Association of symptom severity and cerebrospinal fluid alterations in recent onset psychosis in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders - An individual patient data meta-analysis

Neuroinflammation and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) disruption could be key elements in schizophrenia-spectrum disorderś(SSDs) etiology and symptom modulation. We present the largest two-stage individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis, investigating the association of BCB disruption and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alterations with symptom severity in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and recent onset psychotic disorder (ROP) individuals, with a focus on sex-related differences. Data was collected from PubMed and EMBASE databases. FEP, ROP and high-risk syndromes for psychosis IPD were included if routine basic CSF-diagnostics were reported. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated. Random-effects meta-analyses and mixed-effects linear regression models were employed to assess the impact of BCB alterations on symptom severity. Published (6 studies) and unpublished IPD from n = 531 individuals was included in the analyses. CSF was altered in 38.8 % of individuals. No significant differences in symptom severity were found between individuals with and without CSF alterations (SMD = -0.17, 95 %CI -0.55-0.22, p = 0.341). However, males with elevated CSF/serum albumin ratios or any CSF alteration had significantly higher positive symptom scores than those without alterations (SMD = 0.34, 95 %CI 0.05-0.64, p = 0.037 and SMD = 0.29, 95 %CI 0.17-0.41p = 0.005, respectively). Mixed-effects and simple regression models showed no association (p > 0.1) between CSF parameters and symptomatic outcomes. No interaction between sex and CSF parameters was found (p > 0.1). BCB disruption appears highly prevalent in early psychosis and could be involved in positive symptomś severity in males, indicating potential difficult-to-treat states. This work highlights the need for considering BCB breakdownand sex-related differences in SSDs clinical trials and treatment strategies.

Psychosocial stress moderates the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase and the duration of untreated psychosis in first-episode psychosis

Introduction

Previous research has shown that lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with longer prodromal symptoms in first-episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed to study whether there is a relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and LDH and other CSF biomarkers in FEP and whether stressful life events moderate this association.

Methods

Ninety-five inpatients with FEP and with less than 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment were included in the study. All participants were informed about the nature of the study, which was approved by the local ethics committee, and signed an informed consent form. A lumbar puncture was performed at index admission (baseline) to measure CSF parameters (glucose, total protein, LDH). The DUP was assessed with the Quick Psychosis Onset and Prodromal Symptoms Inventory (Q-POPSI). Stressful life events (SLEs) in the previous 6 months were assessed with the List of Threatening Experiences. We dichotomized the SLE variable into having experienced at least one SLE or no experience of SLEs. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS v. 25.0. Total protein and LDH concentrations were natural log transformed (ln) to reduce skewness. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between the DUP and CSF parameters (considered the dependent variable). Age, sex, DUP and SLEs were considered independent variables. We tested the DUP by SLE interaction. Significant interactions were included in the final model. The threshold for significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Fifty-four FEP patients (56.8%) reported an SLE in the previous 6 months. There were no significant differences in the DUP between patients with or without SLEs. There were no significant differences in CSF biomarkers between the SLE groups. In the multiple linear regression analyses, we found a significant DUP by SLE interaction effect on CSF LDH concentrations (standardized beta= -0.320, t= -2.084, p= 0.040). In patients with SLEs, a shorter DUP was associated with higher CSF LDH concentrations and vice versa. No significant associations were found between the DUP or SLEs and other CSF biomarkers (glucose, total proteins).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that psychosocial stress moderates the relationship between the onset of psychosis and CSF biomarkers related to bioenergetic systems.

The Importance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Investigation in First-episode Psychosis

Despite being a reliable first-hand source of data on neuronal pathology, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis remains an often-overlooked evaluation method in first-episode psychosis (FEP). In this paper, we begin by discussing the current role of CSF testing during FEP evaluation in clinical practice. Given that anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis presents with a clinical picture indistinguishable from FEP in >85% of cases, we debate the importance of testing for CSF neuronal antibodies in at least a subset of patients. Then, we continue by reviewing the most important recent studies which sought to identify potential CSF biomarkers in FEP caused by a primary psychiatric disorder. By circumventing traditional psychiatric classifications, characteristic biomarker profiles have the potential to become integral components of early diagnosis, disease stratification, treatment choice, and outcome prediction. Along these lines, we aim to provide an updated perspective on the importance of CSF investigation in FEP.

Routine cerebrospinal fluid parameters as biomarkers in first-episode psychosis: A prospective observational study

In recent years, multiple studies have investigated the role of biomarkers in first-episode psychosis (FEP) to facilitate early diagnosis, disease stratification, therapeutic choice and outcome prediction. Few studies have focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) investigations. In this prospective observational study, 95 FEP inpatients were followed up for one year. A lumbar puncture was performed at index admission (baseline) to study the CSF parameters (glucose, total proteins, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], and pleocytosis). At the baseline visit, the clinical assessment included prodromal (psychotic and non-psychotic) symptoms before the psychotic outbreak and psychopathology at admission. The SCID-I was administered to obtain a clinical diagnosis at baseline and at 12 months. The relationship between prodromal and psychopathology symptoms at the baseline visit was tested with multiple linear regression. Multinomial logistic regression was also used to explore the association between CSF biomarkers and longitudinal diagnoses at follow-up (schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder vs unipolar/bipolar depression vs other psychoses). Higher CSF glucose was associated with depressive (Standardized beta = 0.27, p = 0.041) and disorganized/concrete symptoms (Standardized beta = 0.33, p = 0.023) and lower CSF LDH was associated with prodromal symptoms (Standardized beta = -0.25, p = 0.042). Lower LDH concentrations were also associated with social withdrawal (r = -0.342, p = 0.001). CSF glucose was a predictor of the long-term diagnosis (lower CSF concentrations were associated with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnoses [OR = 0.88, CI95%: 0.77-0.99). Our study suggests that CSF biomarkers that involve bioenergetic systems are associated with prodromal symptoms and the phenotype of psychotic disorders during the early stages of the disease.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in older adults: A systematic review of case reports

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the clinical characteristics of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) in older patients.

METHOD

A systematic literature review using PubMed and Scopus of all published case reports of NMDARE was undertaken, from database inception to June 2020. From this, cases reporting on patients older than 65 years of age and whose diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies in CSF were selected.

RESULTS

23 case reports fulfilling the study's criteria were found. Median age was 70.1 years (range 65-84), fourteen were female (60.9%), and mostly presented with acute behavioral and cognitive changes (95.7%). Atypical psychosis occurred in eleven patients (47.8%) with a sudden onset and fluctuating clinical pattern of delusions (39.1%), hallucinations (30.4%), and motility disturbances (34.8%) including catatonia (17.4%). Nine patients presented with seizures (39.1%). Pleocytosis in CSF (>5 WBC) was described in twelve cases (52.2%). Eleven cases (47.8%) had abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with limbic inflammatory lesions. Thirteen patients had an abnormal EEG (56.5%).

CONCLUSION

NMDARE should be included in the differential diagnosis of older patients who present with new psychiatric episodes, especially when characterized by sudden onset psychotic polymorphic symptomatology, fluctuating course with marked cognitive decline, and with catatonic features.

Attempted suicide with intravenous methamphetamine and chemsex

BACKGROUND

Undiagnosed attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequent in the substance abuse disorder population, and has an intense repercussion in the daily life of the patients. That condition increases the risk of substance abuse disorders and risk conducts derived from impulsivity. There are not yet studies linking ADHD and the new emergent phenomenon of chemsex, that is, the action of use the intravenous injection of substances in sex parties, with the objective of maximising the practising time and sexual experience. In these sessions, different types of drug are used, for example, synthetic cathinone or mephedrone, and may lead to diverse medical and psychiatric complications like psychosis, aggressiveness and suicide ideation.

CASE

We report the case of a 44-year-old man admitted into a psychiatric unit, presenting with 2^nd time suicidal high risk attempt using intravenous methamphetamine and a dissolvent acid in the context of a depressive episode, after practising chemsex sessions almost every weekend with psychoactive substances taken orally, intravenously and intrarectally. The patient also presented psychotic symptoms from the use of these drugs. When we interviewed the patient during his hospital stay, we observed that there were symptoms of a possible attention and hyperactivity deficit, which was confirmed by study with ASRS-V1.1 and WURS scales. After three weeks, the patient improved substantially as his depressive symptoms and autolytic ideation disappeared.

DISCUSSION

Look for "hidden" symptoms in substance abuse disorder patients. It is important not to delay important diagnostic tests and to prevent complications. Psychiatric and medical conditions related to chemsex have been reported in several European cities, and recently in Spain where it is an emergent phenomenon and a problem concerning medical and political institutions. The suicide attempt with metamphetamine and acid taken intravenously in the case we report, depressive and psychotic symptoms, addiction, suicide attempts and medical complications are described.

Clinical, Neuroimmunologic, and CSF Investigations in First Episode Psychosis

OBJECTIVES

To report the neuropsychiatric features and frequency of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and other neuronal immunoglobulin G antibodies in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) and to assess the performance of reported warning signs and criteria for autoimmune psychosis (AP).

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of patients with FEP assessed for neuropsychiatric symptoms, serum and CSF neuronal antibodies (brain immunohistochemistry, cell-based assays, live neurons), and warning signs and criteria of AP. Previous autoimmune FEP series were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients were included; their median age was 30 (range 14-75) years, and 44 (42%) were female. None had neuronal antibodies. Two of 105 (2%) had CSF pleocytosis, 4 of 100 (4%) had brain MRI abnormalities, and 3 of 73 (4%) EEG alterations. Thirty-four (32%) and 39 (37%) patients fulfilled 2 sets of warning signs of AP, and 21 (20%) fulfilled criteria of possible or probable AP, yet none developed AP. The cause of FEP was psychiatric in 101 (96%) and nonpsychiatric in 4 (4%). During this study, 3 patients with psychosis caused by anti-NMDAR encephalitis were transferred to our center; 2 did not meet criteria for possible AP. Of 1,159 reported patients with FEP, only 7 (1%) had CSF studies; 36 (3%) had serum NMDAR antibodies (without definite diagnosis of AP), and 4 had CSF NMDAR antibodies (3 classic anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 1 with isolated psychiatric features).

CONCLUSIONS

NMDAR antibodies were not found in patients with FEP unless they had anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Warning signs and criteria for AP have limited utility when neurologic symptoms are absent or paraclinical tests are normal. A diagnostic algorithm for autoimmune FEP is provided.

Attempted Suicide with Intravenous Methamphetamine and Chemsex

BACKGROUND

Undiagnosed attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequent in the substance abuse disorder population, and has an intense repercussion in the daily life of the patients. That condition increases the risk of substance abuse disorders and risk conducts derived from impulsivity. There are not yet studies linking ADHD and the new emergent phenomenon of chemsex, that is, the action of use the intravenous injection of substances in sex parties, with the objective of maximising the practising time and sexual experience. In these sessions, different types of drug are used, for example, synthetic cathinone or mephedrone, and may lead to diverse medical and psychiatric complications like psychosis, aggressiveness and suicide ideation.

CASE

We report the case of a 44-year-old man admitted into a psychiatric unit, presenting with 2nd time suicidal high risk attempt using intravenous methamphetamine and a dissolvent acid in the context of a depressive episode, after practising chemsex sessions almost every weekend with psychoactive substances taken orally, intravenously and intrarectally. The patient also presented psychotic symptoms from the use of these drugs. When we interviewed the patient during his hospital stay, we observed that there were symptoms of a possible attention and hyperactivity deficit, which was confirmed by study with ASRS-V1.1 and WURS scales. After three weeks, the patient improved substantially as his depressive symptoms and autolytic ideation disappeared.

DISCUSSION

Look for "hidden" symptoms in substance abuse disorder patients. It is important not to delay important diagnostic tests and to prevent complications. Psychiatric and medical conditions related to chemsex have been reported in several European cities, and recently in Spain where it is an emergent phenomenon and a problem concerning medical and political institutions. The suicide attempt with metamphetamine and acid taken intravenously in the case we report, depressive and psychotic symptoms, addiction, suicide attempts and medical complications are described.