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Jeong SH, Lee MG, Kim YS, Chung IW. Change in absolute neutrophil count after COVID-19 infection in patients using clozapine versus other antipsychotics. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 39:187-194. [PMID: 38261424 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
It was reported that patients who contracted COVID-19 while taking clozapine exhibited a distinct hematological response. However, the absence of control groups made it difficult to attribute it to clozapine. The changes in absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) during the 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection were compared between the two groups of patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) (49 patients using clozapine and 54 using other antipsychotics) using generalized additive modeling. Although the pattern of a transient drop in ANC followed by gradual recovery could be demonstrated in both groups, it was more pronounced in the clozapine group ( P = 0.00025). Nevertheless, overall ANC remained at a higher level in the clozapine group. The results suggested potential interaction between clozapine and COVID-19 at the level of hematological dynamics. However, it did not necessarily indicate that such interaction is inevitably harmful or dangerous. It was more of a concern that some patients using other antipsychotics exhibited decreased ANC, which did not easily recover. Traditionally, clinicians have been concerned about the worsening of hematological side effects in clozapine patients after COVID-19 infection. However, the obtained result highlighted the necessity of hematological monitoring in patients using any type of antipsychotics for SMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hoon Jeong
- Department of Psychiatry, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon
| | | | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Nowon-Uiijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University School of Medicine, Goyang
| | - In Won Chung
- Department of Psychiatry and Yong-In Psychiatric Institute, Yong-In Mental Hospital, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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2
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Denton L, Kapuganti A, Kim S. A case report on the effects of COVID-19 on ANC monitoring in a patient on long-term clozapine treatment. Ment Health Clin 2023; 13:190-192. [PMID: 37860587 PMCID: PMC10583256 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2023.08.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clozapine carries a US boxed warning for severe neutropenia, and strict monitoring is required through the FDA's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 are also at risk for neutropenia. For patients on clozapine, the diagnosis of this novel virus may require an increase in the frequency of scheduled ANC monitoring. A case report of moderate neutropenia following COVID-19 diagnosis that required an increase in the frequency of ANC monitoring in a patient on long-term clozapine treatment is discussed. Case Report A 33-year-old white man with schizophrenia had been on clozapine for more than 2 years, with an ANC monitoring schedule once every 4 weeks. The patient was admitted to the hospital for worsening aggressive behavior. On day 11 of hospital admission, he tested positive for COVID-19. Five days following this diagnosis, the patient's ANC dropped from 2.2/L to 0.8/L. This decrease led to daily ANC labs and the clozapine regimen being held for 1 day. Throughout the patient's admission adjustments were made to the frequency of lab monitoring based on fluctuations in his ANC levels. Discussion There have been limited case reports on patients receiving clozapine experiencing neutropenia following the diagnosis of COVID-19. To the authors knowledge, this is the first case report from the United States that specifically discusses the required changes to ANC monitoring. Conclusions Patients on clozapine who test positive for COVID-19 may be at an even greater risk for neutropenia, compared with clozapine patients without COVID-19. Increasing the frequency of ANC monitoring should be considered in the weeks following the diagnosis to ensure that clozapine treatment can be safely adjusted, or even discontinued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Denton
- Behavioral Health Clinical Pharmacist, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
- Psychiatrist, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amber Kapuganti
- Behavioral Health Clinical Pharmacist, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Kim
- Psychiatrist, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
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3
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Ansari S, Kelbrick M, Paduret G, Diaz N, Menzel R, Rogers R, Wareham C, Griffiths C, Jugon S, Tidy K, Johnson S, Mann N, Tanner J, Millward T, Latif S. Clinical practice guideline for clozapine use in patients with
COVID
‐19. PROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pnp.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Ansari
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Marlene Kelbrick
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Gabriela Paduret
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Natasha Diaz
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Rose Menzel
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Rowena Rogers
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Claire Wareham
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Chris Griffiths
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Sue Jugon
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Katy Tidy
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Sara Johnson
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Nick Mann
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - James Tanner
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Tim Millward
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
| | - Shahid Latif
- Dr Ansari is a Specialty Registrar (ST5); Dr Kelbrick is a Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Paduret is a Core Trainee Year 2; Ms Diaz is a Physical Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Ms Menzel is a Pharmacist; Ms Rowena Rogers is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Ms Wareham is a Community Mental Health Nurse; Dr Griffiths is a Senior Research and Evaluation Fellow; Ms Jugon is a EIP operations Manager; Ms Tidy is a CMHT Operations Manager; Ms Johnson is a Ward Matron; Dr Mann, Dr Tanner, Dr Millward, Dr
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4
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Giles G, Varghese S, Shymko G, Nguyen T, Waters F. Clozapine Therapy and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Prevalence Rates, Health Outcomes, Hematological Markers, and Patient Perspectives. Schizophr Bull 2022; 49:53-67. [PMID: 36242537 PMCID: PMC9620749 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES There have been concerns that clozapine treatment may undermine the capacity of the body to fight infection and increase the vulnerability to contracting COVID-19. This review of recent cohort studies investigated (1) whether people with a severe psychiatric disorder are at increased risk of COVID-19 and complications, (2) the immunological response of clozapine-users who contract COVID-19, and (3) patients' perspectives on COVID-19 and the pandemic response. METHODS A systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Pubmed, and PsycINFO databases using PRISMA guidelines using "COVID-19", "clozapine", and "vaccination" terms. RESULTS 18 studies (out of 330 identified) met all criteria (N = 119 054 including 8045 on clozapine). There was no strong evidence that clozapine users may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications after adjusting for medical comorbidities. Hematological studies showed temporary reductions in neutrophils in COVID-19-positive patients and vaccination suggesting a clozapine effect in defence against infection. Vaccination studies did not report major adverse effects. Increased plasma levels of clozapine and neutropenia however point to COVID-19-related interference of clozapine metabolism. Patient surveys reported limited impact on mental health and positive attitudes regarding pandemic response. CONCLUSION This review did not find compelling evidence that the immune system of clozapine users put them at risk of COVID-19 and further complications. Evidence of drug-infection interactions however points to the importance of adhering to consensus guidelines about clozapine therapy during the pandemic. More evidence using longitudinal designs is required to examine the longer-term effects of COVID-19 and vaccination in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Giles
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; Peel and Rockingham Kwinana Mental Health Service, Elanora Drive, Cooloongup, Western Australia, 6168, Australia; tel: 08 95994933, fax: 08 95994966, e-mail:
| | - Sunny Varghese
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Gordon Shymko
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Thinh Nguyen
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia,Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia,Clinical Research Centre, Graylands Hospital Campus, North Metropolitan Area Services-Mental Health, Brockway Road, Mount Claremont, Perth, Western Australia, 6010, Australia
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5
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Neutropenia in Patients With Clozapine-Treated Schizophrenia: An Effect of Clozapine or a Consequence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? A Systematic Review. Am J Ther 2022; 29:e544-e552. [PMID: 35749754 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine is the only approved antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Despite its therapeutic benefits, it is still widely underused, mainly because of its potential to cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia. Prescribing clozapine in COVID-19-positive patients became more challenging because of this potential side effect. This article is a review of literature on the risk of neutropenia associated with clozapine treatment in patients with COVID-19. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY In clozapine-treated COVID-19-positive patients, neutropenia was reported in some cases; is it a consequence of clozapine treatment or of SARS-Co2 infection? DATA SOURCES Data were extracted from 2 databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar. We selected all original reports, from March 2020 until May 2022, on neutropenia associated with clozapine treatment in positive COVID-19 patients. Eleven studies were selected for the final analysis. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES Before the COVID-19 pandemic, neutropenia in clozapine-treated patients was reported in 3.8% of cases. During the pandemic, neutropenia rates seemed to be higher. As per the cause of neutropenia, studies reported contradictory results. We aim to clarify rates and causes of neutropenia in clozapine-treated COVID-19-positive patients. RESULTS Three hundred eighty-eight articles were initially selected from the 2 databases. After excluding duplicates, unrelated articles, reviews, and guidelines, 11 studies were analyzed, all centered on clozapine treatment, COVID-19 infection, and associated neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS Clozapine treatment in COVID-19-positive patients may be associated with a transient reduction of absolute neutrophils count, in some cases reaching neutropenia levels. Neutropenia rates reported in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients are higher than the prepandemic reports; therefore, we assume that the cause might be a result of the immunological interference between clozapine and SARS-CoV-2. Clozapine treatment needs to be continued whenever possible, with dose adjustments in relation to blood test results.
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6
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Liu CI, Goh KK, Chen CH. Neutropenia after the coadministration of clozapine and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report with a literature review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1096006. [PMID: 36620672 PMCID: PMC9810620 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1096006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is considered one of the major risk factors for mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early antiviral treatment is important to decrease the risk of mortality. Currently, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) has been widely used in SARS-CoV-2 patients with risk factors. However, drug-drug interactions with anti-psychotics are prominent and complicated. CASE PRESENTATION We report a clozapine-treated patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed neutropenia after coadministration with Paxlovid. In this case, clozapine was used for over 15 years, without neutropenia development. However, severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count = 523/μl) developed 3 days after the coadministration of Paxlovid 2 doses per day, valproic acid 1,000 mg per day and clozapine 100 mg per day. The development of neutropenia may be attributed to the complicated interaction among Paxlovid, SARS-CoV-2 infection, valproic acid, fluvoxamine and clozapine. CONCLUSIONS Neutropenia is a rare but life-threatening event if a concomitant infection occurs. The risk may increase during SARS-CoV-2 infection and the coadministration of clozapine and Paxlovid. Although the exact causes of neutropenia in this patient are not fully clear, the white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count should be closely monitored during the administration of Paxlovid in clozapine-treated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kah Kheng Goh
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsin Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Moga S, Teodorescu A, Ifteni P, Petric PS, Miron AA. Clozapine and Neutropenia in Patients with Schizophrenia and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:977-983. [PMID: 35547265 PMCID: PMC9081886 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s361405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine (CLZ) is used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Adverse reactions to clozapine include neutropenia. In March 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic and after, psychiatrists raised concerns regarding continuation of clozapine, due to multiple restrictions. We aimed to provide a study on the association between neutropenia and clozapine in patients with schizophrenia and COVID-19. AIM To assess the neutrophil count in patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine and infected with COVID-19. METHODS The study patients with schizophrenia, according to DSM-5, admitted to the Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry and Neurology Brasov, Romania, between April 2020 and October 2021. The inclusion criteria included positive RT-PCR (real-time PCR) test for COVID-19 and treatment with clozapine. We assessed three values of ANC (absolute neutrophil count): before COVID-19 infection (last ANC obtained at mandatory check), during infection and 1 month after resolution (first negative PCR test). RESULTS Of the 105 cases, 95 did not have neutropenia. Fifty-nine patients were males (62.1%), mean age was 43.5 years (SD = 12.1) with an average of clozapine treatment of 52.4 months (SD = 11.9). At baseline, they had a small reduction in the ANC mean value (4.41 × 109/l; SD = 2.22) which did not constitute a statistically significant decline from the prior to COVID-19 mean value of 4.66 × 109/l (SD = 2.34; p = 0.45). Values were also normal in the first month after negative PCR testing (4.45 × 109/l; SD = 2.35; p = 0.91). A total of 10 patients (9.5%) had neutropenia. The age, dose of clozapine and duration of treatment were not statistically different compared to the group without neutropenia. CONCLUSION Psychiatrists and other health professionals should keep in mind that neutrophil count may decrease during COVID-19 infection in patients taking clozapine and in some cases, neutropenia may even occur. We assumed that neutropenia could be caused by COVID-19 and clozapine interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moga
- Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.,Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie si Neurologie Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Andreea Teodorescu
- Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.,Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie si Neurologie Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Petru Ifteni
- Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.,Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie si Neurologie Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Paula-Simina Petric
- Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.,Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie si Neurologie Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Ana-Aliana Miron
- Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.,Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie si Neurologie Brasov, Brasov, Romania
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8
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Ohlis A, Sörberg Wallin A, Sarafis A, Sjöqvist H, MacCabe JH, Ahlen J, Dalman C. Clozapine treatment and risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 145:79-85. [PMID: 34676888 PMCID: PMC8653206 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether patients with clozapine treatment are at an increased risk of a more severe COVID-19 infection as compared with patients on other antipsychotic drugs. METHODS In this register-based cohort study, all residents (age 18 or older) in the Stockholm Region with a psychotic disorder diagnosis and antipsychotic treatment were included (N = 8 233) and followed from 1 March 2020 to 14 January 2021. The exposure was defined as clozapine treatment and the outcome measures (indicating a more severe COVID-19 infection) were: inpatient care, care within intensive care unit or death due to COVID-19 infection. Differences in outcome rates between exposed (n = 966) and unexposed (other antipsychotics; n = 7 267) were examined using Cox proportional hazards models and expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS No statistically significant differences in outcome rates were found between the two groups of patients after adjusting for age, sex and residence in retirement homes. The adjusted HR for the exposed compared to the unexposed was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.70) for inpatient care; 1.69 (0.48, 5.93) for care in intensive care unit (ICU); and 0.86 (0.26, 2.80) for death. Regarding inpatient care, additional adjusting for country of birth, living in socioeconomically vulnerable areas, number of care visits during the previous year, and comorbid medical illnesses did not alter the results. CONCLUSIONS Our results may add support to the present guidelines, recommending sustained clozapine treatment during the current COVID-19 pandemic with careful monitoring and readiness to alter drug doses as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohlis
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community MedicineStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Alma Sörberg Wallin
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community MedicineStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Anna Sarafis
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community MedicineStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Hugo Sjöqvist
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - James H. MacCabe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Johan Ahlen
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community MedicineStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Centre for Epidemiology and Community MedicineStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
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9
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Javelot H, Straczek C, Meyer G, Gitahy Falcao Faria C, Weiner L, Drapier D, Fakra E, Fossati P, Weibel S, Dizet S, Langrée B, Masson M, Gaillard R, Leboyer M, Llorca PM, Hingray C, Haffen E, Yrondi A. Psychotropics and COVID-19: An analysis of safety and prophylaxis. L'ENCEPHALE 2021; 47:564-588. [PMID: 34548153 PMCID: PMC8410507 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of psychotropics during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised two questions, in order of importance: first, what changes should be made to pharmacological treatments prescribed to mental health patients? Secondly, are there any positive side effects of these substances against SARS-CoV-2? Our aim was to analyze usage safety of psychotropics during COVID-19; therefore, herein, we have studied: (i) the risk of symptomatic complications of COVID-19 associated with the use of these drugs, notably central nervous system activity depression, QTc interval enlargement and infectious and thromboembolic complications; (ii) the risk of mistaking the iatrogenic impact of psychotropics with COVID-19 symptoms, causing diagnostic error. Moreover, we provided a summary of the different information available today for these risks, categorized by mental health disorder, for the following: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD, sleep disorders and suicidal risk. The matter of psychoactive substance use during the pandemic is also analyzed in this paper, and guideline websites and publications for psychotropic treatments in the context of COVID-19 are referenced during the text, so that changes on those guidelines and eventual interaction between psychotropics and COVID-19 treatment medication can be reported and studied. Finally, we also provide a literature review of the latest known antiviral properties of psychotropics against SARS-CoV-2 as complementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Javelot
- Établissement public de santé Alsace Nord, 141, avenue Strasbourg, 67170 Brumath, France; Laboratoire de toxicologie et pharmacologie neuro cardiovasculaire, centre de recherche en biomédecine de Strasbourg, université de Strasbourg, 1, rue Eugène-Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - C Straczek
- Département de pharmacie, CHU d'Henri-Mondor, université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, 1, rue Gustave-Eiffel, 94000 Créteil, France; Inserm U955, institut Mondor de recherche biomédical, neuropsychiatrie translationnelle, 8, rue du Général-Sarrail, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - G Meyer
- Service pharmacie, établissement public de santé Alsace Nord, 141, avenue Strasbourg, 67170 Brumath, France; Service pharmacie, CHU de Strasbourg, 1, porte de L'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - C Gitahy Falcao Faria
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), avenue Pedro-Calmon, 550 - Cidade Universitária da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L Weiner
- Clinique de psychiatrie, hôpitaux universitaire de Strasbourg, 1, porte de L'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - D Drapier
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie adulte, centre hospitalier Guillaume-Régnier, rue du Moulin-de-Joué, 35700 Rennes, France; EA 4712, comportements et noyaux gris centraux, université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Professeur Léon-Bernard, CS 34317, campus santé de Villejean, 35043 Rennes cedex, France
| | - E Fakra
- Pôle universitaire de psychiatrie, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 37, rue Michelet, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France
| | - P Fossati
- Inserm U1127, ICM, service de psychiatrie adultes, groupe hospitalier pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne université, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - S Weibel
- Clinique de psychiatrie, hôpitaux universitaire de Strasbourg, 1, porte de L'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - S Dizet
- Centre de ressources et d'expertise en psychopharmacologie (CREPP) Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Chalon-sur-Saône, France; Service Pharmacie, CHS de Sevrey, 55, rue Auguste-Champio, 71100 Sevrey, France
| | - B Langrée
- Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier Guillaume-Régnier, rue du Moulin-de-Joué, 35700 Rennes, France; Clinique du Château de Garches, Nightingale Hospitals-Paris, 11, bis rue de la Porte-Jaune, 92380 Garches, France
| | - M Masson
- SHU, GHU psychiatrie et neurosciences, 1, rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France; GHU psychiatrie et neurosciences, université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - R Gaillard
- Conseil national des universités (CNU), 1, rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France
| | - M Leboyer
- Inserm, DMU IMPACT, IMRB, translational neuropsychiatry, fondation FondaMental, hôpitaux universitaires « H. Mondor », université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, 40, rue de Mesly, 94000 Créteil, France; CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 58, rue Montalembert, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - P M Llorca
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, 1, rue Lucie- et Raymond-Aubrac, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue Docteur Archambault, 54520 Laxou, France
| | - C Hingray
- Département de neurologie, CHU de Nancy, 25, rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France; CIC-1431 Inserm, service de psychiatrie, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - E Haffen
- Laboratoire de neurosciences, université de Franche-Comté, 19, rue Ambroise-Paré, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - A Yrondi
- Unité ToNIC, UMR 1214 CHU Purpan-Pavillon Baudot, place du Dr Joseph Baylac, 31024 Toulouse cedex 3, France
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10
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Singh R, Ratre BK, Sirohiya P, Bhatnagar S. Self-limiting severe neutropenia in a patient with COVID-19. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/11/e247057. [PMID: 34848430 PMCID: PMC8634211 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutropenia is a rare haematological complication of COVID-19 infection in immunocompetent patients. There is sparse literature on neutropenia in patients with COVID-19, except a few case reports. We encountered a similar case in an intensive care unit that developed severe neutropenia on day 24 of illness. Neutropenia resolved spontaneously on 4th day of its appearance. The patient was isolated and kept under close observation, antibiotics were upgraded and strict asepsis was maintained. Thus, we observed in a patient with no comorbidities and uncomplicated neutropenia that strict measures to prevent infection may suffice and the undue risk of hematopoietic therapy can be avoided. An expert opinion should always be sought in such cases as the presence of complications may require an aggressive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Singh
- Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Ratre
- Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Sirohiya
- Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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11
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Ramli FF, Ali A, Syed Hashim SA, Kamisah Y, Ibrahim N. Reduction in Absolute Neutrophil Counts in Patient on Clozapine Infected with COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111289. [PMID: 34769806 PMCID: PMC8582734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite its severe adverse effects, such as agranulocytosis, clozapine is the primary treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The established clozapine monitoring system has contributed to reducing agranulocytosis incidence and mortality rates. However, the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused changes in the monitoring system. This review aimed to assess the current evidence on the neutrophil changes in the patient on clozapine treatment and infected with COVID-19. Individual cases reported various absolute neutrophil count (ANC) levels, normal, reduced, or elevated. No agranulocytosis case was reported. One case had a borderline moderate-severe ANC level, but the patient was in the 18-week period of clozapine treatment. A cumulative analysis of case the series initially reported inconclusive results. However, a more recent study with a larger sample size reported a significant reduction in the ANC during COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, this effect is transient as no significant difference was found between the baseline and the post-infection period in ANC levels. In conclusion, COVID-19 is associated with a temporary reduction in ANC levels. The results supported the recommendation to reduce the frequency of clozapine monitoring in the eligible candidates. However, more data are required to confirm the current findings given the limitations, including study design, sample size, and statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitri Fareez Ramli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.S.H.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-9145-9545
| | - Adli Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
- Infection and Immunology Health and Advanced Medicine Cluster, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Syed Alhafiz Syed Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.S.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yusof Kamisah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.S.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Normala Ibrahim
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
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12
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Bonaccorso S, Ricciardi A, Ouabbou S, Theleritis C, Ross-Michaelides A, Metastasio A, Stewart N, Mohammed M, Schifano F. Clozapine, neutropenia and Covid-19: should clinicians be concerned? 3 months report. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 13:100212. [PMID: 33527097 PMCID: PMC7840406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine is among the most effective antipsychotics used for treatment resistant schizophrenia. Adverse reactions to clozapine include neutropenia. In March 2020, at the start of the Coronavirus -19 pandemic, clinicians raised concerns regarding continuation of antipsychotic treatment, and specifically of clozapine, in patients with coronavirus disease. We aimed here at providing a short report focusing on the association between neutropenia and clozapine in a case series of psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19. PATIENTS & METHODS We retrospectively inspected data of 10 patients on clozapine, admitted to Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, between March and July 2020; selection was based on their COVID-19 positive PCR test. We used a linear regression model to estimate whether there was a significant drop in the neutrophil count during SARS-CoV-2 infection.The analysis was done in R using a linear regression to the origin. RESULTS Data were collected on 10 patients, of which 7 were males. During COVID-19 infection, neutrophils' count (ANC) was 4.13 × 109/l (SD = 2.70) which constituted a significant drop from a baseline value of 5.2 × 109/l (SD = 2.24). The mean relative reduction in ANC was -0.2729 (SD = 0.1666). The beta value of 0.8377 obtained with the linear regression showed that ANC values during SARS-CoV-2 infection were 83.77% of the baseline ANC showing that within the two time points there was a decrease of 16.23%. The linear regression had a pvalue = 8.96 × 10-8 and an adjusted R2 of 95.94% which shows that the variability of the data is very well explained by the model. We also compared baseline ANC with ANC values approximately a month after resolution of the infection and results indicate that ANC values return to a 95% of baseline. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should bear in mind that a significant drop in neutrophils' count may occur in patients taking clozapine and affected from a SARS-CoV-2 infectionand that this drop is only transitory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bonaccorso
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
- University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- King’s College London, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Angelo Ricciardi
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
- DSM ASL Roma 1, CSM Via Monte Tomatico, 9, 00141, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Ouabbou
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
| | | | - Arabella Ross-Michaelides
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
| | - Antonio Metastasio
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
| | - Neil Stewart
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
| | - Marwa Mohammed
- Highgate Mental Health Centre, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5 NX, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EU, UK
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13
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Gee S, Taylor D. COVID-19 infection causes a reduction in neutrophil counts in patients taking clozapine. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E232-E237. [PMID: 33703870 PMCID: PMC8061743 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring of white cell counts during clozapine treatment leads to cessation of therapy if levels fall below predetermined values. Reductions in white cell counts, driven by lower levels of lymphocytes, have been observed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Neutropenia during COVID-19 has not been reported. We present data for 56 patients who were taking clozapine and had COVID-19. METHODS We included patients who were taking clozapine at the time they tested positive for COVID-19. We compared absolute neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts and white cell counts between baseline and the first week of infection, and baseline and the second week of infection. RESULTS We observed reductions in absolute neutrophil counts (p = 0.005), lymphocyte counts (p = 0.003) and white cell counts (p < 0.001) between baseline and the first 7 days of COVID-19. All cell counts had returned to baseline levels by days 8 to 14. Six patients experienced neutropenia (absolute neutrophil counts < 2.0 × 109/L) and of those, 4 underwent mandatory cessation of clozapine. For 3 patients, clozapine treatment had been established for more than 6 months with no previous neutropenia, neutrophil levels returned to baseline within 2 weeks and no further neutropenia was observed on restarting treatment. LIMITATIONS This was a retrospective chart review; larger cohorts are required. Clozapine plasma levels were largely not measured by clinicians. CONCLUSION These data strongly suggest that mild neutropenia in the acute phase of COVID-19 in patients who are well established on clozapine is more likely to be a consequence of the virus than of clozapine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Gee
- From the Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom (Gee, Taylor); and the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, United Kingdom (Gee, Taylor)
| | - David Taylor
- From the Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom (Gee, Taylor); and the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, United Kingdom (Gee, Taylor)
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14
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Dragoi AM, Radulescu I, Năsui BA, Pop AL, Varlas VN, Trifu S. Clozapine: An Updated Overview of Pharmacogenetic Biomarkers, Risks, and Safety-Particularities in the Context of COVID-19. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E840. [PMID: 33187329 PMCID: PMC7697202 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND clozapine (CLZ) use is precarious due to its neurological, cardiovascular, and hematological side effects; however, it is the gold standard in therapy-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) in adults and is underused. OBJECTIVE to examine the most recent CLZ data on (a) side effects concerning (b) recent pharmacological mechanisms, (c) therapy benefits, and (d) the particularities of the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA SOURCES a search was performed in two databases (PubMed and Web of Science) using the specific keywords "clozapine" and "schizophrenia", "side effects", "agranulocytosis", "TRS", or "bipolar affective disorder (BAF)" for the last ten years. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA clinical trials on adults with acute symptoms of schizophrenia or related disorders. RESULTS we selected 37 studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and clinical case series (CCS), centered on six main topics in the search area: (a) CLZ in schizophrenia, (b) CLZ in bipolar disorder, (c) side effects during the clozapine therapy, (d) CLZ in pregnancy, (e) CLZ in early-onset schizophrenia, and (f) CLZ therapy and COVID-19 infection. LIMITATIONS we considered RCTs and CCS from two databases, limited to the search topics. Conclusions and implications of key findings: (a) clozapine doses should be personalized for each patient based on pharmacogenetics testing when available; the genetic vulnerability postulates predictors of adverse reactions' severity; patients with a lower genetic risk could have less frequent hematological monitoring; (b) a CLZ-associated risk of pulmonary embolism imposes prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism; (c) convulsive episodes are not an indication for stopping treatment; the plasma concentration of clozapine is a better side effect predictor than the dosage; (d) COVID-19 infection may enhance clozapine toxicity, generating an increased risk of pneumonia. Therapy must be continued with the proper monitoring of the white blood count, and the clozapine dose decreased by half until three days after the fever breaks; psychiatrists and healthcare providers must act together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Miruna Dragoi
- Department of Psychiatry, “Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital for Psychiatry, 10 Berceni St., 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ioana Radulescu
- Department of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu St., 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (I.R.); (V.N.V.)
| | - Bogdana Adriana Năsui
- Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur St., 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; or
| | - Anca Lucia Pop
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Food Safety, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia St., 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentin Nicolae Varlas
- Department of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu St., 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (I.R.); (V.N.V.)
| | - Simona Trifu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu St., 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
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