Outpatient prescription of clozapine in Colombia: factors related to the use of doses lower than 100 mg/day / Prescripción ambulatoria de clozapina en Colombia: factores relacionados con el uso de dosis inferiores a 100 mg/día.

Although commonly used in clinical practice, scientific literature about clozapine prescription patterns in Colombia is scarce. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in an outpatient clinic in Bogotá, Colombia. Between 2016 and 2018, clozapine was prescribed to 2603 patients, mainly for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Bipolar and Depressive Disorders, at a median dose of 100mg/day. After controlling for other variables, older age was the only variable that explained the use of doses lower than 100mg/day. Clozapine was not only used for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia, and further studies are needed to explain these differences.

Aunque se utiliza comúnmente en la práctica clínica, la literatura científica sobre los patrones de prescripción de clozapina en Colombia es escasa. Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en el servicio ambulatorio de una clínica de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia. Entre 2016 y 2018, se recetó clozapina a 2603 pacientes, principalmente para esquizofrenia y trastornos relacionados, trastorno afectivo bipolar y trastornos depresivos, a una dosis media de 100 mg/día. Después de controlar otras variables, la edad avanzada fue la única variable que explicó el uso de dosis inferiores a 100 mg/día. La clozapina no se utilizó sólo para la esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento, y se necesitan estudios adicionales para explicar estas diferencias.

A hybrid model for predicting response to risperidone after first episode of psychosis.

Patient response to antipsychotic drugs varies and may be related to clinical and genetic heterogeneity. This study aimed to determine the performance of clinical, genetic, and hybrid models to predict the response of first episode of psychosis (FEP). patients to the antipsychotic risperidone. We evaluated 141 antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients before and after 10 weeks of risperidone treatment. Patients who had a response rate equal to or higher than 50% on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were considered responders (n = 72; 51%). Analyses were performed using a support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), and random forests (RF). Clinical and genetic (with single-nucleotide variants [SNVs]) models were created separately. Hybrid models (clinical+genetic factors) with and without feature selection were created. Clinical models presented greater balanced accuracy 63.3% (confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.69) with the SVM algorithm than the genetic models (balanced accuracy: 58.5% [CI 0.41-0.76] - kNN algorithm). The hybrid model, which included duration of untreated psychosis, Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale scores, age, cannabis use, and 406 SNVs, showed the best performance (balanced accuracy: 72.9% [CI 0.62-0.84] - RF algorithm). A hybrid model, including clinical and genetic predictors, can provide enhanced predictions of response to antipsychotic treatment.

Trajectory of the body mass index of children and adolescents attending a reference mental health center.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to describe the standardized body mass index (z-BMI) trajectory of children and adolescents admitted to a psychiatric reference center in Mexico City according to their diagnosis and medication use. The secondary objective was to compare z-BMI between antipsychotic users and non-users. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. The psychiatric diagnosis, prescribed medications, serial heights, and weights were collected from the medical records. RESULTS: The median baseline z-BMI of the 129 analyzed cases was 0.88 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-1.92), and the prevalence of excessive weight (obesity or overweight) was 46.8 %. At the end of follow-up (median 50.3 weeks), the median change in z-BMI was -0.09 (IQR: -0.68 to 0.42). New long-term users of antipsychotics (n=29) had an increase in their z-BMI, in contrast to never-users (median difference 0.73, p=0.01) and to previous users (median difference 0.92, p=0.047). The 59 subjects with excessive weight at admission had a median z-BMI change of -0.39 (IQR: -0.81 to -0.04). Among patients with excessive weight and depression, there was a greater decrease in z-BMI in sertraline users (n=13) compared with fluoxetine users (n=15) (median -0.65 vs. 0.21, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: New long-term users of antipsychotics showed a significant increase in their z-BMI. Patients with depressive disorders and obesity on sertraline therapy tended to show a decrease in their z-BMI.

Successful Clozapine Rechallenge After Clozapine-Induced Severe Anemia: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), is considered the gold standard medication to treat patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Despite its efficacy, clozapine is associated with adverse effects, notably neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Other hematological adverse effects are less common. Severe anemia is a rare adverse effect seldom reported in the literature and is typically associated with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Nevertheless, the benefits of clozapine in managing TRS make rechallenge a reasonable option. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 35-year-old man with TRS, resistant to previous antipsychotics, who experienced severe anemia during clozapine treatment. An investigation for clozapine-induced anemia revealed PRCA on myelogram. After discontinuing clozapine, the patient's hemoglobin levels recovered. Subsequent treatments with olanzapine, zuclopenthixol, and aripiprazole proved ineffective, leading us to consider a clozapine rechallenge. The rechallenge, monitored for 58 days, resulted in improved psychiatric symptoms and stable hemoglobin levels. The patient remained stable during 6 months of follow-up, with no hematological changes. DISCUSSION: PRCA is a very rare adverse effect of clozapine. The cause of drug-induced PRCA is still unknown; for clozapine, there are no studies. Rechallenge after a severe and rare adverse effect is a complex decision. This case is the first to report a successful clozapine rechallenge following severe anemia without other blood dyscrasias, emphasizing the imperative need for close monitoring during the rechallenge process. Further study is warranted to understand the predictive factors for a successful outcome in clozapine rechallenges.

Análisis de reacciones adversas a medicamentos por fármacos antipsicóticos en un instituto de salud mexicano / Analysis of adverse drug reactions caused by antipsychotic drugs in a mexican health institute

RESUMEN Introducción: Las reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) son manifestaciones clínicas o de laboratorio no deseadas que se relacionan con el consumo de medicamentos. Las RAM se asocian con un riesgo significativo de morbimortalidad e ingresos hospitalarios. Los antipsicóticos poseen una reducida ventana terapéutica y se han relacionado con la manifestación de una diversidad de RAM. Objetivo: Evaluar el patrón de las RAM debido a fármacos antipsicóticos, detectadas en pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz entre diciembre de 2021 y mayo de 2022. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal de una serie de casos. La gravedad, la severidad y la calidad de la información de la notificación de las RAM se definieron conforme a la NOM-220-SSA1-2016, instalación y operación de la farmacovigilancia, mientras que la causalidad se determinó mediante el algoritmo de Naranjo. Resultados: La incidencia de las RAM fue del 59% y se detectó una o más RAM en 52 de los 88 pacientes que estaban en tratamiento antipsicótico durante el periodo de estudio. El 45% de las RAM tuvo una causalidad probable y el 55%, posible; únicamente tres RAM se clasificaron como graves, debido a que prolongaron la estancia hospitalaria y pusieron en peligro la vida del paciente. Conclusiones: Las RAM de los sistemas gastrointestinal y endocrino fueron las más incidentes, y la hiperprolactinemia fue la más frecuente. La olanzapina y clozapina fueron los medicamentos que más RAM provocaron. Se recomienda fomentar la cultura de notificación y seguimiento de RAM causadas por fármacos antipsicóticos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) are unwanted clinical or laboratory manifestations that are related to drug use. ADR are common and are associated with significant risk of morbidity, mortality and hospital admissions. Antipsychotics have a reduced therapeutic window, and have been related to the manifestation of a variety of ADR. Objetive: To evaluate the pattern of ADRs due to antipsychotic drugs detected in patients treated at the Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz National Institute of Psychiatry between December 2021 and May 2022. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a series of cases. The seriousness, severity, and quality of the information in the notification of the ADR were defined in accordance with NOM-220-SSA1-2016, Installation and Operation of Pharmacovigilance, while causality was determined using the Naranjo algorithm. Results: The incidence of ADRs was 59%, with one or more ADR detected in 52 of the 88 patients who were receiving antipsychotic treatment during the study period. Forty-five percent of the ADR had probable causality and 55% possible; only three ADR were classified as serious as they prolonged the hospital stay and endangered the patient's life. Conclusions: The ADR of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems were the most incidental, with hyperprolactinemia being the most frequent. Olanzapine and clozapine were the medications that caused the most ADR. It is recommended to promote the culture of notification and follow-up of ADR caused by antipsychotic drugs.

When the fever will not stop, stop the pills! A case report

ABSTRACT Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a neurologic emergency potentially fatal. This rare side effect is most commonly associated with first-generation antipsychotics and less frequently with atypical or second-generation antipsychotics. The diagnosis relies on both clinical and laboratory criteria, with other organic and psychiatric conditions being ruled out. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female patient, who is institutionalized and completely dependent, has a medical history of recurrent urinary infections and colonization by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Her regular medication regimen included sertraline, valproic acid, quetiapine, risperidone, lorazepam, diazepam, haloperidol, baclofen, and fentanyl. The patient began experiencing dyspnea. Upon physical examination, she exhibited hypotension and a diminished vesicular murmur at the right base during pulmonary auscultation. Initially, after hospitalization, she developed high febrile peaks associated with hemodynamic instability, prompting the initiation of antibiotic treatment. Despite this, her fever persisted without an increase in blood inflammatory parameters, and she developed purulent sputum, necessitating antibiotherapy escalation. The seventh day of hospitalization showed no improvement in symptoms, suggesting NNMS as a differential diagnosis. All antipsychotic and sedative drugs, as well as antibiotherapy, were discontinued, after which the patient showed significant clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Antipsychotic agents are commonly employed to manage behavioral changes linked to various disorders. However, their severe side effects necessitate a high degree of vigilance, the cessation of all medications, and the implementation of supportive care measures. A prompt and accurate diagnosis of NMS is crucial to alleviating the severe, prolonged morbidity and potential mortality associated with this syndrome.

Hepatotoxicidad inducida por clozapina: reporte de caso y revisión breve de la literatura

Introducción: Los antipsicóticos son medicamentos que pueden producir elevaciones transitorias de las enzimas hepáticas. La clozapina es un antipsicótico atípico usado en el tratamiento de la esquizofrenia refractaria a los antipsicóticos convencionales y existe evidencia que puede producir elevaciones de las transaminasas hepáticas, expresión de dafño hepático con patrón hepatocelular. Métodos: Reporte de caso y revisión no sistemática de la literatura relevante. Presentación del caso: Una mujer de 39 años con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia paranoide acudió a un servicio de urgencias de un hospital general por náuseas, vómitos e ictericia que apareció tras el inicio de clozapina. No hubo mejoría clínica de la paciente durante la hospitalización, que falleció a los 44 días de su ingreso. Revisión de la literatura: La clozapina puede elevar las cifras de función hepática de manera transitoria y asintomática. Hay criterios clínicos para recomendar la suspensión de este antipsicótico. Conclusiones: Este caso es el tercero en la literatura que registra un desenlace fatal tras un cuadro de hepatotoxicidad inducido por clozapina. © 2021 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. Todos los derechos reservados.

Introduction: Antipsychotics are drugs that can produce transient elevations of hepatic enzymes. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and there is evidence that it can produce elevations of hepatic transaminases, expression of liver damage in a hepatocellular pattern. Methods: Case report and non-systematic review of the relevant literature. Case presentation: A 39-year-old woman with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia attended the emergency department of a general hospital for nausea, vomiting and jaundice that appeared after the initiation of clozapine. There was no clinical improvement during hospitalization, and death occurred after 44 days. Literature review: Clozapine can increase the liver enzyme levels transiently and asymptomatically; however, there are clinical criteria that recommend the withdrawal of the antipsychotic. Conclusions: This is the third case reported in the literature of a fatal outcome of clozapine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with atypical antipsychotics: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is uncommon, with an incidence of 0.01%-3.23%, and is associated with the use of drugs that intervene with dopamine, causing hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability and death. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man with a history of catatonia, refractory epilepsy and functional impairment, required frequent changes in his anticonvulsant and antipsychotic treatment, due to adverse effects. During 2019, in the month of July, clozapine was changed to amisulpride, in September he developed fever, muscle stiffness, stupor, diaphoresis and tachypnea over a two-week period; paraclinical tests showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and leukocytosis, so NMS was considered. The antipsychotic was withdrawn and he was treated with bromocriptine and biperiden, with a good response. Ten days after discharge, he began treatment with olanzapine, which generated a similar episode to the one described in December, with subsequent management and resolution. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis is based on the use of drugs that alter dopamine levels, plus altered state of consciousness, fever, autonomic instability and paraclinical tests showing leukocytosis and elevated CPK. Differential diagnoses must be ruled out. Early diagnosis generally leads to total remission, although some patients will suffer complications, long-term sequelae or recurrences. The recurrence in this case derived from the early reintroduction of the neuroleptic after the first episode. Treatment should be individualised according to severity to avoid mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical antipsychotics are rarely suspected of generating NMS. Moreover, the time to reintroduction after an episode must also be taken into account.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno asociado a antipsicóticos atípicos: a propósito de un caso

Introducción: El síndrome neuroléptico maligno (SNM) es infrecuente, con una incidencia del 0,01 al 3,23%, y tiene relación con el consumo de fármacos que interfieren con la dopamina; genera hipertermia, rigidez muscular, confusión, inestabilidad autonómica y la muerte. Caso clínico: Un varón de 35 arios, con antecedentes de catatonía, epilepsia refractaria y deterioro funcional, en tratamiento anticonvulsivo y antipsicótico, requirió cambio frecuente por efectos adversos de este. En julio de 2019 se cambió la clozapina por amisulprida; en septiembre se inicia un cuadro de 2 semanas de fiebre, rigidez muscular, estupor, diaforesis y taquipnea; los paraclínicos mostraron aumento de la creatininasa (CK) y leucocitosis, por lo que se consideró SNM. Se retiró el antipsicótico y se trató con bromocriptina y biperideno, que obtuvieron buena respuesta. A los 10 días del egreso, se inició tratamiento con olanzapina, que generó en diciembre un cuadro clínico similar al descrito, con posterior tratamiento y resolución. Discusión: El diagnóstico se basa en la toma de fármacos que alteren la dopamina, más alteración del estado de conciencia, fiebre e inestabilidad autonómica, junto con paraclínicos como leucocitosis y elevación de la CK. Se debe descartar diagnósticos diferenciales. El diagnóstico temprano generalmente lleva a la remisión total; algunos tendrán complicaciones, secuelas a largo plazo o recidivas. La recurrencia en este caso derivó de la reintroducción temprana del neuroléptico después del primer episodio. El tratamiento se debe individualizar según la gravedad para evitar la muerte. Conclusiones: Rara vez se sospecha que los antipsicóticos atípicos generen SNM; a su vez se debe tener en cuenta el tiempo a la reintroducción después de un episodio.

Introduction: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is uncommon, with an incidence of 0.01% to 3.23%, and is associated with the use of drugs that intervene with dopamine, causing hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability and death. Case report: A 35-year-old man with a history of catatonia, refractory epilepsy and functional impairment, required frequent changes in his anticonvulsant and antipsychotic treatment, due to adverse effects. During 2019, in the month of July, clozapine was changed to amisul-pride, in September he developed fever, muscle stiffness, stupor, diaphoresis and tachypnea over a two-week period; paraclinical tests showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and leukocytosis, so NMS was considered. The antipsychotic was withdrawn and he was treated with bromocriptine and biperiden, with a good response. Ten days after discharge, he began treatment with olanzapine, which generated a similar episode to the one described in December, with subsequent management and resolution. Discussion: The diagnosis is based on the use of drugs that alter dopamine levels, plus altered state of consciousness, fever, autonomic instability and paraclinical tests showing leukocy-tosis and elevated CPK. Differential diagnosis must be ruled out. Early diagnosis generally leads to total remission, although some patients will suffer complications, long-term sequelae or recurrences. The recurrence in this case derived from the early reintroduction of the neuroleptic after the first episode. Treatment should be individualised according to severity to avoid mortality. Conclusions: Atypical antipsychotics are rarely suspected of generating NMS. Moreover, the time to reintroduction after an episode must also be taken into account.

Uso ambulatorio de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados en adultos mayores usuarios de la RAP Metropolitana de ASSE durante 2019 / Potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults assisted as outpatients in ASSE's Metropolitan RAP (Primary Health Care) during 2019 / Uso ambulatorial de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos usuários da RAPE Metropolitana da ASSE durante 2019

Introducción: los adultos mayores son una población de riesgo para el desarrollo de reacciones adversas a los medicamentos. Los medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados son aquellos que representan mayores riesgos que beneficios en este grupo etario. Se cuenta con herramientas de apoyo a la prescripción en geriatría que permiten identificar a estos medicamentos y mediante la aplicación de estudios de utilización de medicamentos, podemos describir o analizar el uso de los mismos en una población. Objetivos: reconocer disponibilidad de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados para adultos mayores en la RAP metropolitana de ASSE durante 2019 y establecer un diagnóstico de situación de consumo de los mismos durante ese año. Método: se realizó un análisis del vademécum institucional mediante la aplicación de los Criterios de Beers 2019 y dos escalas de riesgo anticolinérgico para identificar medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados. Posteriormente se realizó un estudio de utilización de los medicamentos identificados, mediante datos de dispensación de farmacia entre el 1 de enero y 31 de diciembre de 2019. El consumo se expresó en Dosis Diarias Definidas por cada 1000 adultos mayores-año (DHD). Resultados: se identificaron 16 medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados, de los cuales los más usados fueron clonazepam (DHD 69), quetiapina (65,6), alprazolam (DHD 43,7), flunitrazepam (DHD 42,7) y zolpidem (DHD 36,4). Conclusiones: la aplicación de herramientas explícitas facilita la identificación de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados para adultos mayores y se evidenció un consumo elevado de los mismos durante el año 2019 a expensas de derivados benzodiazepínicos y quetiapina.

Introduction: older adults are at higher risk for developing adverse drug reactions. Potentially inappropriate medications are drugs that have more risks than benefits in this age group. There are a number of tools to support the prescription of medication in geriatrics that allow the identification of these medications, and by applying studies developed on the use of medications we may describe or analyze their impact on a given population. Objectives: to recognize availability of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults in ASSE's Metropolitan RAP during 2019 and to draw conclusions about the current situation in terms of the consumption of this kind of medications. Method: an institutional analysis of medications available in each healthcare provided was conducted through the application of Beers Criteria 2019, and two anticholinergic risk scales were used to identify potentially inappropriate medications. Subsequently, the use of the medications identified was studied by applying pharmacy dispensing data between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Consumption was expressed in defined daily doses every 1000 adults per year (DHD). Results: 16 potentially inappropriate medications were identified, the most widely used of which were clonazepam (DHD 69), quetiapine (65.6), alprazolam (DHD 43.7), flunitrazepam (DHD 42.7) and zolpidem (DHD 36.4). Conclusions: Applying explicit tools makes it easier to identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. An increased consumption of these kinds of drugs was noticed during 2019, as a result of benzodiazepine derivatives and quetiapine.

Introdução: os idosos são uma população de risco para o desenvolvimento de reações adversas a medicamentos. Medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados são aqueles que apresentam maiores riscos do que benefícios nessa faixa etária. Existem ferramentas de apoio à prescrição em geriatria que permitem identificar esses medicamentos e, por meio da aplicação de estudos de utilização de medicamentos, descrever ou analisar seu uso em uma população. Objetivos: reconhecer a disponibilidade de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos na RAP metropolitana da ASSE durante o ano de 2019 e estabelecer um diagnóstico de consumo durante esse ano. Método: o formulário institucional foi analisado utilizando os Critérios de Beers 2019 e duas escalas de risco anticolinérgico para identificar medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados. Posteriormente, foi realizado um estudo de consumo dos medicamentos identificados, através dos dados de dispensação da farmácia entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2019. O consumo foi expresso em Doses Diárias Definidas por 1000 idosos-ano (DHD). Resultados: foram identificados 16 medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados, sendo clonazepam (DHD 69), quetiapina (65,6), alprazolam (DHD 43,7), flunitrazepam (DHD 42,7) e zolpidem (DHD 36,4) os mais utilizados Conclusões: a aplicação de ferramentas explícitas facilita a identificação de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos; foi observado um alto consumo dos mesmos em detrimento dos derivados benzodiazepínicos e da quetiapina durante o período do estudo.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CPS) em Salvador/Bahia / Prevalence of hypertension in a Psychosocial Care Center in Salvador/Bahia

Fundamento: Pessoas com transtornos mentais têm menor probabilidade de terem sua DCV e sua hipertensão diagnosticadas e possuem taxas de mortalidade duas ou três vezes maiores que a população em geral. Objetivos: estimar a prevalência de hipertensão através da autorreferência, do uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos e de valores de pressão arterial maiores ou iguais a 140 e 90 mmHg em população atendida em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial na cidade de Salvador. Métodos: estudo transversal e exploratório realizado de agosto de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020, por meio da aplicação de questionário com informações sociodemográficas, avaliação clínica e anamnese. Resultados: foram avaliados 284 pacientes, 45,4% deles homens e a média de idade foi de 44,3 + 11,9 anos. A prevalência de hipertensão autorreferida e o uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos foram de 67 (23,6%) e 58 (20,4%), respectivamente. A frequência de valores pressóricos sistólico e diastólico acima de 140 x 90 mmHg foi de 47,8%. As frequências de obesidade e sobrepeso foram 40,8% e 31,6%, respectivamente. Foi encontrada prevalência de uso de pelo menos um antipsicótico de 254 (89,4%) e de polifarmácia de 103 (36,3%) pacientes. Conclusões: a prevalência de hipertensão arterial e o uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos em nossa população foi semelhante à população em geral. Também foram identificados fatores que podem aumentar o risco de desenvolver DCV, como a alta taxa de uso de medicamentos antipsicóticos e as prevalências de polifarmácia, obesidade e sobrepeso (AU).

Background: People with mental disorders are less likely to have their CVD and hypertension diagnosed and have mortality rates two or three times higher than the general population. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of hypertension through self- referral, the use of antihypertensive drugs and blood pressure values greater than or equal to 140 and 90 mmHg in a population attended at a Psychosocial Care Center in the city of Salvador. Methods: cross-sectional and exploratory study conducted from August 2019 to February 2020, through the application of a questionnaire with sociodemographic information, clinical evaluation and anamnesis. Results: 284 patients were evaluated, 45.4% of them men and the mean age was 44.3 + 11.9 years. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension and the use of antihypertensive drugs were 67 (23.6%) and 58 (20.4%), respectively. The frequency of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values above 140 x 90 mmHg was 47.8%. The frequencies of obesity and overweight were 40.8% and 31.6%, respectively. A prevalence of use of at least one antipsychotic was found in 254 (89.4%) and polypharmacy of 103 (36.3%) patients. Conclusions: the prevalence of hypertension and the use of antihypertensive drugs in our population was similar to the general population. Factors that may increase the risk of developing CVD have also been identified, such as the high rate of use of antipsychotic drugs and the prevalence of polypharmacy, obesity and overweight (AU).

Esquizofrenia asociada a consumo de múltiples sustancias. Responsabilidad profesional / Schizophrenia Associated with Multiple Substance Use

Resumen La esquizofrenia es un trastorno psiquiátrico grave clasificado dentro de los trastornos psicóticos. Los pacientes suelen presentar síntomas variables dependiendo de las 3 dimensiones sintomáticas que padezcan, lo que genera dilación en su apego temprano al tratamiento. El caso clínico de interés a presentar corresponde a un paciente del sexo masculino en la cuarta década de la vida diagnosticado con esquizofrenia asociado al consumo de múltiples sustancias, el cual fue motivo de analizar derivado de los efectos adversos presentados al tratamiento farmacológico posterior a un episodio psicótico. El abordaje farmacológico con pacientes que padecen esta patología debe ir encaminado a contrarrestar los síntomas con base en antipsicóticos y a los efectos adversos causados por los mismos, siempre y cuando la enfermedad sea diagnosticada oportunamente.

Abstract Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder classified within the psychotic disorders. Patients usually present variable symptoms depending on the three symptomatic dimensions they suffer from, which generates delay in their early adherence to treatment. The clinical case of interest to be presented corresponds to a male patient in the fourth decade of life diagnosed with schizophrenia associated with multiple substance use, which was analyzed due to the adverse effects of pharmacological treatment following a psychotic episode. The pharmacological approach with patients suffering from this pathology should be aimed at counteracting the symptoms based on antipsychotics and the adverse effects caused by them as long as the disease is diagnosed in a timely manner.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno en un hospital general

Describimos la presentación clínica y dificultades diagnósticas de un caso de síndrome neuroléptico maligno en un hospital general. El paciente fue un varón de 18 años con diagnóstico de retraso mental grave e historia de convulsiones que recibía tratamiento irregular con risperidona y fenitoína. Tras presentar irritabilidad, agresividad y agitación psicomotriz acude a hospital psiquiátrico en donde le indican incremento de dosis de risperidona. Posteriormente por persistencia de agresividad, acude a hospital psiquiátrico en donde se indicó haloperidol, midazolam y levomepromazina, a los pocos días presentó distonía oro mandibular, alza térmica y distonía generalizada con dificultad para la deglución de alimentos, motivo por el cual acudió a hospital general y fue diagnosticado de síndrome neuroléptico maligno. El paciente recibió tratamiento con bromocriptina y diazepam durante hospitalización y tuvo evolución favorable de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos. El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es un evento adverso raro y fatal. Está asociado al uso de psicotrópicos, especialmente antipsicóticos.

We describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties of a case of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a general hospital. The patient was an 18-year-old male with severe mental retardation and a history of seizures who received irregular treatment with risperidone and phenytoin. After presenting irritability, aggressiveness, and psychomotor agitation, he went to a psychiatric hospital where received an increase in the dose of risperidone. Subsequently, due to persistence of aggressiveness, he went to a psychiatric hospital where haloperidol, midazolam and levomepromazine were indicated, after few days developed oromandibular dystonia, temperature rise and generalized dystonia with difficulty swallowing food, which is why he went to hospital general and was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Patient received treatment with bromocriptine and diazepam during hospitalization with favorable evolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a rare and fatal adverse event. It is associated with the use of psychotropics, especially antipsychotics.

Episodios psicóticos inducidos por ayahuasca: revisión sistemática a partir de un caso / Ayahuasca-induced psychotic episodes: A systematic review from a case perspective

RESUMEN La ayahuasca pertenece al grupo de alucinógenos de origen vegetal con los que comparte su capacidad de alterar el estado de conciencia y provocar alteraciones perceptivas. Empleada tradicionalmente en forma de brebaje en ritos ceremoniales con el propósito de alcanzar experiencias de contenido espiritual o sanatorio, su uso se ha extendido a lo largo de centurias hasta nuestro actual contexto cultural dentro del cual es empleada por pequeños grupos guiados por fines de crecimiento personal. La experiencia suele durar unas horas y los efectos suelen ser autolimitados. Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente que, tras el consumo experimental de ayahuasca, desarrolla un episodio maníaco con síntomas psicóticos. Se realiza asimismo una búsqueda sistemática de casos publicados de sintomatología psicótica relacionada con el consumo de ayahuasca. A nivel experimental, la relación entre ayahuasca y experiencias psicóticas es poco conocida, si bien se ha determinado un buen perfil de seguridad de la sustancia en administraciones puntuales en sujetos sanos. En el presente estudio, los resultados sugieren que la aparición de episodios psicóticos asociados con consumo de ayahuasca es un fenómeno infrecuente que parece estar relacionado con características de vulnerabilidad tales como historia personal o familiar de trastorno mental grave o el uso concomitante de otros compuestos tóxicos o drogas, especialmente cannabis.

SUMMARY Ayahuasca belongs to the group of plant-based or vegetal hallucinogens sharing their alterating effects on the state of consciousness and causing perceptual alterations. Traditionally used as a concoction in ceremonial rites aimed to achieve experiences of spiritual or curative content, its use has expanded throughout centuries, reaching our current cultural context, where it is used by small groups guided by purposes of personal growth. The experience usually lasts a few hours and the effects are usually self-limited. We describe the case of a patient who developed a manic episode with psychotic symptoms after experimental consumption of ayahuasca. In addition, a systematic review of published cases of sustained psychotic symptoms after the consumption of ayahuasca is carried out. There are few experimental studies of the relationship between ayahuasca and psychotic experiences, although a good safety profile has been determined in single administrations to healthy subjects. In the present study, the results suggest that the appearance of psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca consumption is an infrequent phenomenon and seem to be related to vulnerability characteristics such as personal or family history of severe mental disorder or the concomitant use of other drugs, particularly cannabis.

[Antipsychotic prescription prevalence and metabolic monitoring of patients under chronic treatment]. / [Prevalencia en la prescripción de antipsicóticos y monitoreo metabólico en pacientes bajo tratamiento crónico].

INTRODUCTION: Antipsychotics agents increase morbidity and mortality due to their metabolic impact. Information on its prescription and follow-up is scarce. The objective of this study was to estimate the chronic antipsychotic prescription prevalence and to evaluate the metabolic monitoring of patients treated with these medications. METHODS: We examined a retrospective cohort of patients older than 18 years treated in the outpatient setting of a hospital in Argentina. The crude and adjusted prevalence of chronic antipsychotic prescription was estimated by indirect standardization of the World Health Organization population, with its confidence interval (95%). It was evaluated whether the patients had biochemical determinations, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and body mass index (BMI) at the beginning and at 12 months of their treatment. RESULTS: The crude antipsychotic prescription prevalence was 23.8 ‰ (95% CI 23.0 - 24.6) and the adjusted prevalence was 10.1 ‰ (95% CI 9.5-10.7). 3702 patients were evaluated. The male:female ratio was 0.6. Median age 77.5 years (IQR 25-75: 59.5-86.1). Quetiapine was the most frequently prescribed. Initial determinations: Lipid profile 1804 (48.7%), blood glucose 2034 (54.9%), SBP 2546 (68.8%) and BMI 1584 (42.8%). At 12 months: Lipid profile 680 (18.4%), blood glucose 898 (24.3%), SAT 1609 (43.5%), and BMI 1584 (21.7%). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a higher prevalence of atypical antipsychotic prescription in the elderly and female population and scarce registry of biochemical determinations for adverse effects follow-up.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los antipsicóticos incrementan la morbimortalidad por su impacto metabólico. Es escasa la información sobre su prescripción y seguimiento. El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de prescripción de antipsicóticos crónicos y evaluar el monitoreo metabólico. MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes ambulatorios mayores de 18 años de un hospital de Argentina. Se estimó la prevalencia cruda y ajustada de prescripción crónica de antipsicóticos mediante estandarización indirecta por la población de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), con su intervalo de confianza 95%. Se evaluó si los pacientes en tratamiento tenían determinaciones bioquímicas, tensión arterial sistólica (TAS) e índice de masa corporal (IMC), al inicio y a los 12 meses. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia cruda de prescripción de antipsicóticos fue 23,8‰ (IC del 95% 23,0 ­ 24,6) y la ajustada fue 10,1 ‰ (95% CI 9,5-10,7). Se evaluaron 3702 pacientes. La razón hombre/mujer fue 0,6. La mediana de edad 77,5 años (IQR 25-75: 59,5-86,1). Predominó quetiapina. Pacientes con determinaciones al inicio: lipidograma 1804 (48,7%), glucemia 2034 (54,9 %), TAS 2546 (68,8 %) e IMC 1584 (42,8%). A los 12 meses: lipidograma 680 (18,4%), glucemia 898 (24,3%), TAS 1609 (43,5%) e IMC 1584 (21,7%). CONCLUSIONES: Observamos una mayor prescripción de antipsicóticos atípicos en la población anciana y femenina, y un escaso registro de determinaciones clínico-bioquímicas para control de efectos adversos.

Potentially inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic and anticholinergic drugs in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Aim: The objective was to determine the prevalence of the potentially inappropriate antipsychotics and anticholinergics used in patients with Parkinson's disease. Materials & methods: A cross-sectional study identified the prescription of antipsychotics, anticholinergics and drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The anticholinergic burden was evaluated, and quetiapine and clozapine were considered to be adequate antipsychotics. Results: 2965 patients with Parkinson's disease were identified. The presence of psychiatric disorders and other neurological pathologies was associated with a greater probability of receiving potentially inappropriate antipsychotic prescriptions. The presence of greater number of comorbidities was associated with a greater probability of receiving anticholinergics. Conclusion: Older age and associated comorbidities, especially psychiatric and neurological comorbidities, increase the likelihood of patients with Parkinson's disease being prescribed antipsychotics and anticholinergics.

Lay abstract People with Parkinson's disease have movement disorders, and some of them will frequently have medical problems such as constipation, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety, among others. Many medications can make these symptoms worse, so they can be considered potentially inappropriate prescriptions. From a drug dispensing database, we found 2965 patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, in which more than a third of them presented this type of potentially inappropriate prescriptions, especially those patients of older age and those who had other neurological or psychiatric diseases.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Associated with Atypical Antipsychotics: A Case Report. / Síndrome neuroléptico maligno asociado a antipsicóticos atípicos: a propósito de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is uncommon, with an incidence of 0.01% to 3.23%, and is associated with the use of drugs that intervene with dopamine, causing hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability and death. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man with a history of catatonia, refractory epilepsy and functional impairment, required frequent changes in his anticonvulsant and antipsychotic treatment, due to adverse effects. During 2019, in the month of July, clozapine was changed to amisulpride, in September he developed fever, muscle stiffness, stupor, diaphoresis and tachypnea over a two-week period; paraclinical tests showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and leukocytosis, so NMS was considered. The antipsychotic was withdrawn and he was treated with bromocriptine and biperiden, with a good response. Ten days after discharge, he began treatment with olanzapine, which generated a similar episode to the one described in December, with subsequent management and resolution. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis is based on the use of drugs that alter dopamine levels, plus altered state of consciousness, fever, autonomic instability and paraclinical tests showing leukocytosis and elevated CPK. Differential diagnosis must be ruled out. Early diagnosis generally leads to total remission, although some patients will suffer complications, long-term sequelae or recurrences. The recurrence in this case derived from the early reintroduction of the neuroleptic after the first episode. Treatment should be individualised according to severity to avoid mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical antipsychotics are rarely suspected of generating NMS. Moreover, the time to reintroduction after an episode must also be taken into account.

Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions of Antipsychotics for Patients With Dementia.

Dementias are neurodegenerative and progressive diseases of the central nervous system. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of potentially inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotics in a group of patients diagnosed with dementia in Colombia. This was a cross-sectional study based on a population database for drug dispensing that identified prescriptions of antidementia drugs, antipsychotics, and other drugs for patients with a diagnosis of dementia. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 11,372 patients with dementia were identified; 66.6% were women, and the mean age was 80.5 ± 9.6 years. Alzheimer's disease was the most frequent diagnosis (76.6%). A total of 69.0% of patients received antidementia drugs. A total of 37.1% of patients received some antipsychotic, especially atypical antipsychotics (31.0%). Increased age, being treated with memantine, simultaneously presenting with anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders, and concomitantly receiving anticonvulsants, bronchodilators and benzodiazepines were associated with a greater probability of being prescribed antipsychotics. More than one-third of patients with dementia received antipsychotic prescriptions, which are considered potentially inappropriate because they can worsen cognitive decline and favor the occurrence of adverse events.

Gender differences in the use of atypical antipsychotics in early-onset schizophrenia: a nationwide population-based study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The use of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders in populations under 18 years of age is increasing worldwide. Little is known about treatment patterns and the influence of gender differences, which may be a predictor of clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in the use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) assisted by the public health system in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of outpatients with EOS aged 10 to 17 years who received at least one provision of atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine or ziprasidone) from a large Brazilian pharmaceutical assistance programme. Data were retrieved from a nationwide administrative database from 2008 to 2017. RESULTS: Of the 49,943 patients with EOS, 63.5% were males, and the mean age was 13.6 years old. The patients were using risperidone (62.5%), olanzapine (19.6%), quetiapine (12.4%), ziprasidone (3.3%) and clozapine (2.2%). We found gender differences, especially in the 13-17 year age group (65.1% for males vs. 34.9% for females, p < 0.001), in the use of risperidone (72.1% for males vs. 27.9% for females, p < 0.001) and olanzapine (66.5% for males vs. 33.5% for females, p < 0.001). Only in the 13 to 17 years age group were the prescribed doses of olanzapine (p = 0.012) and quetiapine (p = 0.041) slightly higher for males than for females. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed gender differences among patients diagnosed with EOS and who received atypical antipsychotics. More attention should be devoted to gender differences in research and clinical practice.

Health equity and the usage of atypical antipsychotics within the Brazilian national health system: findings and implications.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to evaluate the health equity of atypical antipsychotics users who obtain their medicines from the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) through the identification of key factors that influence their health status due to concerns with equity of care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among patients attending state pharmacies in Brazil. Individuals were included if they used atypical antipsychotics, aged ≥18 years, and answered the EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected. The dependent variable was health status. Associations between the independent variables and the dependent variable were analyzed by adjusting a linear regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 388 individuals met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. The final multiple linear regression model demonstrated a statistically significant association between VAS and suicide attempts, private care, current antipsychotics, comorbidities, and perceived family support. EXPERT COMMENTARY: The study identified several factors both individual and collective that correlate with the health status of atypical antipsychotic users and confirmed the importance of providing medicines for treating psychotic disorders. However, other factors are involved including social support. Our results suggest additional activities and policies are necessary including strategies to address the differences in private and public health care.