Characterizing PRN Use of Psychotropic Medications for Acute Agitation in Canadian Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia Before and During COVID-19.

Background: Agitation is a disabling neuropsychiatric symptom of dementia. Pro re nata (PRN) injections of psychotropics can be administered for severe acute agitation, but little is known about the frequency of their actual use. Objective: Characterize actual use of injectable PRN psychotropics for severe acute agitation in Canadian long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia and compare use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Residents from two Canadian LTC facilities with orders for PRN haloperidol, olanzapine, or lorazepam between January 1, 2018- May 1, 2019 (i.e., pre-COVID-19) and January 1, 2020- May 1, 2021 (i.e., COVID-19) were identified. Electronic medical records were reviewed to document PRN injections of psychotropic medications and collect data on reason and demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize frequency, dose, and indications of use, and multivariate regression models were used to compare use between time periods. Results: Of the 250 residents, 45 of 103 (44%) people in the pre-COVID-19 period and 85 of 147 (58%) people in the COVID-19 period with standing orders for PRN psychotropics received ≥1 injections. Haloperidol was the most frequently used agent in both time periods (74% (155/209 injections) pre-COVID-19; 81% (323/398 injections) during COVID-19). Residents in the COVID-19 period were almost two times more likely to receive injections compared with those in the pre-COVID-19 period (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.15-3.34; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that use of PRN injections increased in LTC during the pandemic and contribute to the mounting evidence that agitation worsened during that time.

Antipsychotic drugs as a contributing factor of pulmonary embolism: A report of 4 cases.

Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the world after stroke and heart attack; several factors have been identified, and it has been reported that antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. It is a brief communication reporting the case of 4 patients under antipsychotic drugs, were hospitalized in the intensive care unit of cardiology in Mohammed VI hospital center for the management of pulmonary embolism. All the etiological investigations performed including SARS COV2 viral serologies with PCR, tumor markers, chest-abdomen-pelvis CT angiogram scan, phthisiology, thrombophilia tests, and lower limbs echo Doppler returned without any notable findings, and the evolution was positive after anticoagulation and stopping antipsychotics.

Possible autoimmune pediatric encephalitis following COVID-19 infection with focal cerebral dysfunction in a young female: A case report

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 autoimmune encephalitis is a rare manifestation following COVID-19. Most cases have not demonstrated solid evidence regarding their pathogenesis. Some believe it to be an immune process. Case presentation: In this case report, we present a case of a young female who presented to our emergency department with visual, auditory, and olfactory hallucinations after successfully treating COVID-19 two weeks prior to this visit. On examination, her vital signs were stable, but she was agitated, distressed, and hallucinating. Neurological examinations were normal. Laboratory investigations, including autoimmune profiles, were all negative. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed non-specific changes in the bilateral frontal area. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed lateralized rhythmic delta activity (LRDA) arising more from the right occipital lobes. Autoimmune psychosis was suspected due to psychosis, abnormal imaging, and abnormal EEG findings. She was given corticosteroids and antipsychotic medication. Her symptoms improved within ten days. On follow-up, she remained well without any return of psychosis. Conclusion(s): Possible autoimmune pediatric encephalitis following COVID-19 is a rare entity that has scarcely been reported. The majority of the cases were reported to have been related to stress following the infection. To establish the correct diagnosis, an extensive workup, including an autoimmune profile, lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography, is recommended.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)

Potential polymorphic CYP1A2 and CYP2D6-mediated pharmacokinetic interactions between risperidone or olanzapine and selected drugs intended to treat COVID-19.

Risperidone/olanzapine are antipsychotics used in Peru to control symptoms of psychosis. The objective was to review the available evidence on potential pharmacokinetic interactions mediated by CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 polymorphic genes between risperidone or olanzapine and selected drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. A bibliographic search was conducted in SciELO and PubMed/Medline. The selection criteria included all types of articles in English and Spanish languages. In this review, the CYP1A2/CYP2D6/CYP3A4 genes that encode their respective enzymes have been described. The olanzapine/risperidone association increases the risk of prolonging the QT interval; chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine decreases metabolism and increases plasma concentration of risperidone; ritonavir decreases metabolism and increases plasma levels of hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir with the risk of prolonging the QT interval of the cardiac cycle and with a tendency to progression towards Torsades de Pointes. Ritonavir increases metabolism and decreases plasma levels of olanzapine. A low incidence of adverse effect was found between risperidone/azithromycin and olanzapine with azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine. Regarding the association of genes: CYP1A2*1D increases and CYP1A2*1F decreases the plasma concentration of olanzapine. Risperidone plasma levels are increased in CYP2D6 intermediate and poor metabolizers compared with normal metabolizers. Other studies indicate no significant association between poor metabolizers of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 with increased pharmacokinetic parameters. It is concluded that there are potential risks of prolonging the QT interval due to pharmacokinetic interactions mediated by polymorphic genes CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 between risperidone or olanzapine and the drugs selected for the treatment of COVID-19.

Hyperactive delirium in an 11-year-old boy with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and a SARS-CoV-2 infection

An 11-year-old boy with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is admitted because of acute agitation and hallucinations. Upon admission, the patient takes lorazepam, which does not induce the expected rest. A PCR-test had a positive result for SARS-CoV-2. Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a rare neurodegenerative disease in children and adolescents. Hallucinations are a known symptom in the course of the disease. In the case discussed in this article, however, the pronounced hallucinations fit within a broader clinical picture of a hyperactive delirium. A delirium is by definition provoked by a physical cause. In the presented case, JNCL was an existing risk factor for a delirium, the SARS-CoV-2 infection and lorazepam were presumably the triggering factors. Recent literature shows that an asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection can also trigger a delirium. Treatment consists of treating the physical cause (if possible), supportive measures for the patient and context, as well as medication. The antipsychotics risperidone and haloperidol are recommended. Within the context of JNCL, cautious initiation of a second-generation antipsychotic, such as risperidone, along with great alertness to possible side effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, are advised. For the young patient in the discussed case risperidone was started, supplemented with olanzapine as rescue medication. The medication had a good effect and no side effects were observed.

Embedding clinical pharmacists in critical care rehab carousel clinics

Introduction: Clinical pharmacists specialising in critical care have become integrated into the critical care workforce providing valuable contributions to patient care.1 These findings are supported through the inclusion of clinical pharmacy services within national professional and commissioned standards for critical care.2,3 On admission to critical care, clinical focus changes from management of any chronic conditions to that of immediate preservation of life. This is inherently associated with acute changes in prescribed medicines.Medicines reconciliation on admission to and discharge from critical care is included specifically within the commissioning standards3 and aims to address any discrepancies generated by this change in focus. Unprecedented pressures experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in stretched staff to patient ratios and mobilisation of less experienced staff. This has negatively impacted the end-to-end reconciliation process causing patients to be discharged home with unresolved medicines discrepancies. In line with recent NICE4 and Intensive Care Society guidance,5 rehabilitation of patients, post-critical care is important in completing unresolved actions and optimising care. Consequently, in September 2020 a carousel rehab clinic was introduced. All professional groups were invited to contribute. Objectives: To embed a pharmacist within the rehabilitation clinic to focus on any unresolved medicines reconciliation issues. Methods: Five senior critical care pharmacists (band 8a or above) participated in service provision to the clinic, which ran on two days a week. For consistency and structure, a local SOP and electronic note template was produced. All interventions recommended were discussed with the patient at the time and for GPs to review and action as appropriate in the context of their responsibility for ongoing care. Data collection for this service evaluation was retrospective and performed by one of the critical care pharmacists who had participated in the clinic. Historic clinic dates for September - November 2020 (inclusive) were reviewed on the electronic scheduling system to identify patients who attended clinic;these were then filtered for pharmacist entries to ascertain: • Number of patients reviewed • Number of medication-related interventions made • Intervention type and medication(s) involved Results: Over the 3-month period 51 patients were reviewed with a total of 59 medicine interventions made. The average number of interventions per patient was 1.2, with a range of 0 - 7. Eight intervention categories were identified (see Figure 1);the top three of which recommended stopping a medication (27%), reviewing a medication's need (19%) or restarting a medication (17%). The drugs most frequently intervened on were lansoprazole (12%) and bisoprolol (7%). Examples of significant clinical interventions made include: • Stopping acutely initiated bisoprolol (resolution of acute AF secondary to acute sepsis/dehydration on ICU) • Stopping of acutely started olanzapine for ICU-related agitation/delirium • Dose optimisation of bisporolol (post recent NSTEMI) • Re-initiation of atorvastatin (for secondary prevention of IHD) Conclusion: Medication interventions made by pharmacists in the post ICU rehabilitation clinic setting are clinically significant and add value to patient care both in terms of morbidity and mortality. Our results demonstrate a reduction in polypharmacy burden in line with wider healthcare initiatives.

A Case of Cotard Syndrome and Neurosyphilis

BACKGROUND: Cotard syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition in which individuals have delusions of being deceased or losing their organs. It is often seen in patients with severe depression and is associated with catatonia.1 Neurosyphilis is a severe sequelae of untreated treponema pallidum infection in which the paretic form of this disorder commonly has a psychiatric presentation. 2 We present a rare case of Cotard syndrome in a patient with neurosyphilis with successful treatment. OBJECTIVE: To understand Cotard syndrome and underlying neuropsychiatric conditions, and characterize the diagnosis and management of psychiatric symptoms in a patient with neurosyphilis. METHODS: Review of a case using electronic medical records and relevant literature. Key terms searched: 'Cotard syndrome,' 'neurosyphilis,' 'COVID-19 infection' using Medscape and Google Scholar. RESULTS: We present a 49-year-old male with a history of alcohol use disorder in remission, depression, and history of COVID-19 (asymptomatic) 6 months prior. The patient presented to the emergency department for recent changes in behavior. He was agitated, threatening, and required chemical and physical restraint. Evaluation was notable for illogical thought processes with somatic delusions. He repeatedly stated, 'I am already dead, my organs have died,' and had an episode of catatonia. All tests including drug screen and COVID-19 were negative. Rapid plasma regain (RPR) titer was 1:64. Neurology and Infectious Disease were consulted. Lumbar puncture revealed positive venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titer of 1:4. The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis and major depressive disorder with psychosis with Cotard syndrome. He was treated with intravenous (IV) penicillin G and was discharged on oral mirtazapine 30 mg and olanzapine 20 mg nightly at bedtime, oral donepezil 5 mg daily, thiamine, and folate. CONCLUSIONS: Cotard syndrome is often seen in depression with psychotic features.1 Neurosyphilis can present with depression, anxiety, psychosis, and dementia. Early identification is the key for successful treatment. This is a unique case of neurosyphilis with features of Cotard syndrome in a patient with a history of depression with treatment noncompliance. Studies show that quetiapine and risperidone improve psychosis in neurosyphilis.5 In this case, neurosyphilis was successfully treated with IV penicillin G for 2 weeks. The patient was also tried on antipsychotics and mood stabilizers ' specifically aripiprazole, valproic acid, and haloperidol ' and was eventually stabilized on oral olanzapine 20 mg taken nightly at bedtime. Our differential diagnosis also included COVID-19 delirium with Cotard syndrome, which was ruled out due to a negative COVID test. To our knowledge, there are 2 cases of COVID-19 delirium with Cotard syndrome.6 We present this case to inform clinicians of rare manifestations of neurosyphilis in patients with comorbid psychiatric illness and to advance research into treatment options for psychosis in neurosyphilis.

Increased Mental Health Needs in Pediatric Admissions During COVID-19: The Epidemic Within the Pandemic

Background: Pediatric patients with increasing psychiatric needs introduce a substantial challenge for inpatient care. This study illustrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the number and acuity of psychiatry and psychology consults among pediatric inpatients at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The study population included all pediatric patients (ages 0-25) admitted to University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021 who received a psychology and/or psychiatry consult. Three time periods were defined: pre-pandemic, 3/1/19-3/15/20;early pandemic, 3/16/20-6/30/20;and steady-state pandemic, 7/1/20-2/28/21. The patients were described demographically and clinically. To assess differences among time periods, ANOVA testing was conducted for numeric variables and chi-square tests were used for categorical variables. The number of pediatric inpatients receiving psychiatry and/or psychology consults was reported for each month of the study period as a count and as a percent of all pediatric admissions. Psychiatric acuity was described in terms of length of stay and use of restraints and as-needed medication. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of requiring restraints based on time period, controlling for relevant demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, race, length of stay, and use of benzodiazepines and psychotropics). Logistic regression was also used to estimate the odds of patients requiring as-needed medications (midazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and ziprasidone) based on time period, controlling for clinical and demographic variables (age, sex, race, length of stay, and restraint use). Results: Among the 1,636 patients in the study, average age was 14.0 years (IQR 8.1 to 17.2) and 57.9% were female. Overall, 68.6% were White, 13.6% were Black, and 2.4% were Asian. Among all races, 5.7% identified as Hispanic. Percent of pediatric patients receiving psychiatry and/or psychology consults was higher on average during the pandemic months (71.2% during steady-state pandemic compared to 47.9% pre-pandemic). Across all participants, 2.1% required restraints, 34.4% used psychotropics, and 42.6% used benzodiazepines. During the pandemic, admissions became proportionally more female (64.1% during steady-state pandemic vs. 55.3% pre-pandemic) and older (average age 14.8 years during steady-state pandemic vs. 13.4 years pre-pandemic). During steady-state pandemic, children admitted had 5.70 times higher odds of requiring restraints and 1.78 times higher odds of using psychotropics, compared to children admitted pre-pandemic. Length of stay decreased during the pandemic, and was associated with psychotropic use, benzodiazepine use, male sex, and younger age. Conclusion: A higher proportion of pediatric admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic required psychiatry and/or psychology consults. Additionally, these patients were of higher psychiatric acuity, based on increased use of as-needed medications and restraints. These findings highlight the dramatic changes experienced by individual patients and their healthcare teams during the pandemic.

TRANSVERSE MYELITIS: A RARE BUT SERIOUS COMPLICATION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION

CASE: The patient is a 66-year-old male presenting with progressive ambulatory dysfunction and lower extremity weakness that began ten days ago. Notably, the patient was admitted to the hospital two months prior with similar complaints. At that time, he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis after MRI showed a spinal cord lesion concerning for demyelination at T3-T4. The patient was treated with IV steroids and discharged. Neurology impression at time of discharge was transverse myelitis possibly related to Covid vaccination two weeks prior to admission. The patient states he was doing fine after initial discharge before recurrence of his progressive weakness and difficulty walking that led to the current admission. He denies fever, chest pain, abdominal pain, and bladder/ bowel incontinence. The patient is a former smoker and denies current alcohol or drug use. Past medical history includes WPW status post ablation, stable thoracic aortic aneurysm, peripheral neuropathy secondary to past alcohol abuse, osteoarthritis, GERD, and anxiety. Family history is remarkable for cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes in his father. Medications include metoprolol, tamsulosin, pantoprazole, olanzapine, and venlafaxine. Neurological exam is positive for atrophy and decreased vibratory sensation in bilateral lower extremities. His gait is not assessed due to safety concerns, but the patient notes he has begun using a cane to assist with ambulation. Otherwise, physical exam is unremarkable. Imaging studies include MRI showing T3-T4 hyperintensity, as seen during previous admission two months prior. Labs including ANA, rheumatoid factor, SPEP, CSF studies, and AQP-4 were negative. After an unrevealing workup, the patient experienced symptomatic improvement with IV steroids and was discharged home. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Our case illustrates a clinical picture of Covid-19 vaccine-related transverse myelitis, a rare but serious complication of the vaccine. The prolonged course of this patient's complications is concerning, although the benefit of receiving the vaccine remains unquestionable. Furthermore, although the timing of symptom onset and vaccination suggests a relation, there are other diagnoses that could explain the presentation and further research is needed regarding vaccine-related side effects. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurological issues of unclear etiology following recent Covid-19 vaccination despite their rare occurrence. CONCLUSION: Teaching points: Diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis includes sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction attributable to spinal cord, no evidence of cord compression, bilateral symptoms with clear sensory level, and inflammation defined by CSF analysis, elevated IgG, or MRI enhancement. Neurological complications of the Covid vaccine include general symptoms such as headache, fever, and fatigue, Bell's palsy, encephalomyelitis, myelitis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Case series: Higher antipsychotic drug levels in patients with schizophrenia after COVID-19 vaccination

Introduction Safety studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccinations can provoke inflammatory processes in patients. The subsequent release of cytokines is accompanied by an increased inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) [1]. For some antipsychotic drugs, inflammatory processes have been associated with increased drug levels, even above therapeutically approved ranges [2] [3]. It is not clear, whether this holds also true for COVID-19 vaccinations. Methods We present a case series comprising of 10 inpatients at the CIMH treated with an antipsychotic drug. Patients received a first, second or third dose of the COVID-vaccination Comirnaty in the morning. Blood samples were taken directly before the injection and were followed on day 1 and 4 while constant dosing. Blood testing included drug levels, safety laboratory, and CRP. Results CRP levels were elevated in nine patients;four of those also presented an increase in antipsychotic drug levels within a few days after COVID-19 vaccination. Blood level changes were i)+0%,+24%,+125%,+116% in quetiapine-, ii)+0%,+0%,+100% in olanzapine-, iii)+0,+42% in clozapine-treated patients, and iv)+205% in one risperidone-treated patient. As a result, three patients had drug levels above the therapeutically recommended range. Conclusion We present a series of patients with increased antipsychotic drug levels after COVID-19 vaccinations mediated via inflammatory processes. The intensity of inflammatory reactions strongly varies across patients. Hence, COVID-19 vaccinations may constitute an unpredictable risk factor for increased drug levels. Therapeutic drug monitoring can help to prevent safety risks in those patients with supra-therapeutic drug levels.

Is it Time to Revisit Neuroinflammatory Depression? A Case of COVID-19 Associated Depression and the Role of ECT

Background: The neurobiology of depression can be heterogeneous with multiple hypotheses proposed, including serotonin and neuroinflammatory pathways, each falling short of explaining the complete picture. Several reports describe the increased frequency of depression in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic and reports about neuropsychiatric sequela of the virus are emerging and the possible role of neuroinflammation. We present a patient who developed severe depression with psychotic features subsequent to his COVID-19 infection and was treated successfully with ECT following several failed medication trials. Case: A 49-year-old male with a past medical history of type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease was diagnosed with COVID-19 in January 2021. Upon initial diagnosis, neither admission nor treatment with steroids was required. He presented to the emergency department four days later with sepsis, pneumonia, and AKI secondary to COVID-19 along with the new onset of suicidal ideations with plans to cut himself and significant psychomotor features despite no previous history of mental illness or treatment. His EEG showed diffuse slow waves, consistent with encephalopathy, but no delirium was noted. He exhibited irritability, anger, anhedonia, negativism, and isolated himself in his room. He demonstrated delusional fear about his apartment exploding due to electricity disconnected for not paying his bills. He misinterpreted the blood draws as someone suspecting he has HIV. Treatment started on the medical floor and he was later transferred to the psychiatric floor. Several psychotropic medications were tried separately including citalopram 20mg, escitalopram 20mg, and bupropion (titrated to 300mg) with the addition of aripiprazole 5 mg without improvement. ECT was considered and his depression and psychosis improved following 6 treatments of bilateral ECT. He was discharged following completion of 10 ECT treatments on 300 mg of bupropion daily and 5mg olanzapine at night. Discussion: Viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and Influenza are associated with neuropsychiatric sequelae, including depression. COVID-19 infection is occasionally associated with ‘cytokine storm’ which may exacerbate neuroinflammation via increases in cytokines and possible activation of mast cells and microglia.[1] The role of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoid receptor resistance is widely studied. Interleukin-6 and CRP are the most strongly linked to depression with a high correlation for anhedonia and psychomotor retardation, prominent features of depression in our case, hinting at a possible role of neuroinflammation. [2] Psychotic features and psychomotor retardation are predictors of ECT response which matched the response to ECT in this case. References: 1. Kempuraj, Duraisamy, et al. COVID-19, mast cells, cytokine storm, psychological stress, and neuroinflammation. The Neuroscientist 2020: 402-414. 2. Tiemeier, Henning, et al. Inflammatory proteins and depression in the elderly. Epidemiology 2003: 103-107.

TREATMENT SUCCESS IN A RESISTANT CASE OF INSOMNIA WITH AN IRREGULAR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISORDER

Introduction: A 19-year-old non-verbal male with history of CHARGE syndrome, severe autism, intellectual disability, coloboma with blindness OD and severely imparied vision OS, deafness, self-injurious and aggressive behavior, Tetralogy of Fallot status post repair, pulmonary valve replacement, hypertension, hypothyroidism, megacolon, gastrostomy tube dependence, eosinophilic esophagitis and chronic kidney disease with an irregular sleep cycle who has failed multiple medications for insomnia has shown treatment success with suvorexant. Report of Cases: This patient's sleep schedule ranges from 1.5 to 5 hour segments at various times of day or night including naps at school with occasional longer periods of sleep up to 10 hours and longer periods of wakefulness up to 22 hours who has been treated with the following medications: trazodone, clonidine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, quetiapine, gabapentin, mirtazapine, eszopiclone, melatonin and ramelteon. His behavioral problems have been treated with olanzapine. He continued to be aggressive and difficult to direct. His parents reported exhaustion. Then, suvorexant 5mg was added at bedtime while the following sleep medications were continued: gabapentin total daily dose of 1500mg (300mg in morning and 3pm;900mg at bedtime, 300mg one hour later if still awake), ramelteon 8mg, mirtazapine 7.5mg and olanzapine 10mg at bedtime and bid prn aggressive behavior. He also takes the following daily medications: bisacodyl, polyethylene glycol, simethicone, hyoscyamine, cholecalciferol, aspirin, levothyroxine, hypoallergenic nutritional formula, starch and albuterol prn. With the addition of suvorexant 5mg, he had been able to get 9.5 hours of consolidated sleep at night with improvement in his behavior until he contracted Covid-19 and regressed. The suvorexant dose was increased to 10mg which again improved his insomnia and behavior. Conclusion: Various medications have either not worked at all or have worked suboptimally for insomnia in this medically complex patient who has an irregular Circadian rhythm disorder. Adding an orexin receptor antagonist as a novel mechanism to his regimen has shown promise. At this time, this patient has been stable for one month with suvorexant 10mg at bedtime after regression on the 5mg dose that coincided with a Covid-19 infection. We are proceeding with cautious optimism.

A case of Mis-categorization of different psychopathological domain

Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by excessive fear of embarrassment, humiliation, or rejection when exposed to possible negative evaluation by others when engaged in a public performance or social interactions. Often, the diagnosis of SAD is missed due to lack of awareness and sometimes misclassified into other psychopathological domains. Case report: A 30-year-old male presented with c/c of fearfulness and suspiciousness in the form that whenever he sees any two individuals talking, he thinks that they are talking about him which were followed by panic like episodes and social avoidance. He consulted a psychiatrist and was prescribed Tab. Amisulpride 400mg/day, Tab. Aripiprazole 20mg/day, Tab. Olanzapine 10mg/day, Tab. Clozapine 100mg/day, Tab. Trifluoperazine 10mg/day+ Tab. Trihexyphenidyl 4mg/day, Tab. Alprazolam 1.5mg/day, Tab. Lorazepam 2mg/day, Tab. Clonazepam 0.5 mg/day and Tab. Propranolol 40mg/day. He didn't improve on these medications but took them for 5-6 years because he was able to sleep throughout the day and avoid social interactions. He visited us and detailed evaluation was done. During history taking, it was noted that his symptoms were actually fear of going in public as he used to think that people are talking that he is inferior to them and that people might misjudge or underestimate him. On detailed Mental Status Examination, it was noted that he suffered from social anxiety with avoidant behavior. Conclusion: It is important to categorize the symptoms into clinically relevant domain by detail history taking and MSE. © IBM Results 152 participants 49.3% Males and 50.7% Females Mean age-29.6 years (SD 4.5) 35.5% reported significant stress Average Stress score on DASS-12.9 (SD 11.1) Mean Professional fulfilment (PF) score-2.0 (SD 1.0) Mean Burnout score-1.3 (SD 0.9) 20.4% residents felt professionally fulfilled 41.4% residents had burnout Stress negatively correlated with Agreeableness Stress positively correlated with Neuroticism Stress positively correlated with Burnout (ñ 0.67;p 0.00) Stress negatively correlated with Professional fulfillment (ñ-0.41;p 0.00) Only Conscientiousness moderated the effect of stress on Burnout and Professional fulfillment Conclusion COVID pandemic generated significant stress among resident doctors Stress is associated with Burnout and Professional fulfilment Higher Conscientiousness reduced burnout due to stress Residents with higher Conscientiousness would experience more negative effect of stress on their professional fulfillment.

A Review on Schizophrenia: Outline and Treatment

Schizophrenia is a debilitating, genetic brain condition caused by anomalies that appear early in infancy and interrupt normal brain development. It has a lifetime risk of 1% and affects people of all ages, with around 10% dying by suicide. COVID-19 may raise the risk of mortality and morbidity in people with schizophrenia. Although antipsychotic medications of the first, second, and third generations are the most commonly prescribed treatments for schizophrenia, they are linked to major side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, oxidative stress, and EPS. Ayurvedic herbal medications and some dietary supplements score well in this category since they can be taken for a long time without causing major adverse effects and have antioxidant properties. Low potency first generation antipsychotics, sedating antihistamines, and benzodiazepines, as well as inhalable antipsychotics, oral and short acting injectable olanzapine, and ziprasidone, as well as low potency first generation antipsychotics, sedating antihistamines, and benzodiazepines, should be avoided or closely monitored for patients with COVID-19. Mentally ill patients with COVID-19 should be segregated if at all possible, and employees should be adequately protected.

PERFIL DOS CANDIDATOS À DOAÇÃO DE SANGUE NA FUNDAÇÃO HEMOMINAS DURANTE A PANDEMIA DA COVID-19

Objetivo: Comparar o perfil dos candidatos à doação de sangue da Fundação Hemominas antes e durante a pandameia da Covid-19. Material e método: Foram analisados os históricos dos candidatos à doação de sangue em todas as 21 Unidades da Fundação na Hemominas nos períodos de 01/03/2019 a 29/02/2020 e 01/03/2020 a 28/02/2021. As categorias epidemiológicas analisadas foram: tipo de doador (primeira vez, esporádico, retorno), faixa etária (menores de 18, 18-29 anos, 30-39 anos, 40-49 anos, 50-59 anos e maiores de 60), gênero (masculino e feminino), etnia/cor da pele (branca, parda, amarela, indígena, negra, não informado), estado civil (solteiro, viúvo, casado/união estável, desquitado/separado/divorciado, não-informado), escolaridade (não alfabetizado, fundamental, médio, técnico, superior, pós-graduação, não informado). As informações foram obtidas a partir do Banco de dados da Fundação Hemominas do Sistema Hemote Plus e feita análise quantitativa comparativa dos dados encontrados. Resultados: Entre os dois períodos analisados (antes e durante a pandemia) observou-se: redução de 11% no comparecimento (344.115 para 307.707);de 14% do sexo masculino (183.065 para 157.815);de 7% do feminino (161.050 para 149.892);de 42% dos candidatos não-alfabetizados (420 para 242), de 25% dos que cursaram até ensino fundamental (71.809 para 53.599). Em contrapartida, houve aumento de 14% dos candidatos com pós-graduação (1.975 para 2.252);de 7% dos candidatos com nível superior (81.112 para 87.044);de 401% dos candidatos menores de 18 anos (564 para 2.828);de 43% dos candidatos que se autodeclararam indígenas (35 para 50);de 2% dos candidatos esporádicos que se declararam solteiros (42.907 para 43.873). Discussão: Diferente de crises anteriores, a Covid-19 trouxe um contexto marcado por medidas como diminuição do transporte público e restrição de circulação de pessoas, que afetaram, simultaneamente, todas as categorias do perfil epidemiológico do candidato à doação de sangue. Todavia, as mesmas não sofreram impacto linear como se denota ao observar-se o exponencial aumento do comparecimento dos menores de idade, dos candidatos com nível superior ou pós-graduação;a diminuição daqueles com menor escolaridade, que em outras crises, a representatividade era maior ou a diminuição da desproporção entre os sexos. Conclusão: A Covid-19 é um dos maiores flagelos sanitários da humanidade contemporânea, com efeitos diretos na Hemoterapia, mesmo não sendo a transfusão, rotineiramente necessária no paciente internado devido à infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. Os bancos de sangue se depararam com queda abrupta de comparecimento de candidatos à doação e consequente decréscimo nos estoques de hemocomponentes. As mudanças no perfil epidemiológico dos candidatos à doação de sangue na pandemia supõe a necessidade de aprimoramento das estratégias de sensibilização e conscientização da população com relação à importância da doação de sangue, além disso são necessárias medidas de controle e racionalização dos estoques dos hemocomponentes com o intuito de minimizar os impactos gerados em momentos de crises sanitárias que limitem ou interfiram na oferta de sangue.

“AMIGO DE SANGUE” - PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA COM FOCO NO INCENTIVO À DOAÇÃO DE SANGUE

Objetivos: Conscientizar, por meio das mídias sociais, a importância da doação de sangue, aumentar o número de doadores, ampliar a cultura sobre doação de sangue e capacitar os alunos do curso de Medicina a fim de se tornarem multiplicadores. O Projeto de Extensão Amigo de Sangue (PEAS) é um programa de incentivo à doação de sangue elaborado pelos integrantes da Liga Acadêmica de Hematologia – HemoLiga em conjunto com a Fundação Hemominas Juiz de Fora (FH) e vinculado ao Programa Sangue Jovem da Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Material e métodos: O PEAS foi elaborado em fevereiro de 2021 pelos ligantes da HemoLiga e atuou nas seguintes esferas: divulgação de conteúdo informativo sobre doação de sangue e levantamento das doações de sangue efetuadas através das campanhas do projeto. O conteúdo informativo foi divulgado através das redes sociais com publicação de infográficos sobre verdades e mitos, sobre o processo de doação e sobre estimuladores da doação de sangue na FH. O veículo de comunicação escolhido para a propagação de informações acerca do projeto foram as mídias sociais em virtude do contexto epidemiológico de COVID-19 e da rápida difusão de conteúdo. Todos os participantes do PEAS foram capacitados para a realização de postagens, esclarecimentos de dúvidas e transmissão de informações pertinentes à doação de sangue na plataforma virtual. Resultados: A avaliação preliminar do PEAS realizada com dados levantados entre abril e junho de 2021 (Software de Gestão hemoterápica Hemote®) evidenciou aumento do comparecimento de doadores na FH e que as mídias sociais mostraram-se como um potente aliado no processo de captação de doadores. No período estudado, o PEAS contribuiu com 2,3% do total de doações efetivadas na FH, em relação ao sexo, 51,1% dos doadores eram do sexo masculino. Foi observado que o projeto mobilizou o tema doação de sangue em grupos de trabalhos e estimulou a formação de multiplicadores e influenciadores no processo de mobilização de doadores. A página do PEAS nas redes sociais conta com 1159 seguidores e mais de 128 publicações, garantindo ampla divulgação e visibilidade do conteúdo. Discussão: A Pandemia de Covid-19 impactou direta e negativamente no comparecimento de doadores, reduzindo o número de coletas e do estoque de bolsas de sangue. A FH atende 57 hospitais, englobando 27 cidades das macrorregional de Juiz de Fora, garantindo à população a oferta de sangue e hemoderivados de qualidade, em consonância com as diretrizes estabelecidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, realizando mais de 50 mil transfusões/ano. A meta do PEAS é se consolidar como grande influenciador na doação de sangue, com aumento do número de doadores fidelizados e ampliação da cultura de doação de sangue. Atuar na área de captação é desafiador, uma vez que o sangue é insubstituível, exigindo mobilização contínua da sociedade. Conclusão: As mídias sociais desempenharam um papel extremamente relevante para a efetividade do PEAS, uma vez que a partir delas foi possível a conscientização em massa sobre a doação de sangue e captação de doadores. Apenas com um trabalho persistente e respaldado no diálogo e na desmistificação será possível despertar na população o desejo da doação de sangue, não apenas como um ato heroico, mas também como um gesto de cidadania, compaixão, compromisso e preservação da vida.

PANDEMIA DO COVID-19 OPORTUNIDADE PARA O ENSINO DE HEMOTERAPIA NA GRADUAÇÃO EM FARMÁCIA

O objetivo é relatar a experiência da criação da disciplina complementar de graduação “Banco de Sangue” em um curso de Graduação em Farmácia durante a pandemia do COVID-19 e fornecer pistas para novas iniciativas de ensino-aprendizagem na área de Hemoterapia. O Conselho Federal de Farmácia regulamenta as atribuições e competências do farmacêutico em serviços de hemoterapia e/ou bancos de sangue, porém muitos cursos de graduação não possuem em seu currículo uma disciplina específica sobre essa temática. Esta era a situação do curso de Graduação em Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Santa Maria, RS, Brasil), fundado no ano 1932, com atual currículo de 2014 em que a evolução da hemoterapia sempre foi um tema abordado em uma das unidades (Banco de Sangue) da disciplina obrigatória de Hematologia Clínica. Com a pandemia do COVID-19, durante o ano de 2020 o ensino dessa disciplina passou a ser realizado de forma remota, enquanto que as aulas práticas ficaram suspensas. Com a necessidade de manter o vínculo dos discentes durante a pandemia o docente de Hematologia Clínica organizou um ciclo de palestras no início de 2021. Sendo que em duas palestras os temas foram “A atuação do Farmacêutico na Hemoterapia” e “Rotinas de Banco de Sangue”, após ao término das palestras os acadêmicos demonstram muito interesse sobre a temática da Hemoterapia. Assim, o curso de graduação resolveu ofertar uma disciplina complementar no primeiro semestre de 2021. Com carga horária de 30 horas e o conteúdo programático da disciplina englobando: a hemoterapia no Brasil, o ciclo produtivo do sangue, imuno-hematologia, sorologia, agência transfusional, reações adversas à transfusão de sangue, controle de qualidade e garantia da qualidade em hemoterapia. Inicialmente foi ofertada uma turma, mas com ocorreu lista de espera de acadêmicos interessados foi necessária a abertura de segunda turma para atendimento da demanda. As aulas estão sendo realizadas através de plaforma virtual de aprendizagem (MOODLE/ UFSM), com atividades síncronas semanais. Atividades complementares são realizadas utilizando aplicativo de mensagens (Whatsapp). A docente que ministra a disciplina é farmacêutica e tem 16 anos de experiência em diversos setores do Serviço de Hemoterapia da Instituição. Duas acadêmicas que estão cursando a disciplina começaram a desenvolver seus trabalhos de conclusão de curso com temas relacionados a disciplina. A utilização do aplicativo de mensagens tem permitido o acompanhamento e a discussão de temas relacionados a hemoterapia e a pandemia do COVID-19, como por exemplo, a inaptidão temporária de doadores de sangue que realizam a vacina para o coronavírus a medida que novas vacinas foram disponibilizadas no Brasil. A coordenação do curso já aprovou a oferta da disciplina para o segundo semestre de 2021. A oferta do tema, na condição de disciplina, demonstrou responder a necessidade de garantir vínculo dos acadêmicos e contribui para o andamento do curso, pois permite adiantar a carga de disciplinas complementares. Além disso, fornece melhores subsídios para os futuros farmacêuticos atuarem na área de hemoterapia.

Psychotic Agitation in a Patient with COVID-19: Pathogenesis or Iatrogenesis?

The pathophysiological underpinnings of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the profile of adverse neuropsychiatric effects of pharmacological agents employed in the management of COVID-19, are yet to be elucidated. Here, we report a 43-year-old female patient who suffered from COVID-19 and who developed new-onset psychotic agitated behavior which may be related to either the COVID-19 infection itself or to the drugs that were used in the treatment. On her third day of treatment with oseltamivir, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin, the patient, who had no previous background of neurological or psychiatric diagnosis, presented with a new-onset psychomotor agitation with auditory hallucinations and insomnia. Her psychiatric symptoms have improved with oral olanzapine 5 mg/d. This report underscores the importance of neuropsychiatric monitoring in patients with COVID-19. Clinicians should be aware of the limited knowledge on the neuropsychiatric safety profile of the medication used for COVID-19 treatment, while they have focused on the neuropsychiatric outcomes of COVID-19 itself.

Switch from Olanzapine Long-Acting Injectable to its Oral Equivalent during COVID-19 Pandemic: a Real World Observational Study.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition with chronic evolution, one of the most disabling diseases. The main cause for the disease's progression is considered to be the lack of compliance with the treatment. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are an important treatment option for patients with schizophrenia. Olanzapine long-acting injection (OLZ-LAI) is a pamoate monohydrate salt of olanzapine that is administered by deep intramuscular gluteal injection. The aim of this paper is to report the effects of a sudden and unplanned switch from olanzapine long-acting injectable to oral olanzapine in remitted patients with schizophrenia due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational study conducted in the Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry and Neurology of Brasov, Romania between April 2020 and March 2021. 27 patients with OLZ-LAI were entered into the study. Of 27 cases, 21 patients preferred to be switched to oral olanzapine (77.77%). Only 6 patients continued with the long-acting formulation. The main reason for the initiation of olanzapine pamoate in all the patients was non-adherence to oral medication (80.95%), and the mean age of starting LAI olanzapine was 36.42 years (SD ± 10.09). Within the following 12 months after switching from olanzapine LAI to OA, 15 patients (71.42%) relapsed, and 12 were admitted to the emergency psychiatric unit. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought multiple disservices to current medical practice. Sudden and unplanned switch from olanzapine long-acting formulation to oral olanzapine was followed by the high rate of relapse in remitted schizophrenia.