The Determination of the Duration of ElectroconvulsiveTherapy-Induced Seizure Using Local Standard Deviationof the Electroencephalogram Signal and the Changesof the RR Interval of Electrocardiogram

Objectives@#ZZIn electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) research and practice, the precise determination of seizure duration is importantin the evaluation of clinical relevance of the ECT-induced seizure. In this study, we have developed computerized algorithms to assessthe duration of ECT-induced seizure. @*Methods@#ZZSubjects included 5 males and 6 females, with the mean age of 33.1 years. Total 55 ECT sessions were included in theanalysis. We analyzed the standard deviation of a finite block of electroencephalography (EEG) data and the change in the local slope ofRR intervals in electrocardiography (ECG) signals during ECT-induced seizure. And then, we compared the calculated seizure durationsfrom EEG recording (EEG algorithm) and ECG recording (ECG algorithm) with values determined by consensus of clinicians basedon the recorded EEG (EEG consensus), as a gold standard criterion, in order to testify the computational validity of our algorithms. @*Results@#ZZThe mean seizure durations calculated by each method were not significantly different in sessions with abrupt flattenedpostictal suppression and in sessions with non-abrupt flattened postictal suppression. The intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidenceinterval) of the three methods (EEG algorithm, ECG algorithm, EEG consensus) were significant in the total sessions [0.79(0.70–0.86)], the abrupt flattened postictal suppression sessions [0.84 (0.74–0.91)], and the non-abrupt flattened postictal suppressionsessions [0.67 (0.45–0.84)]. Correlations between three methods were also statistically significant, regardless of abruptness of transition. @*Conclusions@#ZZOur proposed algorithms could reliably measure the duration of ECT-induced seizure, even in sessions with nonabrupttransitions to flat postictal suppression, in which it is typically difficult to determine the seizure duration.

The Determination of the Duration of ElectroconvulsiveTherapy-Induced Seizure Using Local Standard Deviationof the Electroencephalogram Signal and the Changesof the RR Interval of Electrocardiogram

Objectives@#ZZIn electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) research and practice, the precise determination of seizure duration is importantin the evaluation of clinical relevance of the ECT-induced seizure. In this study, we have developed computerized algorithms to assessthe duration of ECT-induced seizure. @*Methods@#ZZSubjects included 5 males and 6 females, with the mean age of 33.1 years. Total 55 ECT sessions were included in theanalysis. We analyzed the standard deviation of a finite block of electroencephalography (EEG) data and the change in the local slope ofRR intervals in electrocardiography (ECG) signals during ECT-induced seizure. And then, we compared the calculated seizure durationsfrom EEG recording (EEG algorithm) and ECG recording (ECG algorithm) with values determined by consensus of clinicians basedon the recorded EEG (EEG consensus), as a gold standard criterion, in order to testify the computational validity of our algorithms. @*Results@#ZZThe mean seizure durations calculated by each method were not significantly different in sessions with abrupt flattenedpostictal suppression and in sessions with non-abrupt flattened postictal suppression. The intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidenceinterval) of the three methods (EEG algorithm, ECG algorithm, EEG consensus) were significant in the total sessions [0.79(0.70–0.86)], the abrupt flattened postictal suppression sessions [0.84 (0.74–0.91)], and the non-abrupt flattened postictal suppressionsessions [0.67 (0.45–0.84)]. Correlations between three methods were also statistically significant, regardless of abruptness of transition. @*Conclusions@#ZZOur proposed algorithms could reliably measure the duration of ECT-induced seizure, even in sessions with nonabrupttransitions to flat postictal suppression, in which it is typically difficult to determine the seizure duration.

The Effects of Continuation-Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy on Reducing Hospital Re-Admissions in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Continuation-maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (C/M-ECT) is used to prevent relapse or recurrence in patients with severe mental illnesses. We aimed to investigate the effect of C/M-ECT on reducing hospital re-admissions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHODS: We applied a mirror-image design by retrospectively examining re-hospitalization rates of 18 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We compared the numbers of psychiatric admissions during the actual period over which C/M-ECT was administered with the same period prior to the beginning of C/M-ECT. RESULTS: The number of psychiatric admissions was reduced significantly during C/M-ECT (0.33±0.77) compared with that of the same period prior to C/M-ECT (2.67±1.33) (Wilcoxon signed rank Z=−3.663; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This finding shows that C/M-ECT augmentation could successfully reduce the re-hospitalization rates in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Tolerability, Safety and Effectiveness of Paliperidone ER in Patients with Schizophrenia : A 24-Week Interim Analysis of the 48-Week Open-Label, Prospective, Switch Study

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the tolerability, safety, and treatment response to flexible-dose paliperidone ER in patients with non-acute schizophrenia in whom previous antipsychotic drugs were ineffective. METHODS: This 24-week interim analysis of the 48-week multicenter, prospective, open-label study assessed effectiveness using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia-Severity (CGI-SCH-S) Scale, Personal and Social Performance (PSP) and Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI). Safety and tolerability were assessed using the Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) and Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS). RESULTS: Effectiveness was assessed in 169 patients. Significant improvement in the PANSS total score was observed by week-1 and continued until week-24. The response rate was 33%. The CGI-SCH-S and PSP total scores significantly improved during 24 weeks ; however, no change occurred in the total DAI. Fifty-nine percent of patients reported adverse events, of which extrapyramidal symptoms were the most frequent (19.0%). The DIEPSS and LUNSERS scores were improved after 24 week. CONCLUSIONS: Switching to the flexible-dose paliperidone ER from an ineffective antipsychotic drug was safe, tolerable, and showed a good treatment response in Korean patients with schizophrenia.

Treatment of Late-Life Depression by Brain Stimulation Techniques

Due to the low response rate of antidepressant treatment in late-life depression, brain stimulation techniques should be considered when treating elderly patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most frequently used brain stimulation techniques, and shows favorable outcome and acceptable tolerability in the treatment of late-life depression. Hemodynamic change and cognitive impairment are common side effects of ECT, which are transient in most cases. Since cognitive impairment can lead to treatment non-compliance, it should be minimized by controlling electrode position, pulse-width, treatment frequency, etc. Because ECT is followed by rapid cardiovascular change, risk factors should be evaluated and managed properly. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST) are also shown to be effective in treating depression, with less cognitive impairment. However, further research is needed to establish their efficacy in late-life depression.

Factors Influencing the Subjective Sexual Function in Patients with Schizophrenia Switched to Olanzapine / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in both untreated and treated patients with schizophrenia. Sexual dysfunction is a major cause of poor quality of life, negative attitude to therapy and treatment non-compliance. We thereby conducted this study to better understand the predictors of subjective sexual dysfunction. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 83 patients (46 men; 37 women) who participated in an open label study on switching antipsychotics to olanzapine. All subjects met the Tenth Revision of International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. To better understand the predictors of subjective sexual dysfunction, we used the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating scale (LUNSERS), a comprehensive self-rating instrument for assessing and quantifying the subjective adverse events during antipsychotic treatment. All patients were taking antipsychotics at the initiation of the study and were assessed using LUNSERS, the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), the Barnes Akathisia Rating scale (BARS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). They were also checked for their serum prolactin levels and vital signs before and after a 6-week treatment with olanzapine. In order to identify the cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect, we carried out multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Prolactin levels, LUNSERS hormonal side effect, CGI, PANSS, SAS, AIMS, and BARS decreased after a 6-week treatment with olanzapine. At initial evaluation, cross-sectional predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect were red herring and allergic reaction subscale, but after the 6-week treatment with olanzapine, none of the variables were found to significantly predict LUNSERS hormonal side effect. Longitudinal predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect were LUNSERS extrapyramidal system side effect and prolactin levels. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested relationships among prolactin, extrapyramidal symptom, motor function and sexual dysfunction. After switching to olanzapine, sexual function of the patients improved subjectively. More studies are warranted as these results have significant implications for quality of life and treatment adherence.

The Relationship between Tardive Dyskinesia and both Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Dysfunctions in Chronic Schizophrenic In-patients / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of present study was to determine the prevalence rate of tardive dyskinesia and to search for its risk factors in chronically institutionalized schizophrenic subjects. We also examined the relationship between tardive dyskinesia and both negative symptoms and cognitive impairments in the same subjects. METHODS: Subjects were 271 in-patients (174 males, 97 females) at Masan Dongsuh Hospital. They met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia and had been taking fixed doses of antipsychotics for at least 3 months. Tardive dyskinesia was assessed by Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Cases of tardive dyskinesia were ascertained by the criteria of Schooler and Kane (1982) and DSM-IV. The rating of psychopathology was acquired using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS) and the assessment of cognitive function using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: The prevalence of tardive dyskinesia is 50.9% and the frequency of tardive dyskinesia was high est in male above the age of fifty. But there was no statistically significant relationship between the frequency of tardive dyskinesia and both the length of hospitalization and the daily dose of antipsychotics. The frequency order of abnormal movement in the patients with tardive dyskinesia was as follows: tongue, upper extremities, lips and perioral area. We couldn't find any significant difference in the total and subscale scores of BPRS between the groups with and without tardive dyskinesia. There were no differences in MMSE scores between the groups with and without tardive dyskinesia. CONCLUSION: This study gave us that the prevalence of tardive dyskinesia was high in chronically institutionalized schizophrenic inpatients and that age was the most significant risk factor of tardive dyskinesia. The relationship between tardive dyskinesia and both negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, however, was not revealed.

Successful desensitization for treatment of an exfoliative dermatitis to allopurinol / 천식및알레르기

Allopurinol is widely used for chronic tophaceous gout as a uric acid lowering agent. Hypersensitivity to allopurinol occurrs in about 10% of patients, which limits the usage of allopurinol. The successful oral and intravenous desensitization of allopurinol has been reported worldwide since 1976. We recently experienced a 51-year-old male patient with gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia, who had previously experienced skin rash after allopurinol treatment. When allopurinol was retried, erythematous and foliative skin rash developed on entire body. Because allopurinol was essential in controlling hyperuricemia, the oral desensitization of allopurinol was tried. We report successful rapid oral allopurinol desensitization in the patient with chronic tophaceous gout, who exhibited exfoliative dermatitis as allopurinol hypersensitivity.

The Relationships between the Caring Burdens of Caregivers and the Psychopathology of In-home Demented Elderlies, and the Needs of Caregivers for the Social Services / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was attempted to offer the foundation data to develop a specific and practical social service of caregiver-centered. For this purpose we assessed the cognitive functions of a group aged 65 or more using the Korean version of Mini Mental State Examination(MMSE-K) in a Dong area of urban community. And then we reassessed the relationships between the caring burdens of caregivers and the psychopathology of in-home demented elderlies, and the needs of caregivers for the social services. METHODS: Subjects in this study were over the age of 65 and resided in a Dong area of urban community. At first, their cognitive functions were screened by MMSE-K. Subjects, whose total score of MMSE-K were below 24 and met the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV for dementia, were enrolled in this study and defined to be the patients with dementia. Their psychiatric symptoms were assessed by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS), Hamilton's Rating Scale for Depression(HDRS) and Hamilton's Rating Scale for Anxiety(HARS). At the same time, the caring burdens of caregivers and their needs for social services were assessed by caregiver`s burden inventory(CBI). Total 23 subjects completed all of the assessments and their data were analysed statistically by ANOVA, chi2-test, and Duncan's multiple range test using SAS program. RESULTS: 1) The mean total score of BPRS tended to be correlated positively with the mean score of social activity restriction subscale of caring burden dimensions. 2) Some of religions of the caregivers could affect differently and significantly on the negative changes of relationships between the demented elderlies and their caregivers(p<.05). Especially, the Christians experienced less negative changes of relationships between them than the others did. 3) When the demented elderlies were males, total burdens of caregivers and negative changes of relationships between the demented elderlies and their caregivers, and between the caregivers and their relatives were significantly higher than the other burden dimensions were(p<.05). 4) When the demented elderlies were more educated, the psychological burdens of their caregivers were more severe(p<.05). 5) The more were the total burdens of the caregivers, they wanted more social services for them(p<.05). 6) The more were the psychological and financial burdens of the caregivers, their needs for the education and counselling services were more than the needs for the other social services(p<.05). CONCLUSION: Caregivers living with male demented elderlies, who had more severe psychopathology, had more burdens of caregiving and restricted the social activities of the in-home demented elderlies more severely. As a result, the relationships between them became more worse. Our results suggested that free-home helper services for the severely demented elderlies and education counselling services including information-referral service for their caregivers were in needs. Consequently, we should develop more specific services for in-home demented elderlies and their caregivers according to the needs in their family environments.

A Comparison Study on the Psychopathology between the Patients with Dementia of Alzheimer Type and Normal Controls in an Urban Community / 신경정신의학

OBJECT: There are lots of studies on the cognitive impairments in patients with dementia of Alzheimer type in our country, but those on the psychopathology in them are very scanty. We investigated the psychopathology such as psychotic symptoms, depression, and anxiety and their correlations with the severity of cognitive impairments in our urban subjects with dementia of Alzheimer type. METHODS: Our subjects(N=34) with dementia of Alzheimer type in an area of Pusan, aged over 65, are screened with MMSE-K(below 24) and Hachinski's Ischemic Scale(below 4) and enrolled in this study when they met with the criteria of dementia of DSM-IV. They were devided into the mild(N=16) and severe dementic group(N=18) according to their scores of MMSE-K(cut-off point 20/21). The severities of psychiatric symptoms in the two groups were evaluated by using sets of clinical symptom rating scales such as BPRS, HAM-D, and HAM-A and the frequencies of aggressive behaviors and sleep disturbances in them were also rated at that time by two psychiatrists. Data of the two dementic groups were compared with those of healthy control subjects(N=40). RESULTS: The mean total score of BPRS, scores of thinking disturbance and withdrawal retardation subscale were lowest in the healthy control group and highest in the severe dementic group(p<0.05). Mean score of anxious depression subscale of mild dementic group was higher than that of other two groups(p<0.05). There were no ststistical differences in the mean score of hostile suspiciousness subscale among the three groups. The mean total scores of HAM-D and HAM-A tended to be higher in mild dementic group than in other two groups, but the differences were not reached to the statistical significance. These findings were thought to be identical with those of following. The total frequency of insomnia only tended to be higher, but the frequency of initial insomnia and that of using hypnotics were highest in mild dementic group(p<0.05). The frequency of aggressive behaviors tended to be higher in mild dementic group than in other two groups, but the differences were not reached to the statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Patients with dementia of Alzheimer type suffered from several psychiatric problems such as psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressive behaviors from the initial stage of the illness. Clinicians should be more aware of those symptoms which need proper pharmacological and social interventions, especially in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

A Case of Congenital Choanal Atresia

No abstract available.