moreover, we aimed to examine the impact of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia on bone metabolism.

RECENT FINDINGS

Fifteen of 16 studies (93.8%) reported lower BMD or higher prevalence of osteoporosis in at least one region, or in at least one subgroup of schizophrenia patients compared with controls, but results were inconsistent across measured areas. Higher fracture risk was associated with schizophrenia in 2/2 studies (independently: n = 1), and 3/4 studies with antipsychotics. Reasons for this difference include insufficient exercise, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol use, and low vitamin D levels. Altogether, 9/15 (60.0%) studies examining the relationship between antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and BMD loss found some effects of hyperprolactinemia. However, results were mixed, samples and effects were small, and only two studies were prospective.

SUMMARY

Schizophrenia is associated with reduced BMD and fracture risk. Prevention, early detection, and intervention are required. The relative contributions of antipsychotic-related hyperprolactinemia and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors remain unclear, needing to be assessed in well designed, prospective studies, including bone turnover markers as intermediary endpoints.

Prolactin, hyperprolactinaemia and antipsychotic treatment: a review and lessons for treatment of early psychosis

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common side effect of antipsychotics; markedly raised levels are less common. Higher levels of prolactin result from longer exposure to higher doses, especially with older antipsychotics or with risperidone, sulpiride or amisulpride. Galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia, menstrual abnormalities and sexual dysfunction including hypogonadism and fertility problems are consequences of raised prolactin, and in the longer-term bone demineralisation. Younger patients may be more susceptible to hyperprolactinaemia. Trial reports often fail to state the frequency of raised levels.

Metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac effects of amisulpride: a 24-week follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Amisulpride is a second-generation antipsychotic which has been proved to be effective in the control of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study we aimed to determine metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac effects of amisulpride commonly used in our clinical practice.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients (11 males, 7 females) diagnosed with schizophrenia received amisulpride at the dosage of 800 mg/day and were followed up for 24 weeks. Positive and negative psychotic symptoms, extrapyramidal and sexual side effects, metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac parameters were evaluated at regular intervals.

RESULTS

Significant improvement in both positive and negative symptoms was observed in patients starting from the second week of treatment. Prolactin levels increased significantly both in men and women starting from the measurement on day 4. Prolactin elevation was significantly higher in women than in men. Increase in total cholesterol level became significant at week 24. No other significant difference was observed between weeks 1 and 24 regarding the other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical data from the present study supports the fact that amisulpride is an effective and safe antipsychotic drug, but elevates prolactin levels in both sexes.

NDETEI DAVID, W. NEWCOMER JOHN, UWAKWE RICHARD, ASAI ITSUO, MÖLLER HANSJURGEN, GAUTAM SHIV, DETRAUX JOHAN, U. CORRELL CHRISTOPH. Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level

Physical disorders are, compared to the general population, more prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Although this excess morbidity and mortality is largely due to modifiable lifestyle risk factors, the screening and assessment of physical health aspects remains poor, even in developed countries. Moreover, specific patient, provider, treatment and system factors act as barriers to the recognition and to the management of physical diseases in people with SMI. Psychiatrists can play a pivotal role in the improvement of the physical health of these patients by expanding their task from clinical psychiatric care to the monitoring and treatment of crucial physical parameters. At a system level, actions are not easy to realize, especially for developing countries. However, at an individual level, even simple and very basic monitoring and treatment actions, undertaken by the treating clinician, can already improve the problem of suboptimal medical care in this population. Adhering to monitoring and treatment guidelines will result in a substantial enhancement of physical health outcomes. Furthermore, psychiatrists can help educate and motivate people with SMI to address their suboptimal lifestyle, including smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The adoption of the recommendations presented in this paper across health care systems throughout the world will contribute to a significant improvement in the medical and related psychiatric health outcomes of patients with SMI.

Prolactin and smoking status in antipsychotic-treated patients

Studies investigating the relationship between cigarette smoking and prolactin secretion in the general population have yielded inconsistent results. Many antipsychotic drugs increase prolactin secretion, but there are no published studies that have investigated the relationship between smoking and prolactinaemia in antipsychotic-treated patients. We obtained prolactin levels from 228 antipsychotic-treated patients in secondary care mental health services and investigated the relationship between prolactinaemia and cigarette smoking. Twenty-three percent (n = 52) of patients had hyperprolactinaemia. Patients prescribed typical or a combination of typical and atypical antipsychotics had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia and higher mean prolactin concentration. Both current and ex-cigarette smokers had significantly lower mean prolactin levels and a lower prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia, but after controlling for potentially confounding variables, only current smoking status was a significant predictor of lower prolactin levels (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.7, p = 0.002). In this preliminary, cross-sectional study, there was a robust statistical relationship between cigarette smoking and prolactinaemia. The mechanism(s) underpinning this association needs further investigation.

Antipsychotics and hyperprolactinaemia: mechanisms, consequences and management

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common side effect in people receiving antipsychotics. The propensity to cause hyperprolactinaemia differs markedly between antipsychotics as a result of differential dopamine D(2) receptor-binding affinity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Sexual dysfunction is common and under-recognized in people with severe mental illness and is in part caused by hyperprolactinaemia. There are a number of long-term consequences of hyperprolactinaemia, including osteoporosis. Regular monitoring before and during treatment will help identify those developing antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia. The treatment includes dose reduction and change in antipsychotic. Where this is not possible because of the risk of relapse of the mental illness, sex steroid replacement may be helpful in improving symptoms secondary to hypogonadism and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Tertiary prevention of complications should also be considered.

Management of physical health in patients with schizophrenia: practical recommendations

Improved physical health care is a pressing need for patients with schizophrenia. It can be achieved by means of a multidisciplinary team led by the psychiatrist. Key priorities should include: selection of antipsychotic therapy with a low risk of weight gain and metabolic adverse effects; routine assessment, recording and longitudinal tracking of key physical health parameters, ideally by electronic spreadsheets; and intervention to control CVD risk following the same principles as for the general population. A few simple tools to assess and record key physical parameters, combined with lifestyle intervention and pharmacological treatment as indicated, could significantly improve physical outcomes. Effective implementation of strategies to optimise physical health parameters in patients with severe enduring mental illness requires engagement and communication between psychiatrists and primary care in most health settings.

Cancer and schizophrenia: is there a paradox?

People with schizophrenia are more likely to die prematurely than the general population from both suicide and physical ill health. Published studies examining the incidence of cancer in schizophrenia patients report increased, reduced or similar incidence compared with the general population. Older studies tended to report lower incidence rates which fuelled speculation as to the biological and other mechanisms for this protective effect. Furthermore, mortality rates in patients with schizophrenia appear higher than expected. We undertook a non-systematic review of published data to give an overview for these variable findings and illustrate methodological confounders by highlighting a systematic review of breast cancer studies.

Adapting the severe mental illness physical Health Improvement Profile for use in primary care

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher incidence of long-term physical conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This can dramatically reduce their life expectancy. In the UK, it is the duty of health-care professionals in primary care to monitor the physical health of this group of people. However, these professionals have been given no specific training in order to do this effectively. The Northampton Physical Health and Well-Being Project has been developed in order to reduce the mortality of people with SMI, improve their physical and emotional health, and increase their support network. We have adapted the Health Improvement Profile (a tool to help mental health nurses profile the physical health of people with SMI) for use in primary care by creating a manual and website and will provide bespoke training in its use to the health-care professionals.