Comparison of the frequency of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in depressed versus nondepressed patients.

Numerous studies have found an association between low serum folate levels and incidence of depression. Folic acid supplementation has been successfully used as an adjunct to treat depression in these patients. However, some individuals have a genetic deficiency in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene that limits conversion of folic acid to its biologically active form, L-methylfolate. Several studies have identified a higher frequency of genetic variations in the MTHFR gene in depressed patients than in nondepressed controls. This study evaluated the frequency of the most common genetic variation MTHFR C667T in a group of depressed U.S. Caucasians and compared results with those of a control group of nondepressed U.S. Caucasians. Subjects were recruited from a psychiatric practice, an ambulatory care clinic, and the community. Informed consent and a cheek swab sample were obtained from each subject for analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using Pearson X2 analysis. Complete data were obtained for 156 subjects. No significant differences were found in frequency of the MTHFR C667T T allele (0.415 vs 0.365; p=0.408) or the MTHFR C667T TT genotype (20.7% vs 17.6%; p=0.619) between the depressed and non-depressed controls, respectively. Therefore, use of L-methylfolate without an additional indication of need does not appear to be warranted in this group of U.S. Caucasians. Some patients may benefit from L-methylfolate, but an evidence-based approach, such as MTHFR genotyping, should be used to identify these specific patients. Additional research is also needed to confirm the benefit of L-methylfolate in specific patient populations (e.g., MTHFR TT genotype).

Evaluation of genetic variations in organic cationic transporter 3 in depressed and nondepressed subjects.

Organic cationic transporter 3 (OCT3, SLS22A3) has only recently emerged as one of the regulators of monoaminergic neurotransmission, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression and is a potential new antidepressant drug target. OCT3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been investigated for their association with psychiatric disorders such as methamphetamine use disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents, but not depression. This study was designed to evaluate the allele frequencies of seven OCT3 SNPs in a US Caucasian depressed population and compare these frequencies with a control group of nondepressed subjects. Informed consent and a DNA sample were obtained from 157 subjects and analysis was performed using real-time PCR. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using a t-test and the Pearson chi-square analysis, respectively. There were no significant differences in OCT3 allele or genotype frequencies between the depressed and non-depressed groups for all seven SNPs evaluated.

The impact of a pharmacist assisted clinic upon medication adherence and quality of life in mental health patients / Impacto de una clínica asistida por farmacéutico sobre la adherencia a la medicación y la calidad de vida en pacientes mentales

Objectives: To determine if a pharmacist assisted psychiatric clinic would improve adherence to medications and quality of life over 6 months. The primary study endpoints were the change from baseline in Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Brief Evaluation of Medication Influences and Beliefs (BEMIB), World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scales as well as hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Secondary endpoints included metabolic and physiologic parameters. Methods: A prospective, single-center study conducted at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Subjects were required to attend 3 clinic visits (baseline, 3 and 6 months) with the pharmacist. Subject and medication histories were obtained at each visit. Subjects’ records within the local health system were reviewed for emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Metabolic parameters were assessed at each visit. Results: Twenty-seven subjects enrolled and twenty subjects completed. Total MARS score at baseline and study end were 7.90 and 8.65, respectively. At baseline, 10 (50%) were nonadherent based on the BEMIB and 9 (45%) were nonadherent at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements were seen in 2 domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Reductions in both ER visits and hospitalizations were achieved. There were significant improvements in total cholesterol and LDL. Conclusions: Improvements were seen in two domains of the WHOQOL-BREF – physical capacity and psychological well-being over the 6 month period. While improvements were seen in various rating scales, due to small sample sizes, these were insignificant improvements. Reductions in hospitalizations and ER visits were also seen during the study and up to 6 months post study. Statistically significant improvements were also seen in both total cholesterol and LDL. The lack of improvement in many of the study outcomes reflects the difficulty of the mental health population to adhere to treatment recommendations; but also underscores the need for continued research in this area. This pilot demonstrates the pharmacist’s ability to provide comprehensive medication management services to the psychiatric outpatient (AU)

Objetivos: Determinar si una clínica psiquiátrica asistida por farmacéutico podría mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento y la calidad de vida durante seis meses. Los resultados primarios del estudio fueron el cambio en relación al inicio en las escalas Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Brief Evaluation of Medication Influences and Beliefs (BEMIB), World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOLBREF), así como las hospitalizaciones y visitas a urgencias. Los resultados secundarios incluían parámetros metabólicos y fisiológicos. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, unicentrico realizado en una clínica ambulatoria psiquiátrica. Se solicitó a las personas que acudiesen a 3 visitas a la clínica con el farmacéutico (inicio, 3 y 6 meses). En cada visita se recogió las historias clínicas y medicamentosas. Se revisaron las fichas de los pacientes en el sistema local de salud para las visitas a urgencias y hospitalizaciones. En cada visita se evaluaron los parámetros metabólicos. Resultados: Se evaluó a 27 individuos y 20 completaron el estudio. Las puntuaciones del MARS al inicio y al final fueron 7,90 y 8,65, respectivamente. En el inicio, 10 (50%) eran incumplidores, basándose en el BEMIB y 9 (45%) fueron incumplidores a los 6 meses. Se encontraron mejoras estadísticamente significativas en 2 dominios del WHOQOL-BREF. Se consiguieron reducciones tanto en visitas a urgencias como hospitalizaciones. Hubo mejoras significativas en colesterol total y LDL. Conclusiones: Se encontraron mejoras en dos dominios del WHOQOL-BREF – capacidad física y bienestar psicológico durante el periodo de 6 meses. Aunque se encontraron mejora en varias escalas, debido a los pequeños tamaños de muestra, no fueron significativas. Se vieron reducciones en visitas a urgencias y hospitalizaciones durante los 6 meses de estudio y después del estudio. También se encontraron diferencias significativas tanto en colesterol como en LDL. La falta de mejoría en muchos resultados del estudio refleja la dificultad de la población psiquiátrica en adherir a las recomendaciones del tratamiento; pero también subraya la necesidad de investigación continua en este campo. Este estudio piloto demuestra la capacidad del farmacéutico en proporcionar servicios de gestión global de la medicación en pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatorios (AU)

The impact of a pharmacist assisted clinic upon medication adherence and quality of life in mental health patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a pharmacist assisted psychiatric clinic would improve adherence to medications and quality of life over 6 months. The primary study endpoints were the change from baseline in Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Brief Evaluation of Medication Influences and Beliefs (BEMIB), World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scales as well as hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Secondary endpoints included metabolic and physiologic parameters. METHODS: A prospective, single-center study conducted at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Subjects were required to attend 3 clinic visits (baseline, 3 and 6 months) with the pharmacist. Subject and medication histories were obtained at each visit. Subjects' records within the local health system were reviewed for emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Metabolic parameters were assessed at each visit. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects enrolled and twenty subjects completed. Total MARS score at baseline and study end were 7.90 and 8.65, respectively. At baseline, 10 (50%) were nonadherent based on the BEMIB and 9 (45%) were nonadherent at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements were seen in 2 domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Reductions in both ER visits and hospitalizations were achieved. There were significant improvements in total cholesterol and LDL. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements were seen in two domains of the WHOQOL-BREF - physical capacity and psychological well-being over the 6 month period. While improvements were seen in various rating scales, due to small sample sizes, these were insignificant improvements. Reductions in hospitalizations and ER visits were also seen during the study and up to 6 months post study. Statistically significant improvements were also seen in both total cholesterol and LDL. The lack of improvement in many of the study outcomes reflects the difficulty of the mental health population to adhere to treatment recommendations; but also underscores the need for continued research in this area. This pilot demonstrates the pharmacist's ability to provide comprehensive medication management services to the psychiatric outpatient.

Nutritional and pharmacologic challenges in the bariatric surgery patient.

The purpose of this study was to describe vitamin and nutrient supplement practices and assess medication dosage formulations utilized in patients hospitalized with a history of bariatric surgery. Retrospective pilot study was conducted from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007 in patients with a past history of bariatric surgery. Demographic data, vitamin and nutrient supplements, and medication dosage formulations were evaluated upon admission. This was compared to published guidelines. Compliance with the following supplementation was categorized: daily multivitamin, calcium, iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid. The frequency of non-immediate-release and enteric-coated medication dosage forms was also examined. Discrepancies were identified as lack of one of the supplements or if an inappropriate dosage formulation was ordered. Of 133 admissions, 117 (88%) had a history of a malabsorptive procedure and at least one discrepancy was found. Only 33.3% of admissions were ordered a multivitamin, 5.1% were ordered supplemental vitamin B-12, and 7.7% received a calcium supplement. Additional folic acid was ordered in 11.1% and iron ordered in 12.0%. Inappropriate medication formulations were ordered in 61.5% of patients; 34.7% included non-immediate-release formulations, 25.0% enteric-coated formulations, and 40.3% both non-immediate-release and enteric-coated. Upon discharge from the institution, 50% had inappropriate formulations continued. Patients with a history of bariatric surgery may not have their vitamin and nutrient needs met upon hospitalization. Prior bariatric surgery is not consistently taken into consideration when ordering medications. Healthcare providers need to be cognizant of vitamin regimens to recommend as well as medication dosage formulations to avoid.

Carbamazepine-induced hyperammonemia.

PURPOSE: A case of carbamazepine-induced hyperammonemia is presented. SUMMARY: A 26-year-old man with bipolar disorder, seizures, and mild mental retardation secondary to a traumatic brain injury began treatment with carbamazepine for aggression and seizure control. After three weeks of carbamazepine therapy, the patient arrived at the emergency department (ED) with severe agitation and aggressive behavior. His oral medications included topiramate, carbamazepine, olanzapine, quetiapine, guanfacine, and desmopressin acetate. The patient's medications had been stable for at least six months except for the addition of carbamazepine one month before his arrival at the ED. Upon admission, the patient's vital signs were found to be within normal limits, as were his liver profile results, complete blood count, thyroid-stimulating-hormone level, and serum chemistry panel. His serum carbamazepine concentration was 3.9 microg/mL (reference range, 4-12 microg/mL), and his serum ammonia concentration was 127 microg/dL (reference range, 19-60 microg/dL). Carbamazepine was discontinued upon admission, and the patient was treated with oral lactulose. Since carbamazepine was discontinued and had been prescribed for bipolar disorder, his olanzapine dosage was increased, and trazodone was added at bedtime for insomnia. Of note, the patient had been on carbamazepine therapy one year earlier and had experienced the same adverse event. He had also developed elevated serum ammonia levels while on valproic acid. The patient's serum ammonia level returned to normal by hospital day 4, and he was discharged to his group home. CONCLUSION: A 26-year-old man with bipolar disorder developed hyperammonemia three weeks after initiating carbamazepine therapy.

Apparent seizure and atrial fibrillation associated with paliperidone.

PURPOSE: A case of apparent seizure and atrial fibrillation associated with paliperidone is reported. SUMMARY: A 46-year-old man arrived at the emergency room (ER) via ambulance. Earlier that morning, his wife observed him awakening in a panic, drifting back to sleep, and then subsequently awakening in a panic with an apparent seizure lasting one to two minutes. The episode included tongue biting and urinary incontinence. His medical history included bipolar disorder, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The patient's medications included metformin, insulin glargine, insulin lispro, simvastatin, enalapril, escitalopram, lamotrigine, and clonazepam and had not changed for many months except for the recent addition of paliperidone four days before his arrival at the ER. Electrocardiography revealed atrial fibrillation, a ventricular rate of 151 beats/min, a Q-Tc interval of 461 msec, and no significant changes in the ST segment or T wave. He had no chest pain, and all other laboratory test results and vital signs were normal. The patient was admitted for evaluation and given a single oral dose of potassium chloride. Diltiazem i.v. was administered with resultant conversion to normal sinus rhythm, after which the patient's heart rate and Q-Tc interval normalized. The patient was discharged after one day. CONCLUSION: A man taking paliperidone and multiple other drugs experienced atrial fibrillation and a possible seizure. Although these are known adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics, it is unusual to have both events occur concurrently and with low-to-average dosages, and these events have not been associated with paliperidone in published case reports.

Medication history reconciliation by pharmacists in an inpatient behavioral health unit.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of a pharmacy-obtained medication history on the medication reconciliation process in the behavioral health unit (BHU) of a community hospital was studied. METHODS: Patients admitted to the BHU of a 411-bed, not-for-profit hospital from 6 a.m. on Monday through 12 p.m. on Friday from September 1, 2005, through October 6, 2005, were candidates for the study. Within 18 hours of admission to the BHU and after the medication history had been obtained by a nurse, a pharmacy technician gathered patient demographic and medication information from the chart and the patient's medication bottles. Once the technician completed the documentation, the pharmacist was notified of a new admission. The pharmacist reviewed the collected documentation and patient chart before interviewing the patient. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients who met the study's inclusion criteria, 91% were seen by a pharmacist within 18 hours of admission. The mean +/- S.D. time delay to interview the patient was 11.6 +/- 5.1 hours. Pharmacists spent a mean of 13.9 minutes completing patients' medication histories. The mean +/- S.D. number of medications identified by nursing on admission was 4.0 +/- 3.2, compared with 5.3 +/- 3.7 identified by pharmacists (p < 0.05). The mean number of medication discrepancies identified per patient was 2.9. Of the discrepancies, 48% were related to an omitted or incorrect medication, 31% to an omitted or incorrect dose, and 13% to an omitted or incorrect frequency; 8% were categorized as miscellaneous. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists' participation in obtaining patients' medication histories through chart review and patient interview increased the effectiveness of the medication reconciliation process in an inpatient BHU.