Anthropometry in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis patients: An exploratory approach to the role of environmental early life events in two independent samples

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia exhibit a reduced life expectancy mainly due to medical-related pathologies which might have been initiated due to stressful events during fetal development. Indeed, intra-uterus growth patterns predict anthropometric measures in adulthood, describing risk factors for schizophrenia and metabolic disorders. We aim to evaluate anthropometric values in two cohorts of antipsychotic-naïve first-episode episode psychosis (FEP) and correlated them with surrogate markers of the fetal environment such as birth weight (BW) and season of birth.

METHODS

BW, season of birth, and anthropometric values from 2 cohorts of FEP patients (Barcelona and Santander) were evaluated. In cohort B, 91 patients, and 110 controls while in cohort S, 644 and 235 were included respectively.

RESULTS

Patients were shorter, slimmer, and with lower BMI compared with controls. In both cohorts, patients, and female patients born in winter displayed the shortest height. Regarding BW, height was significantly associated with the interaction of diagnosis and BW in the whole sample and the male subsample.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm reduced anthropometric features in FEP at onset while suggesting the influence of winter birth and BW, highlighting the role of early life events in the later outcome of FEP with sex differences.

Individuals with psychosis present a reduced lung diffusion capacity and early spirometry alterations: Results from a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with psychosis present a greater prevalence of chronic lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These chronic respiratory diseases are preceded by early lung function alterations; such as preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) or normal spirometry but low diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). However, there is no previous evidence on these lung function alterations in psychosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of having spirometry and DLCO alterations in subjects with psychosis compared with a control group.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study on a cohort of 170 individuals including 96 subjects with psychosis and 74 sex-age-and smoking habit matched healthy controls. All subjects were under 60 years-old, and without COPD or asthma. Respiratory function was evaluated through spirometry. Clinical characteristics and DLCO values were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients with psychosis showed lower spirometry results, both in terms of absolute and percentage of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). Absolute and percentage levels of diffusion were also lower in patients with psychosis. The percentage of individuals with DLCO<80% was higher among patients with psychosis (75% vs. 40%, p < 0.001). And the prevalence of PRISm was higher among patients with psychosis (10.4% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that psychosis was an independent predictor of DLCO<80% (OR 5.67, CI95% 1.86-17.27).

CONCLUSION

Patients with psychosis and females had early alterations in lung function. These results suggest that early screening for lung disease should be encouraged in psychosis.

Increased risk of early lung function alterations in people with psychosis: A cross-sectional case-control study

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking has been described as the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and this habit is clearly more frequent among individuals with psychosis than in the general population, with rates reaching up to 60%. However, little attention has been focused on the association of COPD and psychosis. We aimed to explore the risk of presenting early lung function alterations in a group of individuals with psychosis.

METHODS

Following an observational cross-sectional design we studied a cohort of individuals with established psychosis (N=128), and compared them with a sex, age, and smoking habit matched control group (N=79). We evaluated respiratory symptoms by means of mMRC, CAT and Dyspnea-12 scales. And lung function through spirometry tests.

RESULTS

Individuals with psychosis presented more respiratory symptoms than controls. Similarly, we observed significant differences in the lung function tests between these two groups, where individuals with psychosis presented worse results in most of the spirometry mean values (FEV1 or forced expiratory volume in the first one second: 3.29L vs. 3.75L, p<0.001; forced vital capacity or FVC: 4.25L vs. 4.72L, p=0.002; and FEV1/FVC ratio: 0.78 vs. 0.80, p=0.052). Patients also presented worse values of lung diffusion, with lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) than controls (6.95 vs. 8.54mmol/min/kPa, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The individuals with psychosis in our study presented greater respiratory symptoms and poorer lung function measured through spirometry. These signs have been described as early signs of COPD.

Metabolic syndrome and related factors in a large sample of antipsychotic naïve patients with first-episode psychosis: 3 years follow-up results from the PAFIP cohort

BACKGROUND

Latest studies in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) have shown alterations in cardiovascular, immune and endocrinological systems. These findings could indicate a systemic onset alteration in the metabolic disease as opposed to justifying these findings exclusively by antipsychotics' side effects and long-term lifestyle consequences. In any case, this population is considered at higher risk for developing cardiometabolic disorders than their age-matched peers.

METHODS

This is a prospective longitudinal study. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence between 244 subjects with FEP and 166 controls at 3 years was compared. Additionally, we explored whether baseline differences in any of the MetS components according to Adult Treatment Panel III definition and prescribed antipsychotic could help to predict the MetS development at 3 years.

RESULTS

Patients with FEP present a similar baseline prevalence of MetS (6.6% vs 5.4%, p=0.320), according to ATP-III criteria. but with a higher prevalence of metabolic alterations than controls before the start of antipsychotic treatment. At 3-years follow-up the MetS prevalence had increased from 6.6% to 18.3% in the FEP group, while only from 5.4% to 8.1% in the control group. The multivariate model showed that, before antipsychotic exposure, a baseline altered waist circumference WC (OR=1.1, p=0.011), triglycerides (OR=1.1, p=0.043) and high-density lipoprotein HDL (OR=0.9, p=0.008) significantly predicted the presence of MetS at 3-years. We propose a predictive model of MetS at 3 years in 244 drug-naïve FEP patients.

CONCLUSION

We found that altered WC, HDL and triglycerides at baseline predicted the presence of full MetS after 3-years of initiating antipsychotic treatment. Our findings support the need for interventions to improve factors related to the physical health of FEP individuals.

Cognitive reserve as a moderator of outcomes in five clusters of first episode psychosis patients: a 10-year follow-up study of the PAFIP cohort

BACKGROUND

Cognitive reserve (CR) has been associated with the development and prognosis of psychosis. Different proxies have been used to estimate CR among individuals. A composite score of these proxies could elucidate the role of CR at illness onset on the variability of clinical and neurocognitive outcomes.

METHODS

Premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ), years of education and premorbid adjustment were explored as proxies of CR in a large sample (N = 424) of first-episode psychosis (FEP) non-affective patients. Clusters of patients were identified and compared based on premorbid, clinical and neurocognitive variables at baseline. Additionally, the clusters were compared at 3-year (N = 362) and 10-year (N = 150) follow-ups.

RESULTS

The FEP patients were grouped into five CR clusters: C1 (low premorbid IQ, low education and poor premorbid) 14%; C2 (low premorbid IQ, low education and good premorbid adjustment) 29%; C3 (normal premorbid IQ, low education and poor premorbid adjustment) 17%; C4 (normal premorbid IQ, medium education and good premorbid adjustment) 25%; and C5 (normal premorbid IQ, higher education and good premorbid adjustment) 15%. In general, positive and negative symptoms were more severe in the FEP patients with the lowest CR at baseline and follow-up assessments, while those with high CR presented and maintained higher levels of cognitive functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

CR could be considered a key factor at illness onset and a moderator of outcomes in FEP patients. A high CR could function as a protective factor against cognitive impairment and severe symptomatology. Clinical interventions focused on increasing CR and documenting long-term benefits are interesting and desirable.

Long-term mental health impact of COVID-19 on primary care health workers in northern Spain: Results from a two-phase longitudinal study

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the general population, and in particular of health professionals. Primary care personnel are at greater risk due to being highly exposed to the disease and working regularly in direct contact with patients suffering COVID-19. However, there is not sufficient evidence on the long-term psychological impact these professionals may suffer. We aimed to explore the long-term psychological impact of COVID-19 on primary care professionals.

Methods

We applied a two-phase design; a self-reported psychopathology screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7, ISI and IES-R) in phase-1, and a specialised psychiatric evaluation (MINI, HDRS and STAI) in phase-2 to confirm phase-1 results. Evaluations were carried at the beginning of the pandemic (May-June 2020) (n = 410) and one year later (n = 339). Chi-square, ANOVA and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Primary care professionals presented high rates of depression, anxiety and psychological distress, measured by PHQ-9, GAD-7 and IES-R respectively, during the pandemic. Depressive symptoms' severity (PHQ-9: 7.5 vs 8.4, p = 0.013) increased after one year of COVID-19 pandemic. After one year nearly 40% of subjects presented depression. Being women, having suffered COVID-19 or a relative with COVID-19, and being a front-line professional were risk factors for presenting depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Primary Care professionals in Cantabria present a poor mental health during COVID-19 pandemic, which has even worsened at long-term, presenting a greater psychopathology severity one year after. Thus, it is critical implementing prevention and early-treatment programmes to help these essential professionals to cope with the pandemic.

Elevated risk of liver steatosis in first-episode psychosis patients: Results from a 3-year prospective study

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic disorders are largely responsible for excess mortality in schizophrenia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly relevant in the development of metabolic risk factors that have been associated with antipsychotic treatment. We aimed to assess the incidence of NAFLD and metabolic disturbances during the first 3 years of antipsychotic treatment in patients with first episode of psychosis (FEP), and compare it with the incidence in a control group.

METHODS

Data were obtained from patients with psychosis (n = 160) and healthy controls (n = 66) included in the Cantabria's clinical and research program on FEP (PAFIP) from 2012 to 2018. Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used to estimate the amount of fat in the liver. FLI has been validated for the diagnosis of NAFLD against different standards such as liver ultrasound and biopsy. FLI and metabolic parameters were registered at baseline, 3 months and then yearly for 3 years.

RESULTS

At the end of the follow-up (3-years), 21.9 % of patients with psychosis developed a FLI ≥ 60, suggestive of liver steatosis, compared to only a 3 % of subjects within the control group (X² = 12.120; p < 0.001). In the FEP patients group, developing a FLI ≥ 60 was statistically associated with significant increments in metabolic parameters, and with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) (X² = 16.151; p < 0.001) and high blood pressure (X² = 10.654; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Having a first episode of non-affective psychosis was significantly associated with developing liver steatosis (FLI ≥ 60) in the first three years after initiating antipsychotic treatment. The results highlight the importance of early screening the emergence of NAFLD in schizophrenia patients.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related factors in a large sample of antipsychotic naïve patients with first-episode psychosis: Baseline results from the PAFIP cohort

BACKGROUND

Few investigations have been carried out on metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic- naïve patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Our primary objective was to compare the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III in 2001 (NCEP-ATP III), between a Spanish cohort of 303 drug-naïve patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) without any previous cardiovascular condition, and 153 healthy individuals.

RESULTS

Participants included 303 patients with FEP (M:F 53:46) and 153 control subjects (M:F 56:43). The mean and standard deviation ages were 31(9.38) and 29 (7.57) years in the study and control groups respectively (F = 4.09; p = 0.93). We found that the prevalence of MetS in drug-naïve patients with FEP (5.6 %) was similar to the prevalence of MetS in age-sex matched controls (5.12 %). However, 60.7 % of patients with FEP met at least one of the five MetS components, while among the control subjects only 36.5 % met at least one component. Additionally, we found that other factors not included among the operational definition of MetS, but still important in cardiovascular risk, were also altered.

CONCLUSION

FEP patients have a greater risk of presenting at least one altered MetS component than healthy controls which could indicate the need of development of screening methods detecting cardiovascular risk. Likewise, gender differences in metabolic components such as waist circumference, which is a predictor of cardiovascular events have been found. Similarly, research should focus on metabolic risk predictors that include not only MetS, but also specific parameters for the early psychosis population.

Aripiprazole vs Risperidone Head-to-Head Effectiveness in First-Episode Non-Affective-Psychosis: A 3-Month Randomized, Flexible-Dose, Open-Label Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic choice for the acute phase of a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is of the utmost importance since it may influence long-term outcome. However, head-to-head comparisons between second-generation antipsychotics remain scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness in the short term of aripiprazole and risperidone after FEP outbreak.

METHODS

From February 2011 to October 2018, a prospective, randomized, open-label study was undertaken. Two hundred-sixty-six first-episode drug-naïve patients were randomly assigned to aripiprazole (n = 136) or risperidone (n = 130) and followed-up for 12 weeks. The primary effectiveness measure was all-cause treatment discontinuation. In addition, an analysis based on intention-to-treat principle was conducted to assess clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

The overall dropout rate at 12 weeks was small (6.39%). Effectiveness measures were similar between treatment arms as treatment discontinuation rates (χ 2 = 0,409; P = .522), and mean time to all-cause discontinuation (log rank χ 2 = -1.009; P = .316) showed no statistically significant differences. Despite no statistically significant differences between groups regarding clinical efficacy, aripiprazole required higher chlorpromazine equivalent dosage (χ 2 = 2.160; P = .032) and extended mean time (W = 8183.5; P = .008) to reach clinical response. Sex-related adverse events and rigidity were more frequent in the risperidone group, whereas sialorrhea was on the aripiprazole group.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences regarding effectiveness were found between aripiprazole and risperidone for the short-phase treatment of FEP. Despite the importance of efficacy during this phase, differences in side effect profiles and patient's preferences are essential factors that may lead clinical decisions for these patients.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

NCT02532491. Effectiveness of Second-Generation Antipsychotics in First Episode Psychosis Patients: 1-year Follow-up (PAFIP3_1Y).

Aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia: Recommendations of a panel of Spanish experts on its use in clinical practice

OBJECTIVES

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic with a partial agonism of dopamine D₂ and D₃ receptors. This differential mechanism implies a rigorous appraisal of the appropriate therapeutic strategies in certain situations. To answer currently unsolved clinical questions about the use of oral and long-acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole, we present here an expert consensus from 12 Spanish psychiatrists and a pharmacologist with extensive experience in the use of this antipsychotic.

METHODS

Through one face-to-face session and online collaboration, we reached consensus and established practical recommendations based on scientific evidence and clinical experience. We classified the available scientific literature according to SIGN system and attributed a level of evidence to each reviewed article.

RESULTS

The recommendations were divided according to (i) chronological dimension (based on previous treatments, including patients naïve or not to antipsychotic treatment and maintenance regimen), and (ii) dimension related to therapeutic options, comprising switches to aripiprazole and the most used combinations with this antipsychotic.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend considering aripiprazole as first treatment option in the early stages of schizophrenia and in patients with affective symptoms and contemplating a switch to aripiprazole LAI in all candidate patients. Importantly, switches from other antipsychotics should consider previous antipsychotic history and exposure to aripiprazole. KEYPOINTSAripiprazole can be considered as first treatment option in early stages of schizophrenia and in patients with significant affective symptoms.Aripiprazole LAI shows better adherence than oral aripiprazole and could be considered in all candidate patients.Before switching to aripiprazole, detailed information about previous antipsychotic history should be gathered.Switch to aripiprazole should be managed differently for aripiprazole naïve and non-naïve patients.Rigorous and controlled studies on antipsychotics in real clinical practice should be carried out.

Aripiprazole and Risperidone Present Comparable Long-Term Metabolic Profiles: Data From a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial in Drug-Naïve First-Episode Psychosis

OBJECTIVE

Aripiprazole and risperidone are 2 of the most used second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) worldwide. Previous evidence shows a similar effect of these SGAs on weight and metabolic changes in the short term. However, a longer period is necessary for a better assessment of the SGA´s metabolic profile. We aimed to compare the long-term (1-year) metabolic profile of these 2 antipsychotics on a sample of drug-naïve first episode-psychosis (FEP) patients.

METHODS

A total 188 drug-naïve patients, suffering from a first episode of non-affective psychosis (FEP), were randomly assigned to treatment with either aripiprazole or risperidone. Weight and glycemic/lipid parameters were recorded at baseline and after 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

We observed significant weight increments in both groups (9.2 kg for aripiprazole and 10.5 kg for risperidone) after 1 year of treatment. Despite this, weight and body mass index changes did not significantly differ between treatment groups (P &gt; .05). Similarly, both treatment groups presented similar metabolic clinical impact with a comparable increase in the proportion of participants meeting criteria for metabolic disorders such as obesity or hypercholesterolemia, but not for metabolic syndrome (Δ9.2% vs Δ4.3%) or hypertriglyceridemia (Δ21.9% vs Δ8.0%), where aripiprazole showed worse outcomes than risperidone.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that aripiprazole and risperidone share a similar long-term metabolic profile. After 1 year of antipsychotic treatment, drug-naïve FEP patients in both treatment groups presented a significant increase in weight and metabolic changes, leading to a greater prevalence of metabolic disorders.

Pattern of long-term weight and metabolic changes after a first episode of psychosis: Results from a 10-year prospective follow-up of the PAFIP program for early intervention in psychosis cohort

Background

People with psychosis are at higher risk of cardiovascular events, partly explained by a higher predisposition to gain weight. This has been observed in studies on individuals with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) at short and long term (mainly up to 1 year) and transversally at longer term in people with chronic schizophrenia. However, there is scarcity of data regarding longer-term (above 3-year follow-up) weight progression in FEP from longitudinal studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the longer-term (10 years) progression of weight changes and related metabolic disturbances in people with FEP.

Methods

Two hundred and nine people with FEP and 57 healthy participants (controls) were evaluated at study entry and prospectively at 10-year follow-up. Anthropometric, clinical, and sociodemographic data were collected.

Results

People with FEP presented a significant and rapid increase in mean body weight during the first year of treatment, followed by less pronounced but sustained weight gain over the study period (Δ15.2 kg; SD 12.3 kg). This early increment in weight predicted longer-term changes, which were significantly greater than in healthy controls (Δ2.9 kg; SD 7.3 kg). Weight gain correlated with alterations in lipid and glycemic variables, leading to clinical repercussion such as increments in the rates of obesity and metabolic disturbances. Sex differences were observed, with women presenting higher increments in body mass index than men.

Conclusions

This study confirms that the first year after initiating antipsychotic treatment is the critical one for weight gain in psychosis. Besides, it provides evidence that weight gain keep progressing even in the longer term (10 years), causing relevant metabolic disturbances.

Stability of schizophrenia diagnosis in a 10-year longitudinal study on first episode of non-affective psychosis: Conclusions from the PAFIP cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the 10-year stability of schizophrenia diagnosis in a cohort of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and the factors associated with it.

METHODS

Changes in diagnosis of 209 FEP patients were described during 10 years of follow-up. Related factors with maintenance or change of schizophrenia diagnosis were evaluated in prospective and retrospective approaches through binary logistic regressions, ROC and survival curves.

RESULTS

Out of the 209 patients, 126 were diagnosed of schizophrenia 6 months after their inclusion in the clinical program. Prospective analyses showed that eight of those 126 schizophrenia patients had changed to a different diagnosis after 10 years, and predictors of change were better childhood premorbid adjustment, less severity of clinical global impression at baseline, and diagnosis of comorbid personality disorder during follow-up. Retrospectively, out of the 154 patients with schizophrenia in the 10-year assessment, 36 had a different diagnosis at baseline, and those factors related to a different prior diagnosis than schizophrenia were better socioeconomic status and shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). A survival analysis on the timing of schizophrenia diagnosis showed that male gender and longer DUP were predictors of earlier definite diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic stability of schizophrenia in our FEP sample is high, especially prospective stability, and the group of patients with diagnostic change corresponded to a milder psychopathological profile before and at the onset of disease. Moreover, we observed a cautious attitude in the diagnosis of schizophrenia in patients with shorter DUP who had schizophrenia diagnosis after 10 years.

Comparison of aripiprazole and risperidone effectiveness in first episode non-affective psychosis: Rationale and design of a prospective, randomized, 3-phase, investigator-initiated study (PAFIP-3)

BACKGROUND

Selecting the most effective treatment represents a critical challenge with the potential of modifying the long-term prognosis of individuals suffering a first break of psychosis. Head-to-head clinical trials comparing effectiveness among antipsychotic drugs in individuals with a first-episode of non-affective psychosis (FEP) are scarce.

METHODS

The rationale and design of a 3 phases clinical trial (PAFIP-3, NCT02305823) comparing the effectiveness of aripiprazole and risperidone, and to additionally assess the benefits of an early use of clozapine in primary treatment-resistant patients is reported. The design encompasses of 5 work packages (medication algorithm, cognitive functioning, psychoeducation/vocational functioning, imaging and biological markers) addressing critical issues and needs of first episode psychosis individuals and their cares. The primary outcome measure was treatment effectiveness assessed by all-cause treatment discontinuation rate.

RESULTS

266 individuals have been included in the randomization study phase I (risperidone vs. aripiprazole). At 3 months, the retention rate was of 94% (249/266), 48(19.3%) patients have gone through phase II (olanzapine treatment), and 7(2.8%) entered the clozapine phase (phase III).

DISCUSSION

The PAFIP 3 clinical trial may provide relevant information about clinical guidelines to optimally treat patients with a first episode of non-affective psychosis and the benefits and risks of an early use of clozapine in treatment resistant patients. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02305823.

Aripiprazole vs Risperidone for the acute-phase treatment of first-episode psychosis: A 6-week randomized, flexible-dose, open-label clinical trial

Selecting the first antipsychotic agent for the acute phase of a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is a critical task that may impact on the long-term outcome. Despite that, there is a lack of research comparing head-to-head different second-generation antipsychotics at this stage. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of aripiprazole and risperidone in the treatment of the acute phase after a FEP. For that purpose, from February 2011 to October 2018, a prospective, randomized, open-label study was undertaken. Two hundred-sixty-six first-episode, drug-naïve patients were randomly assigned to aripiprazole (n = 136), or risperidone (n = 130) and followed-up for 6-weeks. The primary effectiveness measure was all-cause treatment discontinuation. In addition, an analysis based on intention-to-treat principle was conducted to assess clinical efficacy. The overall dropout rate at 6-week reached 19.5%. Effectiveness measures were similar between both treatment groups as treatment discontinuation rates (χ2 = 1.863; p = 0.172) and mean time until all-cause discontinuation (log rank = 1.421; p = 0.233) showed no statistically significant differences. In terms of clinical efficacy, risperidone proved a statistically significant better performance according to BPRS mean change between baseline and 6-week total score (t = 3.187; p = 0.002). Patients under risperidone treatment were significantly more likely to suffer sex-related adverse events. In conclusion, no differences regarding effectiveness were found between aripiprazole and risperidone for the acute-phase treatment of FEP. Despite the importance of efficacy during this phase of treatment, selecting the most effective treatment for the long-term outcome, requires addressing safety and patient´s preferences.

Dissecting the functional outcomes of first episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a 10-year follow-up study in the PAFIP cohort

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study was to examine the heterogeneity of functional outcomes in first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and related clinical, neurocognitive and sociodemographic factors using a cluster analytic approach.

METHOD

A large sample of FEP patients (N = 209) was functionally reassessed 10 years after the first contact with an early intervention service. Multiple baseline, 3-year and 10-year follow-up variables were explored.

RESULTS

The cluster analysis emphasized the existence of six independent clusters of functioning: one cluster was normal overall (42.16%), two clusters showed moderate interpersonal (9.63%) or instrumental (12.65%) deficits, two clusters showed more severe interpersonal (12.05%) or interpersonal and instrumental (13.85%) deficits and there was a significantly overall impaired cluster (9.63%). Cluster comparisons showed that several baseline and follow-up factors were differentially involved in functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that distinct clusters of functioning in FEP patients can be identified. The fact that a variety of profiles was observed contributes to a better understanding of the nature of the heterogeneity characterizing FEP patients and has clinical implications for developing individualized treatment plans.

Understanding sex differences in long-term outcomes after a first episode of psychosis

While sex differences in schizophrenia have long been reported and discussed, long-term sex differences in outcomes among first episode of psychosis (FEP) patients in terms of the efficacy of Early Intervention Services (EIS) has been an under-explored area. A total of 209 FEP patients (95 females and 114 males) were reassessed after a time window ranging from 8 to 16 years after their first contact with an EIS program (PAFIP) that we will call the 10-year PAFIP cohort. Multiple clinical, cognitive, functioning, premorbid, and sociodemographic variables were explored at 1-year, 3-year and 10-year follow-ups. At first contact, females were older at illness onset, had higher premorbid adjustment and IQ, and were more frequently employed, living independently, and accompanied by a partner and/or children. Existence of a schizophrenia diagnosis, and cannabis and alcohol consumption were more probable among men. During the first 3 years, women showed a significantly better response to minimal antipsychotic dosages and higher rates of recovery than men (50% vs. 30.8%). Ten years later, more females continued living independently and had partners, while schizophrenia diagnoses and cannabis consumption continued to be more frequent among men. Females also presented a lower severity of negative symptoms; however, functionality and recovery differences did not show significant differences (46.7% vs. 34.4%). Between the 3- and 10-year follow-up sessions, an increase in dosage of antipsychotics was observed. These results suggest that the better outcomes seen among women during the first 3 years (while they were treated in an EIS) were in the presence of more favourable premorbid and baseline characteristics. After an average period of 10 years, with the only difference being in negative symptoms course, outcomes for women approximated those of men, drawing particular attention to the increase in dosage of antipsychotic medication once FEP patients were discharged from the EIS program towards community-based services. These findings help to pose the question of whether it is advisable to target sexes and lengthen EIS interventions.

Treatment Discontinuation Impact on Long-Term (10-Year) Weight Gain and Lipid Metabolism in First-Episode Psychosis: Results From the PAFIP-10 Cohort

BACKGROUND

Patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) are at higher risk of gaining weight and presenting metabolic disturbances, partly related to antipsychotic exposure. Previous studies suggest that treatment discontinuation might have a positive impact on weight in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment discontinuation on weight and metabolic changes in a FEP cohort.

METHODS

A total of 209 FEP patients and 57 healthy controls were evaluated at study entry and prospectively at 10-year follow-up. Anthropometric measures and, clinical, metabolic, and sociodemographic data were collected.

RESULTS

Patients discontinuing antipsychotic treatment presented a significantly lower increase in weight and better metabolic parameter results than those still on antipsychotic treatment at 10-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment discontinuation had a positive effect on the weight and metabolic changes observed in FEP patients; however, this effect was not sufficient to reaching a complete reversal to normal levels.

Data regarding active psychosis and functional outcome, among other clinical variables, during early phases of the illness in first-episode psychosis in the PAFIP 10-year follow-up program

This article describes data related to the research study entitled "Duration of active psychosis during early phases of the illness and functional outcome: The PAFIP 10-year follow-up study." [1]. We present data concerning the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of a sample of drug-naïve patients with a first episode of non-affective psychosis. The dataset was obtained from a 3-year longitudinal intervention program as part of an ongoing 10-year epidemiological study. The tables and figure shown present the data from the analysis between the active psychosis (presence of positive psychotic symptoms), among other sociodemographic and clinical predictor variables, recorded during the 3-year longitudinal intervention program and the evaluation of the functional outcome (social functioning and functional recovery) present at the 10-year mark. The data explores how those early parameters could influence long-term outcome.

Antipsychotic Treatment Effectiveness in First Episode of Psychosis: PAFIP 3-Year Follow-Up Randomized Clinical Trials Comparing Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, and Ziprasidone

BACKGROUND

Different effectiveness profiles among antipsychotics may be a key point to optimize treatment in patients suffering a first episode of psychosis to impact on long-term outcome. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and quetiapine in the treatment of first episode of psychosis at 3-year follow-up.

METHOD

From February 2001 to January 2011, 2 phases of a prospective, randomized, open-label study were undertaken. A total of 376 first-episode drug-naïve patients were randomly assigned to olanzapine (n = 55), risperidone (n = 63), haloperidol (n = 56), aripiprazole (n = 78), ziprasidone (n = 62), or quetiapine (n = 62) and followed up for 3 years. The primary effectiveness measure was all cause of treatment discontinuation. In addition, an analysis based on intention-to-treat principle was conducted in the analysis for clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

The overall dropout rate at 3 years reached 20.75%. Treatment discontinuation rates were significantly different among treatment groups (olanzapine = 69.09, risperidone = 71.43, aripiprazole = 73.08%, ziprasidone = 79.03%, haloperidol = 89.28%, and quetiapine = 95.53%) (χ2 = 79.86; P = .000). Statistically significant differences in terms of lack of efficacy, adherence, and tolerability were observed among treatment groups along the 3-year follow-up, determining significant differences in time to all-cause discontinuation (log-rank = 92.240; P = .000). Significant differences between treatments were found in the categories of sleepiness/sedation, increased sleep duration, akinesia, weight gain, ejaculatory dysfunction, extrapyramidal-symptoms, and amenorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole presented advantages for the first-line treatment of first episode of psychosis in terms of effectiveness. Identifying different discontinuation patterns may contribute to optimize treatment selection after first episode of psychosis.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02526030 https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02526030.

Apnea during slow sub-anaesthetic infusion of intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant depression

Ketamine's pharmacological profile makes it an interesting and useful drug to challenge treatment-resistant-depression (TRD). Emerging adverse events associated with single-slow-sub-anaesthetic doses for the treatment of depression are common, although generally transient and self-limited. Nevertheless, data on the safety of this practice are scarce. Thus, it seems timely before ketamine is used for clinical treatment of depression to recommend careful monitoring and reporting of all potential adverse events related to ketamine administration. Here, we describe a case of apnea during slow sub-anaesthetic infusion of intravenous ketamine for the treatment of resistant depression. As far as we are concerned, this is an uncommon, previously unreported, and potentially severe adverse event that clinicians should be aware of, and specific management measures should be implemented.

Cannabis consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A three years longitudinal study in first episode non-affective psychosis patients

INTRODUCTION

Increased incidence of obesity and excess weight lead to an increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent evidence indicates a protective effect of cannabis consumption on weight gain and related metabolic alterations in psychosis patients. Overall, patients are at greater risk of presenting fatty diseases, such as NAFLD, partly due to lipid and glycemic metabolic disturbances. However, there are no previous studies on the likely effect of cannabis on liver steatosis. We aimed to explore if cannabis consumption had an effect on hepatic steatosis, in a sample of first-episode (FEP) non-affective psychosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 390 patients were evaluated at baseline and after 3 years of initiating the antipsychotic treatment. Anthropometric measurements and liver, lipid, and glycemic parameters were obtained at both time points. All but 6.7% of patients were drug-naïve at entry, and they self-reported their cannabis use at both time points. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were evaluated through validated clinical scores (Fatty Liver Index [FLI], Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4], and NAFLD).

RESULTS

At 3-year follow-up, cannabis users presented significantly lower FLI scores than non-users (F = 13.874; p < .001). Moreover, cannabis users less frequently met the criteria for liver steatosis than non-users (X² = 7.97, p = .019). Longitudinally, patients maintaining cannabis consumption after 3 years presented the smallest increment in FLI over time, which was significantly smaller than the increment in FLI presented by discontinuers (p = .022) and never-users (p = .016). No differences were seen in fibrosis scores associated with cannabis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis consumption may produce a protective effect against liver steatosis in psychosis, probably through the modulation of antipsychotic-induced weight gain.

Data regarding the effect of cannabis consumption on liver function in the prospective PAFIP cohort of first episode psychosis

The presented article describes data from secondary analyses, related to the research article entitled “Cannabis consumption and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. A three years longitudinal study in first episode non-affective psychosis patients” [1]. We present detailed data regarding the socio-demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of a sample of 390 drug-naïve patients with a first episode of non-affective psychosis, and the differences between cannabis users and non-users in those characteristics. Tables also show the results from cross-sectional and longitudinal statistical analyses exploring the relation between cannabis consumption and liver function, after excluding those patients with hazardous alcohol drinking.

Long-Term Antipsychotic Effectiveness in First Episode of Psychosis: A 3-Year Follow-Up Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, and Ziprasidone

Background

Different effectiveness profiles among second-generation antipsychotics may be a key point to optimize treatment in patients suffering a first episode of psychosis to affect long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and quetiapine in the treatment of first episode of psychosis at 3-year follow-up.

Method

From October 2005 to January 2011, a prospective, randomized, open-label study was undertaken. Two hundred-two first-episode, drug-naïve patients were randomly assigned to aripiprazole (n=78), ziprasidone (n =62), or quetiapine (n=62) and followed-up for 3 years. The primary effectiveness measure was all cause of treatment discontinuation. In addition, an analysis based on the intention-to-treat principle was conducted in the analysis for clinical efficacy.

Results

The overall dropout rate at 3 years reached 19.3%. Treatment discontinuation rates were significantly different among treatment groups (aripiprazole=73.08%, ziprasidone=79.03%, and quetiapine=95.16%) (χ2=11.680; P=.001). Statistically significant differences in terms of nonefficacy, nonadherence, and side effects were observed among treatment groups along the 3-year follow-up determining significant differences in time to all-cause discontinuation (log-rank=32.260; P=.001). Significant differences between treatments were found in the categories of sleepiness/sedation (χ2=9.617; P=.008) and increased sleep duration (χ2=6.192; P=.004). No significant differences were found in the profile of extrapyramidal symptoms. Patients on aripiprazole were more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines.

Conclusions

First-episode psychosis patients on quetiapine were more likely to discontinue treatment due to nonefficacy. Identifying different discontinuation patterns may contribute to optimize treatment selection after first episode of psychosis.

Duration of active psychosis and functional outcomes in first-episode non-affective psychosis

BACKGROUND

The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been associated with negative outcomes in psychosis; however, few studies have focused on the duration of active psychotic symptoms after commencing treatment (DAT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of DUP and DAT on functional long-term outcomes (3 years) in patients with early psychosis.

METHODS

We evaluated the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) at frequent intervals for 3 years after presentation to determine the DAT for 307 individuals with first-episode psychosis together with DUP and clinical variables. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Disability Assessment Scale (DAS) at three years, and functional recovery was defined as minimal impairment and return to activity. Associated variables, DAT and DUP were included in logistic regression models to predict functional outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden's index were applied to assess the best cut-off values.

RESULTS

DAT, (Wald: 13.974; ExpB: 1.097; p < 0.001), premorbid adjustment, initial BPRS score, gender, age of onset and schizophrenia diagnosis were significant predictors of social functioning, whereas only premorbid adjustment (Wald: 11.383; ExpB:1.009), DAT (Wald: 4.850; ExpB: 1.058; p = 0.028) and education were significant predictors of recovery. The optimal cut-off of DAT for predicting social functioning was 3.17 months for DAT (sensitivity: 0.68; specificity: 0.64; Youden's index: 0.314).

CONCLUSIONS

DAT is strongly related to functional outcomes independent of the DUP period or other variables. As a modifiable variable, the reduction of the DAT should be considered a main focus of intervention from the onset of the illness to improve long-term outcomes.