Augmentation of clozapine with aripiprazole in severe psychotic bipolar and schizoaffective disorders: a pilot study

Third-generation antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia and non-responsivity or intolerance to clozapine regimen: What is the evidence?

Clozapine is considered « the golden standard » for the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but many patients do not present adequate responsivity even to this antipsychotic. If we add the need to strictly monitor the hematologic and cardiometabolic adverse events during each clozapine trial and the difficulty of preserving therapeutic adherence in patients with low insight, residual negative/positive symptoms, or economic challenges, then the necessity of exploring alternative interventions for these patients becomes obvious. Also, in case of intolerance to clozapine or where clozapine did not induce remission, clinicians have to find new ways to help their patients. Switching to other antipsychotics or using these agents as add-ons to clozapine are the main interventions explored in this review, for patients with schizophrenia resistant to clozapine (ultra-resistant schizophrenia, URS). When clozapine intolerance is detected, conversion to another antipsychotic with distinct pharmacologic properties or formulation (e.g., long-acting intramuscular injectable agents, LAI) may be a useful option. Third-generation antipsychotics (TGA) have been selected for their distinct pharmacodynamically profile, which allows, at a theoretical level, their use in combination with clozapine. This narrative review is based on searching four electronic databases, that retrieved 19 primary and secondary reports on aripiprazole (seven case reports or case series presenting 24 patients; nine clinical trials, and three systematic reviews/meta-analyses), two primary reports on brexpiprazole (case report and case series, N = 3 patients), and six primary reports on cariprazine (case reports and case series, N = 14 patients). Based on the information collected from these reports, which included oral and LAI formulations, the TGA most supported by evidence for the augmentation of clozapine is aripiprazole (high-and medium-quality data), followed by cariprazine (low-quality data). Brexpiprazole has not yet been systematically explored for this indication, and in the case of lumateperone, no report could be found. The efficacy of aripiprazole and cariprazine was supported in the domains of positive, negative, and general symptoms, and aripiprazole may positively impact the metabolic profile in patients with URS. Also, adding TGA may lead to a decrease in the dose of clozapine concomitantly administered. More data derived from good quality research are needed in order to confirm the circumstances of TGAs recommendation in patients with URS, either as monotherapy, or added to clozapine.

Clozapine-induced stuttering in the absence of known risk factors: a case report

Background

Stuttering is a rare side effect of clozapine. It has been shown to occur in the presence of one or more factors such as abnormal electrophysiological findings and seizures, extrapyramidal symptoms, brain pathology, and a family history of stuttering. Few case reports have documented the occurrence of clozapine-induced stuttering in the absence of these risk factors.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old African male on clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia presented with stuttering at a dosage of 400 mg/day that resolved with dose reduction. Electroencephalogram findings were normal, and there was no clinical evidence of seizures. The patient had no prior history or family history of stuttering, had a normal neurological examination, and showed no signs of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Conclusion

Clinicians ought to be aware of stuttering as a side effect of clozapine, even in the absence of known risk factors. Further research should investigate the pathophysiology of clozapine-induced stuttering.

The CINP Guidelines on the Definition and Evidence-Based Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder

BACKGROUND

Resistant bipolar disorder is a major mental health problem related to significant disability and overall cost. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the literature concerning (1) the definition of treatment resistance in bipolar disorder, (2) its clinical and (3) neurobiological correlates, and (4) the evidence-based treatment options for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder and for eventually developing guidelines for the treatment of this condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PRISMA method was used to identify all published papers relevant to the definition of treatment resistance in bipolar disorder and the associated evidence-based treatment options. The MEDLINE was searched to April 22, 2018.

RESULTS

Criteria were developed for the identification of resistance in bipolar disorder concerning all phases. The search of the literature identified all published studies concerning treatment options. The data were classified according to strength, and separate guidelines regarding resistant acute mania, acute bipolar depression, and the maintenance phase were developed.

DISCUSSION

The definition of resistance in bipolar disorder is by itself difficult due to the complexity of the clinical picture, course, and treatment options. The current guidelines are the first, to our knowledge, developed specifically for the treatment of resistant bipolar disorder patients, and they also include an operationalized definition of treatment resistance. They were based on a thorough and deep search of the literature and utilize as much as possible an evidence-based approach.

Pharmacological Approaches for Treatment-resistant Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is prevalent, with high risks of disability, substance abuse and premature mortality. Treatment responses typically are incomplete, especially for depressive components, so that many cases can be considered “treatment resistant.” We reviewed reports on experimental treatments for such patients: there is a striking paucity of such research, mainly involving small incompletely controlled trials of add-on treatment, and findings remain preliminary. Encouraging results have been reported by adding aripiprazole, bupropion, clozapine, ketamine, memantine, pramipexole, pregabalin, and perhaps tri-iodothyronine in resistant manic or depressive phases. The urgency of incomplete responses in such a severe illness underscores the need for more systematic, simpler, and better controlled studies in more homogeneous samples of patients.

Clozapine for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of clozapine for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder (TRBD).

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled studies, open-label prospective studies, and retrospective studies of patients with TRBD was carried out. Interventions included clozapine monotherapy or clozapine combined with other medications. Outcome measures were efficacy and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

RESULTS

Fifteen clinical trials with a total sample of 1,044 patients met the inclusion criteria. Clozapine monotherapy or clozapine combined with other treatments for TRBD was associated with improvement in: (i) symptoms of mania, depression, rapid cycling, and psychotic symptoms, with many patients with TRBD achieving a remission or response; (ii) the number and duration of hospitalizations, the number of psychotropic co-medications, and the number of hospital visits for somatic reasons for intentional self-harm/overdose; (iii) suicidal ideation and aggressive behavior; and (iv) social functioning. In addition, patients with TRBD showed greater clinical improvement in long-term follow-up when compared with published schizophrenia data. Sedation (12%), constipation (5.0%), sialorrhea (5.2%), weight gain (4%), and body ache/pain (2%) were the commonly reported ADRs; however, these symptoms but did not usually require drug discontinuation. The percentage of severe ADRs reported, such as leukopenia (2%), agranulocytosis (0.3%), and seizure (0.5%), appeared to be lower than those reported in the published schizophrenia literature.

CONCLUSION

The limited current evidence supports the concept that clozapine may be both an effective and a relatively safe medication for TRBD.

Augmentation strategies in partial responder and/or treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients treated with clozapine

INTRODUCTION

Although clozapine (CLZ) is considered the best evidence-based therapeutic option for treatment of resistant schizophrenia patients, a significant proportion of CLZ-treated patients show a partial or inadequate response to treatment, leading to increased healthcare cost and poor quality of life for affected individuals.

AREAS COVERED

This paper comprises a review of main research in CLZ augmentation strategies for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, with a focus on research conducted between 1990 and 2014. Databases that were searched include: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE PsychINFO, AgeLine and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Primary search terms were 'clozapine augmentation', 'clozapine and add-on' and 'treatment-resistant schizophrenia', with cross reference to specific agents covered in this article. We reviewed the available evidence on CLZ augmentation with antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other agents.

EXPERT OPINION

Many drugs have been evaluated as CLZ add-on therapies without demonstrating convincing efficacy in treating refractory schizophrenia symptoms. More research is needed to better define outcomes in schizophrenia, the topic of treatment-resistance and more well-designed trials are required to establish true efficacy and safety of CLZ augmentation strategies.

Evidence-based options for treatment-resistant adult bipolar disorder patients

OBJECTIVES

Many patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) respond incompletely or unsatisfactorily to available treatments. Given the potentially devastating nature of this prevalent disorder, there is a pressing need to improve clinical care of such patients.

METHODS

We performed a literature review of the research findings related to treatment-resistant BD reported through February 2012.

RESULTS

Therapeutic trials for treatment-resistant bipolar mania are uncommon, and provide few promising leads other than the use of clozapine. Far more pressing challenges are the depressive-dysthymic-dysphoric-mixed phases of BD and long-term prophylaxis. Therapeutic trials for treatment-resistant bipolar depression have assessed anticonvulsants, modern antipsychotics, glutamate [N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)] antagonists, dopamine agonists, calcium-channel blockers, and thyroid hormones, as well as behavioral therapy, sleep deprivation, light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation-all of which are promising but limited in effectiveness. Several innovative pharmacological treatments (an anticholinesterase, a glutamine antagonist, a calcium-channel blocker, triiodothyronine, olanzapine and topiramate), ECT, and cognitive-behavior therapy have some support for long-term treatment of resistant BD patients, but most of trials of these treatments have been methodologically limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies identified were small, involved supplementation of typically complex ongoing treatments, varied in controls, randomization, and blinding, usually involved brief follow-up, and lacked replication. Clearer criteria for defining and predicting treatment resistance in BD are needed, as well as improved trial design with better controls, assessment of specific clinical subgroups, and longer follow-up.

Clozapine resistance: augmentation strategies

BACKGROUND

Clozapine (CLZ) is not effective in more than 50% of treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. In these cases, several pharmacological strategies are used in clinical practice, with different levels of evidence for both safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

In the present paper we critically reviewed literature data regarding the efficacy and safety of adjunctive agents in CLZ-resistant schizophrenics. The following classes of agents were considered: 1) antipsychotics, 2) antidepressants, 3) mood stabilizers, 4) other agents (e.g. fatty acid supplement and glutamatergic agents), 5) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For lamotrigine and risperidone sufficient data were available to perform a meta-analysis.

METHODS

A Medline literature search covering a 20-year period was performed. For the meta-analysis, data were entered and analyzed with the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan version 5).

RESULTS

62 pertinent studies were identified, including 1556 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. Among treatments investigated, there is evidence for CLZ augmentation with 1) amisulpride and aripiprazole, 2) mirtazapine and 3) ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA). Although promising, ECT augmentation needs further validation. The meta-analyses did not support either the use of risperidone or lamotrigine as CLZ adjunct.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there is scarce evidence of efficacy and safety as regards adjunctive strategies for CLZ-resistant patients. However, several limitations do not allow to draw any definitive conclusion; among these we underline the small sample size of clinical trials, the variable definitions of CLZ resistance, the heterogeneity of outcome measures and methodological designs.

Role of aripiprazole in treatment-resistant schizophrenia

About one third of patients with schizophrenia respond unsatisfactorily to antipsychotic treatment and are termed "treatment-resistant". Clozapine is still the gold standard in these cases. However, 40%-70% of patients do not improve sufficiently on clozapine either. In the search for more efficacious strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, drugs with different pharmacological profiles seem to raise new hopes, but are they valid? The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for aripiprazole as a potential strategy in monotherapy or combination therapy for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The evidence for aripiprazole monotherapy and for the combination of aripiprazole with psychotropics other than clozapine is scant, and no recommendation can be made on the basis of the currently available data. More effort has been made in describing combinations of aripiprazole and clozapine. Most of the open-label and case studies as well as case reports have shown positive effects of this combination on overall psychopathology and to some extent on negative symptoms. Several reports describe the possibility of dose reduction for clozapine in combination with aripiprazole, a strategy that might help so-called "treatment-intolerant" patients. The findings of four randomized controlled trials with respect to changes in psychopathology seem less conclusive. The most commonly found beneficial effects are better metabolic outcomes and indicators of the possibility of reducing the clozapine dose. However, other side effects, such as akathisia, are repeatedly reported. Further, none of the studies report longer-term outcomes. In the absence of alternatives, polypharmacy is a common strategy in clinical practice. Combining aripiprazole with clozapine in clozapine-resistant or clozapine-intolerant patients seems to be worthy of further investigation from the pharmacological and clinical points of view.

Antipsychotic polytherapy on an inpatient psychiatric unit: how does clinical practice coincide with Joint Commission guidelines?

OBJECTIVE

A recently developed quality measure set for inpatient psychiatric care includes measurement of antipsychotic polytherapy at discharge. Our objective was to use detailed chart reviews to assess the use of antipsychotic polytherapy and place this use in the context of these measures.

METHODS

Patients (N=75) discharged on multiple antipsychotics and a comparable set (N=114) of comparison patients (a randomly selected set of all admitted inpatients) were identified from consecutive admissions to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain the clinical rationale for antipsychotic polytherapy and assess differences in characteristics between these groups.

RESULTS

Patients discharged on antipsychotic polytherapy were more likely to have public insurance, longer lengths of stay, psychotic illness, more prior admissions, and state-funded services for persons with chronic mental illness. We identified subgroups of patients based on the clinical rationale for the antipsychotic co-prescription (refractory illness, regimen unchanged from admission and use of antipsychotic for nonpsychosis symptoms). Some, but not all, such rationales appeared to be clinically justified.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients discharged on antipsychotic polytherapy had justifiable clinical rationales that were concordant with the new quality measures. However, two additional subsets were identified, one where quality improvement efforts may be warranted and another where revision of existing quality measure definitions should be considered. Given the implications of public reporting of quality measures, further study and refinement of these measures are required to provide meaningful information to all concerned stakeholders.

Add-on of aripiprazole improves outcome in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia

Although clozapine proved effective in treating 30-50% of the cases of resistant schizophrenia, its clinical use is hampered by significant side effects. To overcome this problem, augmentation with other atypical antipsychotics has been attempted, with conflicting results. A clozapine-aripiprazole combination showed interesting properties, due to the favourable complementary pharmacodynamic receptor profile and to the negligible metabolic interactions. In this retrospective case series, we investigated the change in BPRS scores and metabolic features like BMI, fasting glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, functional outcome HoNOS Rome and PSP scores after aripiprazole augmentation in 16 persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who were already treated with clozapine. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in metabolic indices, psychopathology and functional outcome measures from baseline to endpoint (6weeks) after augmentation with aripiprazole. Statistically significant correlations were observed between psychopathological and behavioural measures at baseline and at endpoint. Linear regression analysis defined a tripartite model, in which item HoNOS Rome 11, measuring autonomy in everyday life, explained nearly half of functional outcome PSP score predictive variance, together with BPRS total psychopathology score and HoNOS Rome total social functioning score. Adequately conducted randomised double-blind studies should provide further specific data highlighting the role of a clozapine-aripiprazole combination in improving functional outcome of persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.