1
|
Phencyclidine false positive due to lamotrigine. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 65:210-211. [PMID: 36604235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
2
|
QTc Prolongation in Poison Center Exposures to CredibleMeds List of Substances with "Known Risk of Torsades de Pointes". Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:866-877. [PMID: 35930218 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-022-09764-4] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Many drugs carry some risk of QT interval prolongation, which can lead to life-threatening dysrhythmias including Torsades de Pointes (TdP). CredibleMeds.org identifies medications categorized as "Known Risk of TdP" but does not stratify risk in acute supratherapeutic ingestions. We sought to determine the proportion of cases exhibiting QTc prolongation and life-threatening dysrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), TdP, and asystole in patients exposed to these substances. Retrospective chart review of cases reported to our Regional Poison Center from 2014 to 2019 of exposures to one or more of the "Known Risk" substances was performed. Demographics, therapies, clinical effects, and medical outcome for each case were analyzed. There were 1125 exposures, of which 760 had a documented QTc interval. QTc ≥ 500 ms was reported in 138 (18.2%) of the 760 cases. The most common "Known Risk" substances were citalopram, escitalopram and cocaine. Although not in the "Known Risk" category, mirtazapine, amitriptyline, diphenhydramine, and trazodone had a statistically significant association with QTc > 500 ms. Life-threatening dysrhythmias occurred in 13 cases, with VT/VF in 6 of the 760 (0.8%) cases, and one case of TdP. Flecainide (OR 11.1, 95% CI 2.2-55.8) and methadone (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.1-23.4) were associated with increased risk of all life-threatening dysrhythmias. Exposures to medications on the Credible Meds list of "Known Risk of TdP" QTc prolongation is common, but life-threatening dysrhythmias are rare. Mirtazapine, amitriptyline, diphenhydramine, and trazodone were associated with prolonged QTc. Flecainide and methadone had the highest associated risk of life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Collapse
|
3
|
|
4
|
Giorgetti A, Natanti A, Giorgetti R, Buscemi L. Long-lasting agony and failure to provide assistance in a case of mixed methadone-prescription drugs acute intoxication. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 52:101911. [PMID: 34087652 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methadone overdoses are usually considered "slow" and avoidable deaths. Despite being frequently witnessed, the type and duration of the agonal time are rarely documented and challenging to be reconstructed. Here we report a case in which a young male was found dead in a parked car, shortly after discharge from a compulsory psychiatric treatment. Death scene investigation, clinical records collection, analysis of video recordings from surveillance cameras and private videos, post-mortem examination, GC-MS and LC-MS/MS toxicological analyses were performed and allowed to assess an acute fatal intoxication by methadone and prescription drugs. The case here-in reported is a rare example of a witnessed and recorded prolonged agonal phase due to methadone and drug intoxication, which lasted at least 12 hours. The loss of consciousness and a worsening pattern of respiratory depression, including gasping, were reported by the friends of the victim, but no one called for help, arising the suspect of failure to provide assistance. The possibility of a long-lasting agony with respiratory gasping should be considered in the evaluation of similar intoxication cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Alice Natanti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, Università Politecnica delle Marche of Ancona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, Università Politecnica delle Marche of Ancona, Italy
| | - Loredana Buscemi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, Università Politecnica delle Marche of Ancona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sasao A, Yonemitsu K, Ohtsu Y, Tsutsumi H, Furukawa S, Kimura-Mishima S, Nishitani Y. High blood mirtazapine concentration in a newborn - A case of suspected postpartum infanticide. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 48:101830. [PMID: 33422759 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We report a sudden death of an infant due to mirtazapine poisoning. A 15-day-old newborn boy was found dead when he was sleeping beside his mother who had suffered from panic disorder for approximately 1 year. After giving birth, she complained of palpitations and shaky hands, and was prescribed mirtazapine. The deceased newborn weighed 3,282 g and his height was 55 cm. There were no autopsy findings related to the death. The mirtazapine concentration as quantitated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was 620 ng/mL in right heart blood, and was approximately 10 times higher than the therapeutic level in adults. Because transfer of mirtazapine into breast milk is low, mirtazapine was likely administered intentionally to the newborn. Based on the newborn's immature renal, liver, and blood-brain barrier function, the cause of death was attributed to mirtazapine poisoning. Poison-related homicide in the infant is rare. We report the first case of intentional mirtazapine poisoning case in a newborn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ako Sasao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan.
| | - Kosei Yonemitsu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohtsu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsutsumi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Shota Furukawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | | | - Yoko Nishitani
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reyes R, Figueroa S. Bupropion overdose as a clinically significant confounder of the neurological examination. JOURNAL OF NEUROCRITICAL CARE 2020. [DOI: 10.18700/jnc.200021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
7
|
|
8
|
Dural E, Baskak NS, Özcan H, Kır Y, Başkak B, Süzen HS. Determination of Mirtazapine and Desmethyl Mirtazapine in Human Plasma by a New Validated HPLC Ultraviolet Method with a Simple and Reliable Extraction Method: Application to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Study by 62 Real Patient Plasma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 19:18-30. [PMID: 32922465 PMCID: PMC7462492 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.14599.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Determination of mirtazapine (MRP) during psychopharmacotherapy in biological fluids is essential to achieve successful therapy, to avoid toxicity related to drug interactions, genetic variability, and poor compliance. A new, rapid, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed in human plasma for the determination of MRP and N-desmethylmirtazapine (NDM) that is an active metabolite. The separation was achieved on a reverse-phase C18 250 x 4.6 mm i.d., ODS-3 column using programmed gradient elution at 40 °C. 20 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 3.9), acetonitrile, and triethylamine (75.0:24.9:0.1, v/v/v) were used as mobile phase A. Mobile phase B consisted of absolute acetonitrile. Clozapine was used as an internal standard. The method showed linearity with good determination coefficients (r2≥0.9981) for each analyte. Intra-day and interday assay precisions (RSD%) were found less than 3.4 and 2.9 for MRP and NDM, respectively. The intra-day and interday accuracy (RE%) of the method were calculated between (-2.8) and 5.5. A new extraction method was used in the study and an excellent recovery (average) values for MRP and NDM (94.4%, 106.6%, respectively) was obtained. The method was specific and sensitive as the limit of detection (LOD) were 0.17 for MRP and 0.15 ng/mL for NDM. This method was applied properly to plasma samples taken from patients receiving MRI (n = 62) treated with 15-30 mg / day. The obtained and statistically evaluated plasma MRP and NDM levels which were 28.6 ± 13.8 and 12.3 ± 6.5 (mean ± SD). The described procedure is relatively simple, precise, and applicable for routine therapeutic drug monitoring especially in psychiatry clinics and toxicology reference laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Dural
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Nilay Sedes Baskak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yenimahalle Research and Training Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hatice Özcan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yağmur Kır
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bora Başkak
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Halil Sinan Süzen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kaya FB, Kuas C, Ozakin E, Karakilic ME, Kaya S. Bradyarrhythmia due to mirtazapine overdose: A case of serious adverse event in a suicidal patient. Indian J Pharmacol 2020; 52:520-523. [PMID: 33666194 PMCID: PMC8092174 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_82_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a limited number of studies on postoverdose clinical findings of mirtazapine in the literature. Our case presented an unlikely junctional rhythm, which we have not seen in the previous studies, in a patient who had bradycardia and hypotension following mirtazapine intake. A 37-year old male was admitted to the emergency department (ED) after his suicide attempt with 300 mg PO of mirtazapine tablets. He took the drug 2 h prior to his ED visit. He did not have any complaints after the mirtazapine intake. His complete physical examination and electrocardiography (ECG) revealed no pathological findings. He was observed in the ED. The results were in the normal range in his blood test and he has 0 mg/dl of blood ethanol. He experienced dizziness after 5 h and 30 min. The blood pressure was 60/30 mmHg. The heart rate was 34 beats/min. The simultaneous ECG showed junctional bradycardia. 0.5 mg atropine IV was given two times at intervals. Norepinephrine infusion was initiated after normal saline therapy. Forty-five minutes later, he did not have any clinically significant complaint. There are no pathological findings in his follow-up ECG and physical examination. He was discharged of his own accord 10 h after his ED admission. His initial mirtazapine level was 145 ng/ml when he came to the ED. Mirtazapine was known to have a safe cardiac profile both for regular dose and overdose. However, physicians should consider that it might induce a life-threatening bradyarrhythmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Baloglu Kaya
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Caglar Kuas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozakin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Evvah Karakilic
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Seyhmus Kaya
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Eskisehir Sehir Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tay E, Sotiriou A, Graham GG, Wilhelm K, Snowden L, Day RO. Restarting antidepressant and antipsychotic medication after intentional overdoses: need for evidence-based guidance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125319836889. [PMID: 30956788 PMCID: PMC6444415 DOI: 10.1177/2045125319836889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intentional drug overdoses with antidepressant and antipsychotic medications are an increasingly common problem. Currently, there is little guidance with regard to reintroduction of these medications after intentional overdoses. We have used published toxicological and pharmacokinetic data to obtain factors which control the recovery from overdoses. From such data, we have proposed guidance regarding their reintroduction, provided there are no adverse effects or contraindications. Tentatively, we suggest that when adverse effects from the overdose are lost, treatment could recommence after a further mean half-life of elimination. Most antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and, where cytochrome P450 inhibitors are co-ingested, serial plasma concentrations should optimally be obtained in order to assess a suitable time for reintroduction of the psychoactive drugs. We hope the proposals presented will stimulate research and discussion that lead to better guidance for clinicians concerning reintroduction of psychoactive medication after intentional overdose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tay
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andreas Sotiriou
- University College London Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Garry G Graham
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kay Wilhelm
- Department of Liaison Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leone Snowden
- NSW Medicines Information Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shuman M, Chukwu A, Van Veldhuizen N, Miller SA. Relationship between mirtazapine dose and incidence of adrenergic side effects: An exploratory analysis. Ment Health Clin 2019; 9:41-47. [PMID: 30627503 PMCID: PMC6322815 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2019.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mirtazapine is an antidepressant with US Food and Drug Administration approval for management of major depressive disorder. Low doses of mirtazapine are often used for management of insomnia, with higher doses expected to provide more noradrenergic effect, and thus a higher degree of activation. If so, use of higher doses at bedtime may not be advisable and may worsen certain neuropsychiatric symptoms. No studies have been performed to evaluate these outcomes. METHODS This study consisted of a retrospective review of data submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System from January 1, 1995, to August 1, 2015. Cases that were deemed by study authors to represent activation of the noradrenergic system, and for which other confounders could not be identified, were included in the final analysis. The frequency of each specific adverse event was evaluated based on dose and compared to recent prescribing rates to determine if likelihood of a side effect increased with higher dose. RESULTS The study identified 308 incidences of anxiety, agitation, delusion, hallucination, hypertension, insomnia, nightmare, or tachycardia. After controlling for frequency of prescribing at a given dose, there was a statistically significant increase in rates of tachycardia which correlated with dose. However, after correction for multiple comparisons, results were no longer significant. DISCUSSION This study failed to support the hypothesis that mirtazapine is more activating at higher doses and appears to support the safety of increasing dose without increasing risk of noradrenergic side effects. Prospective studies will be necessary to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Shuman
- Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy, North Chicago, Illinois,
| | - Athena Chukwu
- Student, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nathan Van Veldhuizen
- Student, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Steven A Miller
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Health Professions, North Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Myoclonic status epilepticus (MSE) in patients without epilepsy, or de novo MSE, is a rare condition associated with several acute symptomatic etiologies, including drugs and toxins. We describe a 94-year-old woman with Alzheimer dementia and long use of mirtazapine 30 mg/d and alprazolam 1 mg/d who developed MSE approximately 24 hours after abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam. The patient was taking sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for urinary tract infection, diagnosed 2 weeks before admission. She had no history of seizures. Routine laboratory examinations were normal and head computed tomography showed no acute injuries. She received a loading dose of 1000 mg of intravenous valproate (VPA). Continuous electroencephalogram monitoring revealed very frequent generalized spikes and polyspikes in a markedly slowed background activity. Intravenous VPA 500 mg thrice a day and alprazolam 0.5 mg twice a day were prescribed, and antibiotic was switched to piperacillin/tazobactam. Myoclonic jerks ceased completely and electroencephalogram showed no epileptiform discharges 2 days after VPA treatment onset, with recovery of baseline neurological status. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of de novo MSE related to abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines. Seizures and status epilepticus are potential adverse events after abrupt withdrawal of chronically used benzodiazepines, especially in conditions with intrinsic epileptogenic susceptibility, such as Alzheimer disease.
Collapse
|
13
|
Beach SR, Celano CM, Sugrue AM, Adams C, Ackerman MJ, Noseworthy PA, Huffman JC. QT Prolongation, Torsades de Pointes, and Psychotropic Medications: A 5-Year Update. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2018; 59:105-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
14
|
Mirtazapine fatal poisoning. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 276:e8-e12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
15
|
Cardon-Dunbar A, Robertson T, Roberts MS, Isbister GK. Pramipexole Overdose Associated with Visual Hallucinations, Agitation and Myoclonus. J Med Toxicol 2017; 13:343-346. [PMID: 28547577 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-017-0615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pramipexole is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist used to treat idiopathic Parkinson's disease and primary restless legs syndrome. There is limited information on pramipexole overdose. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old male ingested 3 mg pramipexole, 2250 mg venlafaxine, 360 mg mirtazapine, with suicidal intent. He presented alert, had normal vital observations and normal pupillary reflexes. He was mildly agitated, reported visual hallucinations and was given 5 mg diazepam. He had a mildly elevated lactate of 1.7 mmol/L, but otherwise normal laboratory investigations. Overnight, he remained agitated with visual hallucinations and developed myoclonus while awake. He had increasing difficulty passing urine on a background of mild chronic urinary retention. On review, 14 h post-ingestion, he was hypervigilant, jittery and mildly agitated. He had pressured speech and difficulty focusing on questioning. He had a heart rate of 110 bpm, but had an otherwise normal examination, with no clonus or extrapyramidal effects. He was unable to mobilize due to dizziness and ataxia. Over the next few hours, he improved, the visual hallucinations and agitation resolved and he mobilized independently. Pramipexole was measured with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The initial plasma pramipexole concentration was 34.2 ng/mL (therapeutic range 0.2 to 7 ng/mL), 9 h post-overdose. Concentration time data fitted a one-compartment model with an estimated elimination half-life of 18 h. DISCUSSION Pramipexole overdose with hallucination, agitation, and myoclonus is consistent with adverse effects reported with therapeutic toxicity, but mirtazapine and venlafaxine may have contributed. Pramipexole concentrations exceeded the therapeutic range for over 24 h. With the increasing use of pramipexole in restless legs syndrome, adult overdoses may become more common.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Cardon-Dunbar
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tom Robertson
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Therapeutics Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. .,Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jamilloux Y, Kerever S, Ferry T, Broussolle C, Honnorat J, Sève P. Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy With Mirtazapine. Clin Drug Investig 2017; 36:783-9. [PMID: 27401779 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-016-0433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, JC-virus-mediated, demyelinating disease with a high mortality rate. As no recommended treatment exists, mirtazapine, a potential blocker of virus entry into cells, has been empirically used. METHODS We analysed existing data on mirtazapine's efficacy to treat PML by systematically reviewing the literature since 2005, when it was first used. RESULTS Searches in PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS and Google Scholar between January 2005 and December 2015, identified five cohort studies and 74 case reports. No statistically significant effect of mirtazapine on PML outcome was observed in the cohort studies. From studying the case reports, mortality rate for PML was associated with the underlying circumstances, such as an older age, the use of an immunosuppressant, or PML occurring in patients with a haematological malignancy or a transplant. CONCLUSIONS Except for natalizumab-associated PML, we did not highlight any potential benefit of mirtazapine on disease outcomes. Further interventional studies are needed to confirm that 5-HT2AR inhibition is relevant to treat PML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Jamilloux
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, 103 Grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France.
| | - Sébastien Kerever
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Lariboisière University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,ECSTRA Team, CRESS, Epidemiology and Statistics Centre, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1153, INSERM, Paris, France.,University Denis Diderot-Paris VII, Paris, France
| | - Tristan Ferry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Christiane Broussolle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, 103 Grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Honnorat
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Hopital Neurologique, Institut NeuroMyoGene (INMG) INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR 5310, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Pascal Sève
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, 103 Grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Danielsson B, Collin J, Jonasdottir Bergman G, Borg N, Salmi P, Fastbom J. Antidepressants and antipsychotics classified with torsades de pointes arrhythmia risk and mortality in older adults - a Swedish nationwide study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 81:773-83. [PMID: 26574175 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to examine mortality risk associated with use of antidepressants and antipsychotics classified with torsades de pointes (TdP) risk in elderly. METHODS A matched case-control register study was conducted in people 65 years and older dying outside hospital from 2008-2013 (n = 286,092) and matched controls (n = 1,430,460). The association between prescription of antidepressants and antipsychotics with various TdP risk according to CredibleMeds (www.crediblemeds.org) and all-cause mortality was studied by multivariate conditional logistic regression adjusted for comorbidity and several other confounders. RESULTS Use of antidepressants classified with known or possible TdP risk, was associated with higher adjusted risk for mortality (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.51, 1.56 and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.61, 1.67, respectively) compared with antidepressants classified with conditional TdP risk (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.22, 1.28) or without TdP classification (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94, 1.05). Antipsychotics classified with known TdP risk were associated with higher risk (OR 4.57, 95% CI 4.37, 4.78) than antipsychotics with possible risk (OR 2.58, 95% CI 2.52, 2.64) or without TdP classification (OR 2.14, 95% CI 2.03, 2.65). The following risk ranking was observed for commonly used antidepressants: mirtazapine > citalopram > sertraline > amitriptyline and for antipsychotics: haloperidol > risperidone >olanzapine > quetiapine. CONCLUSION The CredibleMeds system predicted drug-associated risk for mortality in the elderly at the risk class level. Among antipsychotics, haloperidol, and among antidepressants, mirtazapine and citalopram, were associated with the highest risks. The results suggest that the TdP risk with antidepressants and antipsychotics should be taken into consideration when prescribing to the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Danielsson
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm
| | - Julius Collin
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm
| | - Gudrun Jonasdottir Bergman
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm
| | - Natalia Borg
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm
| | - Peter Salmi
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm
| | - Johan Fastbom
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), 106 30, Stockholm.,Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Gävlegatan 16, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Berling I, Isbister GK. The Half RR Rule: A Poor Rule of Thumb and Not a Risk Assessment Tool for QT Interval Prolongation. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:1139-44. [PMID: 26375169 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Measuring the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is integral to risk assessment of Torsade de Pointes (TdP). This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the 1/2 RR rule as a risk assessment tool for drug-induced TdP, comparing it to the QT nomogram, Bazett's corrected QT (QTcB), and Fridericia's corrected QT (QTcF). METHODS The authors calculated sensitivity and specificity of the 1/2 RR rule using a published data set of 129 cases of drug-induced TdP and 316 controls (noncardiotoxic overdoses), compared to the QT nomogram, QTcB > 500 msec and QTcF > 500 msec. To further determine the value of the 1/2 RR rule, its observed positive, and negative agreement were calculated when compared to the QT nomogram for determining an abnormal QT in eight samples of different drugs in overdose. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of the 1/2 RR rule were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 80% to 93%) and 53% (95% CI = 47% to 58%), respectively, compared to the QT nomogram (sensitivity = 97%, 95% CI = 92% to 99%; specificity = 99%, 95% CI = 97% to 100%). It was also less sensitive than QTcB > 500 msec and had a lower specificity than QTcB > 500 msec and QTcF > 500 msec. In drug overdose patients, the 1/2 RR rule had poor observed agreement averaging 41%, which was mainly due to poor positive agreement, except for amisulpride where there was good agreement. CONCLUSIONS The 1/2 RR rule was not as sensitive as the QT nomogram or QTcB > 500 msec for drug-induced TdP. It had poor positive agreement in almost all overdose patients, resulting in over half of patients receiving unnecessary cardiac monitoring and repeat ECGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Berling
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology; Calvary Mater Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group; University of Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology; Calvary Mater Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group; University of Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jasiak NM, Bostwick JR. Risk of QT/QTc Prolongation Among Newer Non-SSRI Antidepressants. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:1620-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028014550645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To review QT prolongation potential with newer nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (non-SSRI) antidepressants. Data Sources: A PubMed literature search was performed from 1982 through June 16, 2014. Search terms included bupropion, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, and vilazodone in combination with each of the following terms: cardiac toxicity, QTc prolongation, QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, and TdP. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language human studies, case reports, package inserts, manufacturer electronic communications, and ArizonaCert database were utilized. Data Synthesis: Rare QT prolongation has been reported with venlafaxine at therapeutic doses and in overdose. Bupropion has also been linked to QT prolongation in overdose situations. In elderly patients with a variety of high-risk comorbidities, mirtazapine did demonstrate higher odds of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias when compared with paroxetine. Largely because of a lack of available data, existing studies fail to demonstrate QT prolongation with desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, and vilazodone. Conclusion: Based on the current literature, risk of QT/QTc prolongation with the majority of newer non-SSRI antidepressants at therapeutic doses is low. The highest risk for QT prolongation appears to exist in overdose situations with venlafaxine and bupropion. Given the few to nonexistent controlled studies and confounding variables present in case reports, it is difficult to draw conclusions on QT prolongation risk with many of the newer non-SSRI antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M. Jasiak
- University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jolene R. Bostwick
- University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|