A prospective open-label trial of lamotrigine monotherapy in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

In Memoriam: Professor Joseph Biederman's Contributions to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of Joe Biederman's contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry.

METHOD

Nine colleagues described his contributions to: psychopharmacology, comorbidity and genetics, pediatric bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette's and tic disorders, clinical and neuro biomarkers for pediatric mood disorders, executive functioning, and adult ADHD.

RESULTS

Joe Biederman left us with many concrete indicators of his contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry. He set up the world's first pediatric psychopharmacology clinic and clinical research program in child adolescent psychiatry. As a young faculty member he began a research program that led to many awards and eventual promotion to full professor at Harvard Medical School. He was for many years the most highly cited researcher in ADHD. He achieved this while maintaining a full clinical load and was widely respected for his clinical acumen.

CONCLUSION

The world is a better place because Joe Biederman was here.

Neuroimaging alterations associated with medication use in early-onset bipolar disorder: An updated review

BACKGROUND

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a severe disorder characterized by mood fluctuations starting at a young age. Several neuroimaging studies revealed a specific biological signature of PBD involving alterations in the amygdala and prefrontal regions. Considering the growing concerns regarding the effects of PBD treatments on developing brains, this review aims to provide an overview of the studies investigating the effect of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants on neuroimaging findings in PBD.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify all structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies exploring the effects of medications on neuroimaging findings in PBD. A total of 18 studies met our inclusion criteria (fMRI n = 11, sMRI n = 6, DTI n = 1).

RESULTS

Although the findings varied highly across the studies, some investigations consistently indicated that medications primarily affect the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Moreover, despite some exceptions, the reported medication effects predominantly lean towards structural and functional normalization.

LIMITATIONS

The reviewed studies differ in methods, medications, and fMRI paradigms. Furthermore, most studies used observational approaches with small sample sizes, minimizing the statistical power.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests the potential of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers to modulate the neuroimaging findings in PBD patients, mostly normalizing brain structure and function in key mood-regulating regions.

Fourteen-year trends in the prescribing patterns of pediatric bipolar patients discharged from two public mental hospitals in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

The management of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) requires pharmacotherapy to control acute symptoms, reduce relapse, prevent suicide, and improve psychosocial functioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate prescribing patterns among PBD patients discharged from two public mental hospitals in Taiwan, from 2006 to 2019.

METHODS

PBD patients discharged from the two study hospitals, from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2019 (n = 420), were included in the analysis. Prescribed drugs at discharge, including mood stabilizers (i.e., lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine), antipsychotics (i.e., second- and first-generation antipsychotics, SGAs and FGAs), and antidepressants, were explored. Complex polypharmacy was defined as the use of 3 or more agents among the prescribed drugs. Time trends of each prescribing pattern were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage Trend test.

RESULTS

The most commonly prescribed psychotropic agents were SGAs (76.0%), followed by valproate (65.7%) and FGAs (24.8%). The prescription rates of SGAs, antidepressants, antidepressant plus antipsychotic, and antidepressant without mood stabilizer significantly increased over time, whereas the prescription rates of mood stabilizers, lithium, and FGAs significantly decreased.

DISCUSSIONS

Prescribing patterns changed greatly for PBD patients over time. However, much more evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotropic agents in PBD patients is required.

Efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in pediatric mood disorders: A systematic review

AIM

To appraise the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of lamotrigine (LAM) in the treatment of pediatric mood disorders (PMD) (i.e., Major Depressive disorder [MDD], bipolar disorder [BD]).

METHODS

Major databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), open-label trials, and observational studies reporting on pediatric (age < 18 years) patients treated with LAM for mood disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 3061 abstracts were screened and seven articles were selected for inclusion. Seven studies (319 BD and 43 MDD patients), including one RCT (n = 173), three prospective (n = 105), and three retrospective (n = 84) studies, met the study criteria with a study duration range from 8 to 60.9 weeks. The mean age of this pooled data is 14.6 ± 2.0 years. LAM daily dosage varied from 12.5 to 391.3 mg/day among the studies. In an important finding, the RCT reported favorable outcomes with LAM (HR = 0.46; p = 0.02) in 13- to 17-year-old age group as compared with 10- to 12-year-old age group (HR = 0.93; p = 0.88). In addition, time to occurrence of a bipolar event trended toward favoring LAM over placebo. All the studies identified LAM as an effective and safe drug in PMDs especially, BDs. Overall, LAM was well tolerated with no major significant side effects and no cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies suggested that LAM was safe and effective in pediatric patients with mood disorders. However, the data regarding the therapeutic range for LAM are lacking. Based on the data, there is inconsistent evidence to make conclusive recommendations on therapeutic LAM dosage for mood improvement in the pediatric population. Further studies including larger sample sizes are required to address this relevant clinical question.

Lurasidone versus Quetiapine for Cognitive Impairments in Young Patients with Bipolar Depression: A Randomized, Controlled Study

The clinical efficacy of lurasidone and quetiapine, two commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics for bipolar depression, has been inadequately studied in young patients. In this randomized and controlled study, we aimed to compare the effects of these two drugs on cognitive function, emotional status, and metabolic profiles in children and adolescents with bipolar depression. We recruited young participants (aged 10-17 years old) with a DSM-5 diagnosis of bipolar disorder during a depressive episode, who were then randomly assigned to two groups and treated with flexible doses of lurasidone (60 to 120 mg/day) or quetiapine (300 to 600 mg/day) for consecutive 8 weeks, respectively. All the participants were clinically evaluated on cognitive function using the THINC-it instrument at baseline and week 8, and emotional status was assessed at baseline and the end of week 2, 4, and 8. Additionally, the changes in weight and serum metabolic profiles (triglyceride, cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose) during the trial were also analyzed. In results, a total of 71 patients were randomly assigned to the lurasidone group (n = 35) or the quetiapine group (n = 36), of which 31 patients completed the whole treatment course. After an 8-week follow-up, participants in the lurasidone group showed better performance in the Symbol Check Reaction and Accuracy Tests, when compared to those in the quetiapine group. No inter-group difference was observed in the depression scores, response rate, or remission rate throughout the trial. In addition, there was no significant difference in serum metabolic profiles between the lurasidone group and the quetiapine group, including triglyceride level, cholesterol level, and fasting blood glucose level. However, the quetiapine group presented a more apparent change in body weight than the lurasidone group. In conclusion, the present study provided preliminary evidence that quetiapine and lurasidone had an equivalent anti-depressive effect, and lurasidone appeared to be superior to quetiapine in improving the cognitive function of young patients with bipolar depression.

Cardiac sodium channel inhibition by lamotrigine: in vitro characterization and clinical implications

Lamotrigine, approved for use as an antiseizure medication as well as the treatment of bipolar disorder, inhibits sodium channels in the brain to reduce repetitive neuronal firing and pathological release of glutamate. The shared homology of sodium channels and lack of selectivity associated with channel blocking agents can cause slowing of cardiac conduction and increased proarrhythmic potential. The Vaughan‐Williams classification system differentiates sodium channel blockers using biophysical properties of binding. As such, Class Ib inhibitors, including mexiletine, do not slow cardiac conduction as measured by the electrocardiogram, at therapeutically relevant exposure. Our goal was to characterize the biophysical properties of Na_V1.5 block and to support the observed clinical safety of lamotrigine. We used HEK‐293 cells stably expressing the hNa_V1.5 channel and voltage clamp electrophysiology to quantify the potency (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration) against peak and late channel current, on‐/off‐rate binding kinetics, voltage‐dependence, and tonic block of the cardiac sodium channel by lamotrigine; and compared to clinically relevant Class Ia (quinidine), Ib (mexiletine), and Ic (flecainide) inhibitors. Lamotrigine blocked peak and late Na_V1.5 current at therapeutically relevant exposure, with rapid kinetics and biophysical properties similar to the class Ib inhibitor mexiletine. However, no clinically meaningful prolongation in QRS or PR interval was observed in healthy subjects in a new analysis of a previously reported thorough QT clinical trial (SCA104648). In conclusion, the weak Na_V1.5 block and rapid kinetics do not translate into clinically relevant conduction slowing at therapeutic exposure and support the clinical safety of lamotrigine in patients suffering from epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

Efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in the treatment of bipolar disorder across the lifespan: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a cyclic mood disorder characterised by alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression interspersed with euthymic periods. Lamotrigine (LTG) demonstrated some mood improvement in patients treated for epilepsy, leading to clinical studies in patients with BD and its eventual introduction as maintenance therapy for the prevention of depressive relapse in euthymic patients. Most current clinical guidelines include LTG as a recommended treatment option for the maintenance phase in adult BD, consistent with its global licencing status.

AIMS

To review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of LTG in the treatment of all phases of BD.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials using the keywords: LTG, Lamictal, 'bipolar disorder', 'bipolar affective disorder', 'bipolar I', 'bipolar II', cyclothymia, mania, manic, depression, depressive, 'randomised controlled trial', 'randomised trial', RCT and 'placebo-controlled' and corresponding MeSH terms. Eligible articles published in English were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were identified. The strongest evidence supports utility in the prevention of recurrence and relapse, particularly depressive relapse, in stabilised patients. Some evidence suggests efficacy in acute bipolar depression, but findings are inconsistent. There is little or no strong evidence in support of efficacy in acute mania, unipolar depression, or rapid-cycling BD. Few controlled trials have evaluated LTG in bipolar II or in paediatric patients. Indications for safety, tolerability and patient acceptability are relatively favourable, provided there is slow dose escalation to reduce the probability of skin rash.

CONCLUSION

On the balance of efficacy and tolerability, LTG might be considered a first-line drug for BD, except for acute manic episodes or where rapid symptom control is required. In terms of efficacy alone, however, the evidence favours other medications.

Terminology and assessment tools of psychosis: A systematic narrative review

AIM

Phenomena within the psychosis continuum that varies in frequency/duration/intensity have been increasingly identified. Different terms describe these phenomena, however there is no standardization within the terminology. This review evaluated the definitions and assessment tools of seven terms - (i) 'psychotic experiences'; (ii) 'psychotic-like experiences'; (iii) 'psychotic-like symptoms'; (iv) 'attenuated psychotic symptoms'; (v) 'prodromal psychotic symptoms'; (vi) 'psychotic symptomatology'; and (vii) 'psychotic symptoms'.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched during February-March 2019. Inclusion criteria included 1989-2019, full text, human, and English. Papers with no explicit definition or assessment tool, duplicates, conference abstracts, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or no access were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 2238 papers were identified and of these, 627 were included. Definitions and assessment tools varied, but some trends were found. Psychotic experiences and psychotic-like experiences were transient and mild, found in the general population and those at-risk. Psychotic-like symptoms were subthreshold and among at-risk populations and non-psychotic mental disorders. Attenuated psychotic symptoms were subthreshold but associated with distress, risk, and help-seeking. Prodromal psychotic symptoms referred to the prodrome of psychotic disorders. Psychotic symptomatology included delusions and hallucinations within psychotic disorders. Psychotic symptoms was the broadest term, encompassing a range of populations but most commonly involving hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, and disorganization.

DISCUSSION

A model for conceptualizing the required terms is proposed and future directions needed to advance this field of research are discussed.

Mixed States in Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a severe and chronic illness. The occurrence of mixed symptoms might add further risk of recurrence of treatment resistance and suicidality. Early recognition and treatment of mixed symptoms might prevent illness progression and development of suicide attempts. This article provides an update on the epidemiology, clinical profile, and treatment of youth with PBD with mixed states. Mixed states in PBD are characterized by higher rates of suicide and more chronic symptoms, and are associated with younger age of onset and greater comorbidity. A careful assessment for mixed states using standardized criteria is essential.

Safety considerations in the psychopharmacology of pediatric bipolar disorder

Introduction: The standard of treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder (BPD) often requires life-long psychopharmacological management. Several pharmacological agents are approved by the US FDA for the treatment of pediatric BPD. However, each medication may cause adverse events (AEs). Provider awareness of AE profiles of common pharmacologic agents would serve to better inform patients and families in evaluating and selecting between treatment options. Areas covered: This review focuses on medications that, in our clinical experience, are commonly prescribed for youth with BPD and were evaluated in prospective clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric BPD. This paper highlights acute and long-term AEs described in these studies. Expert opinion: Most medications increase risk of AEs in youth with BPD. Treatment with lithium may lead to thyrotropin elevations, but generally does not cause significant weight gain. Divalproex may lead to weight gain; however, this finding was not consistent in comparison studies with lithium. Olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and asenapine are associated with metabolic abnormalities and weight gain. Studies of ziprasidone, aripiprazole and lurasidone do not suggest significant metabolic AEs. More studies are needed to assess efficacy and safety of medications in managing pediatric BPD. Special focus on long-term maintenance trials is required to further identify long-term AEs in this population.

Psychopharmacology of Bipolar Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Bipolar disorder is a debilitating illness that often leads to functional impairment when untreated. Monotherapy with mood stabilizers is preferable, although combination therapy may be necessary in refractory cases. Most studies focus on the use of lithium, anticonvulsants, and second-generation antipsychotics in the treatment of acute manic or depressive phases, as well as maintaining adequate response after the episode. More research is needed in the area of psychopharmacology of pediatric bipolar disorder to bridge the gap between clinical needs and the available data.

Practitioner Review: The effects of atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilisers in the treatment of depressive symptoms in paediatric bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

The management of depressive and mixed symptoms in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) remains a matter of debate. The goal of this review is, thus, to systematically examine the impact of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) and mood stabilisers in the treatment of bipolar depression and/or mixed states.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted for studies assessing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder type I, type II and not otherwise specified with a recent depressive, mixed or manic episode (with depressive symptoms) following DSM-IV criteria in children and adolescents as either acute or maintenance treatment. The databases searched were PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Tripdatabase, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov. The search was limited to clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and open-label trials published in the English language between the years 2000 and 2015. Sixty clinical studies were found assessing the efficacy of mood stabilisers and AAPs in paediatric BD. Fifteen studies were not included in the primary analysis because they did not assess depressive symptomology/include scores on rating scales of depressive symptoms (Online Supplementary Material).

RESULTS

There is sufficient evidence for a Grade A recommendation of the use of olanzapine plus fluoxetine at reducing depressive symptoms in bipolar depression and of quetiapine at high doses for depressive symptoms occurring during mixed episodes. Importantly, even though monotherapy with aripiprazole, risperidone, valproate and lithium was effective at controlling mania, these drugs were not effective at reducing depressive symptoms (level A evidence for nonrecommendation).

CONCLUSIONS

These results mostly overlap with the approved treatments for bipolar depression in adults.

Epilepsy, Antiepileptic Drugs, and Aggression: An Evidence-Based Review

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have many benefits but also many side effects, including aggression, agitation, and irritability, in some patients with epilepsy. This article offers a comprehensive summary of current understanding of aggressive behaviors in patients with epilepsy, including an evidence-based review of aggression during AED treatment. Aggression is seen in a minority of people with epilepsy. It is rarely seizure related but is interictal, sometimes occurring as part of complex psychiatric and behavioral comorbidities, and it is sometimes associated with AED treatment. We review the common neurotransmitter systems and brain regions implicated in both epilepsy and aggression, including the GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline systems and the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and temporal lobes. Few controlled clinical studies have used behavioral measures to specifically examine aggression with AEDs, and most evidence comes from adverse event reporting from clinical and observational studies. A systematic approach was used to identify relevant publications, and we present a comprehensive, evidence-based summary of available data surrounding aggression-related behaviors with each of the currently available AEDs in both adults and in children/adolescents with epilepsy. A psychiatric history and history of a propensity toward aggression/anger should routinely be sought from patients, family members, and carers; its presence does not preclude the use of any specific AEDs, but those most likely to be implicated in these behaviors should be used with caution in such cases.

[Pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents]

OBJECTIVE

To review the options for acute and maintenance pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of randomized clinical trials and open-label studies was conducted.

RESULTS

Published data from randomized controlled trials show that antipsychotics are significantly more effective than mood stabilizers in the treatment of manic or mixed episodes. Few data are available related to the treatment of depressive episodes. No trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been conducted. Only open trials suggest that lithium and lamotrigine may be effective, whereas quetiapine did not demonstrate efficacy relative to placebo in two studies. Studies regarding the effectiveness of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for the comorbid disorders are also few and inconclusive. Although long-term treatment is a core aspect of the management of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, there is a lack of consistent efficacy data. If non-controlled trials suggest that lithium, lamotrigine, quetiapine, ziprazidone, and the combination of risperidone and divalproex or lithium may be useful in some conditions, only aripiprazole has shown efficacy relative to placebo for long-term symptom reduction and relapse prevention. Safety data show that the most frequently reported adverse events in children and adolescents treated with mood stabilizers are gastrointestinal and neurological, whereas use of antipsychotics is mainly related to weight gain and sedation. Lastly, while results from studies having evaluated the impact of pharmacological treatment on neuropsychological functioning are inconsistent, some of them nevertheless suggest that treatment with mood stabilizers may be associated with specific impairments.

CONCLUSION

Despite recent developments in identifying effective pharmacological interventions, numerous critical gaps remain.

Adjunctive Maintenance Lamotrigine for Pediatric Bipolar I Disorder: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Withdrawal Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of lamotrigine versus placebo in 10- to 17-year-olds with bipolar I disorder (BP-I) who were receiving conventional bipolar disorder treatment.

METHOD

In this randomized withdrawal trial, patients with BP-I of at least moderate severity received lamotrigine during an ≤18-week open-label phase. Patients who maintained a stable lamotrigine dose for ≥2 weeks and Clinical Global Impression-Bipolar Severity of Illness (CGI-BP[S]) score of ≤3 for ≥6 consecutive weeks were randomized to double-blind lamotrigine or placebo for ≤36 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 301 patients enrolled, 298 comprised the open-label intention-to-treat population, with 173 (58%) randomized. Of these patients, 41 (24%) completed the study. In the open-label phase, the mean (SD) baseline CGI-BP(S) rating was 4.4 (0.57), and the mean (standard error [SE]) time to stabilization was 101 (1.6) days. During the randomized phase, mean (SE) time to occurrence of a bipolar event (TOBE) for lamotrigine versus placebo (primary endpoint) was 155 (14.7) versus 50 (3.8), 163 (12.2) versus 120 (12.2), and 136 (15.4) versus 107 (13.8) days for the 3 index mood states (depressed, manic/hypomanic, mixed). The primary stratified log-rank analysis of TOBE was not statistically significant (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63; p = .072); however, the prespecified Cox regression analysis favored lamotrigine (p = .047). In 13- to 17-year-olds, log-rank analysis of TOBE significantly favored lamotrigine (HR = 0.46; p = .015), but not in 10- to 12-year-olds (HR = 0.93; p = .877). Dermatologic events were reported in 4% (open-label phase) and 2% (randomized phase) of patients receiving lamotrigine. Suicidality-related adverse events were reported in 7% (open-label phase) and 7% (randomized phase) of patients receiving lamotrigine.

CONCLUSION

Although the primary analysis failed to detect a benefit of add-on lamotrigine for BP-I in 10- to 17-year-olds, lamotrigine may be effective in a subset of older adolescents. Clinical trial registration information-Lamictal as Add-on Treatment for Bipolar I Disorder in Pediatric Patients; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00723450.

Comorbidity in pediatric bipolar disorder: prevalence, clinical impact, etiology and treatment

BACKGROUND

Research on pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is providing a plethora of empirical findings regarding its comorbidity. We addressed this question through a systematic review concerning the prevalence, clinical impact, etiology and treatment of main comorbid disorders involved.

METHOD

A comprehensive database search was performed from 1990 to August 2014. Overall, 167 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Bipolar youth tend to suffer from comorbid disorders, with highest weighted mean prevalence rate arising from anxiety disorders (54%), followed by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (48%), disruptive behavior disorders (31%), and substance use disorders (SUD) (31%). Furthermore, evidence indicates that ADHD and anxiety disorders negatively affect the symptomatology, neurocognitive profile, clinical course and the global functioning of PBD. Likewise, several theories have been posited to explain comorbidity rates in PBD, specifically common risk factors, one disorder being a risk factor for the other and nosological artefacts. Lastly, randomized controlled trials highlight a stronger therapeutic response to stimulants and atomoxetine (vs. placebo) as adjunctive interventions for comorbid ADHD symptoms. In addition, research focused on the treatment of other comorbid disorders postulates some benefits from mood stabilizers and/or SGA.

LIMITATIONS

Epidemiologic follow-up studies are needed to avoid the risk of nosological artefacts. Likewise, more research is needed on pervasive developmental disorders and anxiety disorders, especially regarding their etiology and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric comorbidity is highly prevalent and is associated with a deleterious clinical effect on pediatric bipolarity. Different etiological pathways may explain the presence of these comorbid disorders among bipolar youth. Standardized treatments are providing ongoing data regarding their effectiveness for these comorbidities among bipolar youth.

Report of Severe Menorrhagia Following the Maximum Amount of Lamotrigine Overdose

Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic drug used as a treatment for partial and generalised seizures as well as for bipolar disorder type I. Till date, very few cases of lamotrigine overdose have been reported. The spectra of clinical effects of lamotrigine in acute overdose are not well established. In severe cases of poisoning, serious effects such as coma, respiratory depression, recurrent seizures and intraventricular conduction disturbances have been noted. Here, we report a case of lamotrigine overdose in a 26-year-old divorcee with paradoxical seizure activity and coma. On admission, the patient had a reduced level of consciousness. Serum evaluation revealed high lamotrigine levels without any other aetiology for mental dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe a patient overdosed with 40 g of lamotrigine alone, which is the highest amount of lamotrigine overdose reported so far. During hospitalisation, the patient's haemoglobin level reduced from 12.9 to 7.7 g/dl and potassium level decreased repeatedly. More importantly, severe menorrhagia was noted. Following prompt supportive treatment with early intubation, along with the use of potassium chloride for hypokalaemia and administration of sodium bicarbonate, the patient's conditions improved and she was discharged from the hospital after 13 days.

Efficacy and safety of extended-release quetiapine fumarate in youth with bipolar depression: an 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of adolescent schizophrenia and pediatric bipolar mania. Large, placebo-controlled studies of interventions in pediatric bipolar depression are lacking. The current study investigated the efficacy and safety of quetiapine extended-release (XR) in patients 10-17 years of age, with acute bipolar depression.

METHODS

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated quetiapine XR (dose range, 150-300 mg/day) in pediatric outpatients with an American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder (current or most recent episode depressed) treated for up to 8 weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00811473). The primary study outcome was mean change in Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) total score. Secondary efficacy outcomes included CDRS-R-based response and remission rates.

RESULTS

Of 193 patients randomized to treatment, 144 patients completed the study (75.3% of quetiapine XR group [n=70]; 74.0% of placebo group [n=74]). Least squares mean changes in CDRS-R total score at week 8 were: -29.6 (SE, 1.65) with quetiapine XR and -27.3 (SE, 1.60) with placebo, a between-treatment group difference of -2.29 (SE, 1.99; 95% CI, -6.22, 1.65; p=0.25; mixed-model for repeated measures analysis). Rates of response and remission did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The safety profile of quetiapine XR was broadly consistent with the profile reported previously in adult studies of quetiapine XR and pediatric studies of quetiapine immediate-release (IR). Potentially clinically significant elevations in clinical chemistry values included triglycerides (9.3%, quetiapine XR; 1.4%, placebo group) and thyroid stimulating hormone (4.7%, quetiapine XR; 0%, placebo group). An adverse event potentially related to diabetes mellitus occurred in 3.3% of the quetiapine XR versus no adverse events in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Quetiapine XR did not demonstrate efficacy relative to placebo in this 8 week study of pediatric bipolar depression. Quetiapine XR was generally safe and well tolerated.

Lamotrigine treatment of adolescents with unipolar and bipolar depression: a retrospective chart review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preliminary effectiveness and safety of lamotrigine for the treatment of depressive episodes in adolescents.

METHODS

This was a 12 week retrospective chart review of lamotrigine treatment among 37 adolescents (mean age 16.3±1.3 years) with depressive episodes (15 with bipolar disorder and 22 with major depressive disorder). Illness severity at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks were retrospectively scored using Clinical Global Impressions - Severity (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement (CGI-I).

RESULTS

The mean dose of lamotrigine was 65.4±37.5 mg/day (range 12.5-181.7 mg/day) for a mean duration of 199.9±217.4 days (range 14-879 days). The CGI-S scores were significantly decreased over 12 weeks (F=39.611, p<0.001, partial η2=0.531). Seventeen subjects (45.9%) showed a treatment response at 12 week follow up (defined by a CGI-I score ≤2). There were no differences in treatment effectiveness between the bipolar and unipolar groups. Overall, lamotrigine was well tolerated. The most common adverse event was skin rash (n=5, 13.5%), which resolved spontaneously after drug discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness and safety of lamotrigine in adolescents with bipolar and depressive disorders. Large, prospective, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder

Research suggests that the prevalence of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is at least as high as that seen in typically developing children. Many of the risk factors for children with ASD are likely the same as for typically developing children, especially within the context of today's obesogenic environment. The particular needs and challenges that this population faces, however, may render them more susceptible to the adverse effects of typical risk factors, and they may also be vulnerable to additional risk factors not shared by children in the general population, including psychopharmacological treatment, genetics, disordered sleep, atypical eating patterns, and challenges for engaging in sufficient physical activity. For individuals with ASD, obesity and its sequelae potentially represent a significant threat to independent living, self-care, quality of life, and overall health.

Bipolar depression in children and adolescents

Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder may have depression as the presenting mood state. It is important for clinicians to distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depression in youth. Depressive episodes are common during the course of bipolar illness in children and adolescents. Evidence-based treatments are needed to guide clinicians' treatment decisions for youth with bipolar depression. This article reviews the prevalence, diagnosis, course, and treatment of bipolar depression in youth, and emphasizes the need for large, controlled treatment studies in the pediatric population.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) collaborative update of CANMAT guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: update 2013

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments published guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder in 2005, with updates in 2007 and 2009. This third update, in conjunction with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, reviews new evidence and is designed to be used in conjunction with the previous publications.The recommendations for the management of acute mania remain largely unchanged. Lithium, valproate, and several atypical antipsychotic agents continue to be first-line treatments for acute mania. Monotherapy with asenapine, paliperidone extended release (ER), and divalproex ER, as well as adjunctive asenapine, have been added as first-line options.For the management of bipolar depression, lithium, lamotrigine, and quetiapine monotherapy, as well as olanzapine plus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and lithium or divalproex plus SSRI/bupropion remain first-line options. Lurasidone monotherapy and the combination of lurasidone or lamotrigine plus lithium or divalproex have been added as a second-line options. Ziprasidone alone or as adjunctive therapy, and adjunctive levetiracetam have been added as not-recommended options for the treatment of bipolar depression. Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, risperidone long-acting injection, and adjunctive ziprasidone continue to be first-line options for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Asenapine alone or as adjunctive therapy have been added as third-line options.

Pharmacologic treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

This review focuses mainly on published articles regarding the treatment of school-aged children and adolescents with pediatric bipolar disorder. In light of systematic reviews, large randomized controlled trial data are emphasized wherever possible. This review addresses the treatment of acute manic/mixed episodes, including combination treatment, the preliminary literature regarding bipolar depression among youth, treatment in the face of comorbid conditions, and maintenance treatment. Suggestions regarding future directions are offered. A clinical vignette describing a teen with bipolar disorder is presented and bipolar medications, dosing, efficacy, side effects, contraindications, and succinct comments on each medication are summarized.

Rash in psychiatric and nonpsychiatric adolescent patients receiving lamotrigine in Korea: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Lamotrigine is a widely used medication for psychiatric disorders and epilepsy, but the adverse effects of this drug in adolescent Korean patients have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we sought to compare the incidence and impact of lamotrigine-induced skin rashes and different pattern of adverse events in psychiatric and nonpsychiatric adolescent patients.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort design, all of the charts were reviewed for adolescents (13 to 20 years old), treated with lamotrigine during the previous 2 years in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic and Pediatric Neurologic Clinic of the Ulsan University Hospital in South Korea.

RESULTS

Of the 102 subjects, 23 patients developed a skin rash. All of these rashes were observed within 7 weeks of the initiation of the lamotrigine therapy. Only one subject developed a serious rash, which was diagnosed as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Although the psychiatric subjects were administered statistically lower doses of lamotrigine during weeks 1 through 5 and at week 12, the likelihood of developing a rash was not significantly different between the psychiatric and nonpsychiatric patients.

CONCLUSION

Careful dose escalation and close observation of side effects for the first 7 weeks of treatment is important. The present study reveals the tolerability of lamotrigine in an adolescent population, although a double-blind, controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.

Do we really know how to treat a child with bipolar disorder or one with severe mood dysregulation? Is there a magic bullet?

Background. Despite controversy, bipolar disorder (BD) is being increasingly diagnosed in under 18s. There is scant information regarding its treatment and uncertainty regarding the status of "severe mood dysregulation (SMD)" and how it overlaps with BD. This article collates available research on treatment of BD in under 18s and explores the status of SMD. Methods. Literature on treatment of BD in under 18s and on SMD were identified using major search engines; these were then collated and reviewed. Results. Some markers have been proposed to differentiate BD from disruptive behaviour disorders (DBD) in children. Pharmacotherapy restricted to short-term trials of mood-stabilizers and atypical-antipsychotics show mixed results. Data on maintenance treatment and non-pharmacological interventions are scant. It is unclear whether SMD is an independent disorder or an early manifestation of another disorder. Conclusions. Valproate, lithium, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole and quetiapine remain first line treatments for acute episodes in the under 18s with BD. Their efficacy in maintenance treatment remains unclear. There is no validated treatment for SMD. It is likely that some children who are currently diagnosed with BD and DBD and possibly most children currently diagnosed with SMD will be subsumed under the proposed category in the DSM V of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder with dysphoria.

Pharmacologic treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder: a review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A growing body of literature has documented pediatric bipolar disorder to be a severely impairing form of psychopathology. However, concerns remain as to the inadequacy of the extant literature on its pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, treatment studies have not been systematically reviewed for treatment effects on core and associated symptoms. Thus, a systematic evaluation and synthesis of the available literature on the efficacy of antimanic pharmacotherapy for pediatric bipolar disorder on symptoms of mania, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was undertaken.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted through PubMed from 1989 through 2010 for open-label and randomized controlled trials published in English on the pharmacotherapy of pediatric mania.

RESULTS

There have been 46 open-label (n = 29) and randomized (n = 17) clinical trials of antimanic agents in pediatric bipolar disorder encompassing 2,666 subjects that evaluated a range of therapeutic agents, including traditional mood stabilizers, other anticonvulsants, second-generation antipsychotics, and naturopathic compounds. This literature has documented that the available armamentarium has different levels of efficacy in the treatment of pediatric mania. Because all psychotropic classes are associated with important adverse effects, a careful risk-benefit analysis is warranted when initiating pharmacologic treatment with any of these compounds. In the limited data available, the effects of antimanic agents on depression and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been, in general, modest. Few studies have evaluated the effects of antimanic agents in children younger than 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial body of scientific literature has evaluated the safety and efficacy of various medicines and drug classes in the treatment of mania in pediatric bipolar disorder. More work is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of psychotropic drugs in children younger than 10 years, to further evaluate the efficacy of naturopathic compounds, and to further evaluate the effects of antimanic treatments for the management of depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Review

AIM: To review the diagnosis and the pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of studies discussing the diagnosis and treatment of PBD was conducted. RESULTS: A context for understanding controversies and difficulties in the diagnosis of PBD is provided. An evidence-based assessment protocol for PBD is reviewed. The evidence for the following three categories of pharmacologic interventions are reviewed: Lithium, antiepileptics, and second generation antipsychotics. Algorithms for medication decisions are briefly reviewed. Existing psychosocial treatments and the evidence for those treatments are also reviewed. CONCLUSION: Despite recent developments in understanding the phenomenology of PBD and in identifying pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions, critical gaps remain.