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Gonzalez-Torres C, Mulsant BH, Husain MI, Alda M, Young RC, Ortiz A. Challenges in defining treatment-resistant mania in adults: A systematic review. Bipolar Disord 2024; 26:7-21. [PMID: 37963496 PMCID: PMC10922285 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the definitions of treatment-resistant mania (TRM) in the literature and propose criteria for an operationalized definition. METHODS A systematic search of five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL) and data extraction of eligible articles. RESULTS In total, 47 articles addressing the concept of TRM were included, comprising 16 case reports, 11 case series, 3 randomized clinical trials, 8 open-label clinical trials, 1 experimental study, 7 narrative reviews, and 1 systematic review. While reviews discussed several challenges in defining TRM, definitions varied substantially based on different criteria for severity of mania, duration of mania, and use of specific therapeutic agents with minimal dosages and duration of treatment. Only a handful of the reviewed articles operationalized these criteria. CONCLUSION While the concept of TRM has been discussed in the literature for over three decades, we could not find an agreed-upon operationalized definition based on specific criteria. We propose and discuss a possible definition that could be used by clinicians to guide their practice and by researchers to assess the prevalence of TRM and develop and test interventions targeting TRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gonzalez-Torres
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit H. Mulsant
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Alda
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Robert C. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Weil Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, US
| | - Abigail Ortiz
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rezai AR, Mahoney JJ, Ranjan M, Haut MW, Zheng W, Lander LR, Berry JH, Farmer DL, Marton JL, Tirumalai P, Mears A, Thompson-Lake DGY, Finomore VS, D'Haese PF, Aklin WM, George DT, Corrigan JD, Hodder SL. Safety and feasibility clinical trial of nucleus accumbens deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory opioid use disorder. J Neurosurg 2024; 140:231-239. [PMID: 37329519 DOI: 10.3171/2023.4.jns23114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There were more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2021, the most ever recorded. Despite advances in behavioral and pharmacological treatments, over 50% of those receiving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) experience drug use recurrence (relapse). Given the prevalence of OUD and other substance use disorders (SUDs), the high rate of drug use recurrence, and the number of drug overdose deaths, novel treatment strategies are desperately needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the nucleus accumbens (NAc)/ventral capsule (VC) and potential impact on outcomes in individuals with treatment-refractory OUD. METHODS A prospective, open-label, single-arm study was conducted among participants with longstanding treatment-refractory OUD (along with other co-occurring SUDs) who underwent DBS in the NAc/VC. The primary study endpoint was safety; secondary/exploratory outcomes included opioid and other substance use, substance craving, and emotional symptoms throughout follow-up and 18FDG-PET neuroimaging. RESULTS Four male participants were enrolled and all tolerated DBS surgery well with no serious adverse events (AEs) and no device- or stimulation-related AEs. Two participants sustained complete substance abstinence for > 1150 and > 520 days, respectively, with significant post-DBS reductions in substance craving, anxiety, and depression. One participant experienced post-DBS drug use recurrences with reduced frequency and severity. The DBS system was explanted in one participant due to noncompliance with treatment requirements and the study protocol. 18FDG-PET neuroimaging revealed increased glucose metabolism in the frontal regions for the participants with sustained abstinence only. CONCLUSIONS DBS of the NAc/VC was safe, feasible, and can potentially reduce substance use, craving, and emotional symptoms in those with treatment-refractory OUD. A randomized, sham-controlled trial in a larger cohort of patients is being initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marc W Haut
- 2Neuroscience
- 3Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry
- 4Neurology
- 5Radiology, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pierre-François D'Haese
- 10Neuroradiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | - David T George
- 7National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - John D Corrigan
- 8Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
| | - Sally L Hodder
- 9West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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3
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Ojha PT, Gaikwad AM, Singh R, Jagiasi K, Nagendra S. The Clinical Outcome in AChR-Positive Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: A Retrospective Observational Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:395-400. [PMID: 37970279 PMCID: PMC10645268 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_186_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction, and in over 80% of cases, antibodies are identified against the nicotinic type of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) on the muscle endplate. Despite the availability of various treatment options, patients with MG experience relapses and remission during the course of the disease. Aims and Objective: To understand the clinical profile, predictors of outcomes in acetyl choline receptor (AChR) antibody positive generalized MG. Methods This is a retrospective, single-centre, observational study of 108 patients with AChR positive generalized MG. We collected data on clinical and demographical profiles, treatments received, and treatment responses from those who fulfilled inclusion criteria over a mean follow up period of 33.75 ±7.30 months. Clinical outcomes were studied in terms of the type of remission and crisis or disease exacerbations patients had, considering different variables and treatment received. Results We found the commonest initial symptoms were ocular or oculo-bulbar, which progressed to generalized MG in the first year of disease onset. 36 (33.3%) patients experienced a crisis requiring mechanical ventilation within a mean period of 9.4 ±4.77 months from the disease onset. Multivariate regression analysis showed late-onset MG (age of onset between 50-70 years) and treatment with rituximab were better correlated with remission, (odd ratio of 4.7; 95 % CI ,1.12 -12.6; P value < 0.05 and odd ratio of 4.56; 95 % CI ,1.2 -10.04; P value < 0.05) respectively. While treatment with Mycofenolate Mofetile (MMF) was associated with a higher number of relapses (odd ratio of 1.8; 95 % CI ,0.08 -0.96; P value < 0.05). Treatment with Rituximab showed a higher rate of remission as compared to treatment refractory (TR) on conventional immunosuppressant therapy (IST). Out of 35(32 %) thymoma patients, 21 patients underwent thymectomy and these patients showed significantly greater rate of remission as compared both thymoma patients who denied thymectomy as a treatment option (N = 10 ;55.60 % vs N = 4; 23.50%). Conclusion In this study of AChR antibody positive generalized MG patients, we found that nearly one-third of them experienced myasthenic crisis despite receiving the best medical care. Rituximab appeared to be effective in the treatment of refractory MG and those who failed thymectomy. Thymectomy was associated with better outcomes in patients, both with or without a thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan T. Ojha
- Department of Neurology, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhijeet M. Gaikwad
- Department of Neurology, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Singh
- Department of Neurology, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kamlesh Jagiasi
- Department of Neurology, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shashank Nagendra
- Department of Neurology, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Hoffman-Censits J, Maldonado L. Targeted Treatment of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Urothelial Cancer: Enfortumab Vedotin in Context. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1519-1529. [PMID: 36545447 PMCID: PMC9762760 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s370900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enfortumab vedotin (EV) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate that is the first in class to be FDA-approved for use in patients with treatment-refractory urothelial cancer. Enfortumab is comprised of an antibody targeting nectin-4, widely expressed in urothelial cancers, with an monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) chemotherapy payload. To date, trials in urothelial cancers refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy, and or checkpoint inhibitors, have shown the drug is very active, with overall responses ranging from 40% to 52%. This includes patients with visceral metastasis, a known predictor of poor prognosis. EV is fairly well tolerated, including in patients who are not candidates for cisplatin, a common urothelial cancer population with significant unmet need. Side effects such as skin toxicity, fatigue, and blood sugar elevations are generally manageable with supportive care and dose modifications. Peripheral neuropathy is common and can be dose-limiting in responding patients, and rare serious skin toxicities have been reported. Trials in various disease states and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other agents are ongoing, with additional indications likely in the future for EV in urothelial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Hoffman-Censits
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Urology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA,Correspondence: Jean Hoffman-Censits, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Departments of Medical Oncology and Urology, Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, 201 N. Broadway, 9th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA, Tel +1 443-287-0553, Fax +1 410-367-2667, Email
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Fonseca de Freitas D, Agbedjro D, Kadra-Scalzo G, Francis E, Ridler I, Pritchard M, Shetty H, Segev A, Casetta C, Smart SE, Morris A, Downs J, Christensen SR, Bak N, Kinon BJ, Stahl D, Hayes RD, MacCabe JH. Clinical correlates of early onset antipsychotic treatment resistance. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1226-1233. [PMID: 36268751 PMCID: PMC9643817 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221132537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence of heterogeneity within treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), with some people not responding to antipsychotic treatment from illness onset and others becoming treatment-resistant after an initial response period. These groups may have different aetiologies. AIM This study investigates sociodemographic and clinical correlates of early onset of TRS. METHOD Employing a retrospective cohort design, we do a secondary analysis of data from a cohort of people with TRS attending the South London and Maudsley. Regression analyses were conducted to identify the correlates of the length of treatment to TRS. Predictors included the following: gender, age, ethnicity, problems with positive symptoms, problems with activities of daily living, psychiatric comorbidities, involuntary hospitalisation and treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics. RESULTS In a cohort of 164 people with TRS (60% were men), the median length of treatment to TRS was 3 years and 8 months. We observed no cut-off on the length of treatment until TRS presentation differentiating between early and late TRS (i.e. no bimodal distribution). Having mild to very severe problems with hallucinations and delusions at the treatment start was associated with earlier TRS (~19 months earlier). In sensitivity analyses, including only complete cases (subject to selection bias), treatment with a long-acting injectable antipsychotic was additionally associated with later TRS (~15 months later). CONCLUSION Our findings do not support a clear separation between early and late TRS but rather a continuum of the length of treatment before TRS onset. Having mild to very severe problems with positive symptoms at treatment start predicts earlier onset of TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fonseca de Freitas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah Agbedjro
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Emma Francis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Division of Psychology and Language
Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Isobel Ridler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Pritchard
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of
East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Hitesh Shetty
- South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Aviv Segev
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv
University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod
Hasharon, Israel
| | - Cecilia Casetta
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Sciences,
Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sophie E. Smart
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric
Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna Morris
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Johnny Downs
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Bruce J. Kinon
- Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals LLC,
Deerfield, IL, USA
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge,
MA, USA
| | - Daniel Stahl
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Richard D. Hayes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - James H. MacCabe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Ong AY, Ching-A-Sue G, Krilis M, Guirao-Navarro MC, Hornby S, Jutley G. Refractory iatrogenic pigmentary glaucoma secondary to cosmetic laser treatment: A case report. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 33:11206721211050338. [PMID: 34623172 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211050338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of bilateral iatrogenic pigmentary glaucoma secondary to cosmetic iris-lightening laser treatment. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old patient presented with bilateral iatrogenic pigmentary glaucoma. She had elevated intraocular pressures (IOPs), scattered iris pitting, and intense angle pigmentation secondary to the cosmetic laser treatment she underwent 4 weeks prior to presentation. Her IOPs were refractory to maximal medical treatment and she subsequently underwent trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION The true scale of complications related to cosmetic laser treatments is as yet unknown. Robust clinical investigations into its safety profile, including long-term data, are required. Prospective patients should consider this with great care. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of this procedure, as early recognition of cosmetic laser-induced pigmentary glaucoma may avert further sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Yuhan Ong
- 574106Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Gemma Ching-A-Sue
- 574106Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Krilis
- 574106Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Stella Hornby
- 574106Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Gurjeet Jutley
- 574106Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Jorgenson MR, Descourouez JL, Garg N, Parajuli S, Mandelbrot DA, Odorico JS, Saddler CM, Smith JA. The addition of adjunctive letermovir to valganciclovir for refractory cytomegalovirus viremia in kidney transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2021; 23:e13693. [PMID: 34309158 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent viral replication resulting in ongoing cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia despite adequate therapy is difficult to manage and associated with negative outcomes. We report a case series of kidney transplant recipients receiving adjunctive letermovir in combination with valganciclovir for refractory CMV. METHODS Adult patients receiving a kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant were included if they developed CMV viremia and initiated letermovir 480 mg daily as part of a dual therapy regimen with valganciclovir 900 mg twice daily between 1/9/2020 and 31/12/2020. Included patients received ≥90 days of valganciclovir and had a detectable viral load less than 1000 Iu/ml (log10 < 3) at the time of letermovir initiation. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of adjunctive letermovir on viral clearance to negativity. We also evaluated effect of letermovir on tacrolimus levels. RESULTS Eight patients were included. Letermovir was added 223 ± 105 days after initiation of CMV treatment with ganciclovir derivatives. Median viral load at initiation was 139.7 (range: 73-355) IU/ml and did not clear or change significantly after 2, 4 and 12 weeks of adjunctive letermovir (132.5 [range: 34.5-513] IU/ml vs. 68.7 [range: 34.5-574] IU/ml vs. 78.3 [range: 34.5-347] IU/ml, p > 0.05). Tacrolimus was reduced by ∼30% in anticipation of a letermovir-tacrolimus drug interaction. Despite this reduction, mean tacrolimus serum levels two weeks after adjunctive letermovir increased by 43% (5.6 ± 1.6 ng/ml vs 8.0 ± 4.6 ng/ml). CONCLUSION In kidney and kidney-pancreas recipients with refractory CMV, the use of adjunctive letermovir did not result in viral clearance. Additionally, despite a mean tacrolimus dose reduction of 30% at letermovir initiation, serum concentrations increased by over 40%. Further investigation into the optimal approach to refractory CMV is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Jorgenson
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jillian L Descourouez
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Neetika Garg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sandesh Parajuli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Didier A Mandelbrot
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jon S Odorico
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christopher M Saddler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeannina A Smith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Bux AV, Fortunato F, Barone A, Russo V, Delle Noci N, Iaculli C. Early treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implants in diabetic macular edema: Naïve versus refractory patients. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:1619-1626. [PMID: 34120496 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211024804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone 0.7 mg implants (DEX-I) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) either naïve to therapy or refractory to anti-VEGF treatment, in a single-center, real-world setting. METHODS Patients diagnosed with DME and treated with DEX-I were retrospectively enrolled in the study and split in two groups: naïve (Group 1, n = 64) and refractory (Group 2, n = 64) to treatment. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 1 month, and every 3 months after each DEX-I implant. Main outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline to follow-up visits. RESULTS Significant improvements in BCVA were observed in treatment-naïve patients at 6 months following the first and second DEX-I injection (p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0063, respectively), with significant reductions in mean CMT at 6 months after all DEX implants. In treatment-refractory patients, mean CMT was significantly reduced from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.05) after all DEX-I injections, although no changes were observed in BCVA. CONCLUSIONS DEX-I improved visual acuity and macular edema mostly in treatment-naïve patients, suggesting DEX-I may be a viable first-line treatment option in DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Bux
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortunato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Barone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicola Delle Noci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Cristiana Iaculli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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van Geijtenbeek-de Vos van Steenwijk M, de Leeuw A, van Megen H, Selier J, Visser H. Proof of Principle: Is a Pre-treatment Behavior Approach Test a Potential Predictor for Response to Intensive Residential Treatment in Patients With Treatment Refractory Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:662069. [PMID: 34366912 PMCID: PMC8333859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.662069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe and treatment refractory obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are usually referred to a specialized center for intensive residential treatment (IRT), consisting of exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), pharmacotherapy and additional therapies. About 50% of the patients does not respond to IRT. Currently we are not able to predict treatment response. If we were to have predictive tools, we could personify treatment at an earlier stage. Recent studies show that early adherence and willingness to EX/RP and low avoidance during EX/RP measured during treatment were associated with treatment response. In this observational study willingness and ability of patients with severe and treatment refractory OCD (N = 58) is conceptualized by a behavioral measurement, measured before the start of 12 weeks of IRT, using a Behavior Approach Test (BAT), as opposed to relying on self-report measurements. A medium or strong association between pre-treatment performance on the BAT and treatment response would justify next steps to test the BAT as a predictive tool for IRT. Results of regression analyses showed that there is a significant association between the performance on the BAT and change in OCD symptom severity after IRT. However, the effect-size is too small to use the BAT in its current form as predictor in clinical practice. The principle of the association between pre-treatment behaviorally measured willingness and ability to fully engage in EX/RP, and treatment response has now been proven. To ultimately design a predictive tool, future research is needed to refine a behavioral measurement of pre-treatment willingness and ability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aart de Leeuw
- Academisch Angstcentrum, Altrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Harold van Megen
- Marina de Wolfcentrum, Centrum Voor Psychotherapie, GGZ Centraal, Ermelo, Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Selier
- Marina de Wolfcentrum, Centrum Voor Psychotherapie, GGZ Centraal, Ermelo, Netherlands
| | - Henny Visser
- Marina de Wolfcentrum, Centrum Voor Psychotherapie, GGZ Centraal, Ermelo, Netherlands
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Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), negative symptoms (anhedonia, social withdrawal) and marked cognitive deficits (memory, executive function, and attention). Current mainstays of treatment, including medications and psychotherapy, do not adequately address cognitive symptoms, which are essential for everyday functioning. However, recent advances in computational neurobiology have rekindled interest in neurofeedback (NF), a form of self-regulation or neuromodulation, in potentially alleviating cognitive symptoms in patients with SCZ. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the literature for NF studies in SCZ to identify lessons learned and to identify steps to move the field forward. Our findings reveal that NF studies to date consist mostly of case studies and small sample, single-group studies. Despite few randomized clinical trials, the results suggest that NF is feasible and that it leads to measurable changes in brain function. These findings indicate early proof-of-concept data that needs to be followed up by larger, randomized clinical trials, testing the efficacy of NF compared to well thought out placebos. We hope that such an undertaking by the field will lead to innovative solutions that address refractory symptoms and improve everyday functioning in patients with SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gandara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Jaime A Pineda
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California at San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - I-Wei Shu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Fiza Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
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Maatoug R, Valero-Cabré A, Duriez P, Saudreau B, Fernández-Vidal S, Karachi C, Millet B. Sustained Recovery in a Treatment-Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patient After Deep Brain Stimulation Battery Failure. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:572059. [PMID: 33281642 PMCID: PMC7691224 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.572059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a widespread chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that typically cause anxiety or distress. Even when optimal treatment is provided, 10% of patients remain severely affected chronically. In some countries, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an approved and effective therapy for patients suffering from treatment-resistant OCD. Hereafter, we report the case of a middle-aged man with a long history of treatment-resistant OCD spanning nearly a decade with Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores oscillating between 21 and 28. The patient underwent bilateral implantation of ventral striatum/ventral capsule DBS leads attached to a battery-operated implanted pulse generator. After a 3-month postimplantation period, the DBS protocol started. Three months after the onset of DBS treatment, the patient's Y-BOCS score had dropped to 3, and he became steadily asymptomatic. However, inadvertently, at this time, it was found out that the implanted pulse generator battery had discharged completely, interrupting brain stimulation. The medical team carried on with the original therapeutic and evaluation plan in the absence of active DBS current. After 12 additional months under off-DBS, the patient remained at a Y-BOCS score of 7 and asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this is the first report that provides an opportunity to discuss four different hypotheses of long-term recovery induced by DBS in a treatment-refractory OCD patient, notably: (1) A placebo effect; (2) Paradoxical improvements induced by micro-lesions generated by DBS probe implantation procedures; (3) Unexpected late spontaneous improvements; (4) Recovery driven by a combination of active DBS-induction, the effects of medication, and DBS-placebo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Redwan Maatoug
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de psychiatrie adulte de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Antoni Valero-Cabré
- Groupe de Dynamiques Cérébrales, Plasticité et Rééducation and Frontlab Team, Institut du Cerveau (ICM), INSERM 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225 and Sorbonne Université (SO), Paris, France.,Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (ICM), CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Laboratory for Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity and Rehabilitation, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Cognitive Neuroscience and Information Technology Research Program, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philibert Duriez
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris, Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé (UMRS) 1266 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l'Encéphale, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Saudreau
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de psychiatrie adulte de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Sara Fernández-Vidal
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau (CRICM), UMR-S975, Paris, France.,INSERM, U975, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7225, CR-ICM, Paris, France.,Centre de Neuroimagerie de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau (CENIR ICM), Paris, France
| | - Carine Karachi
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau (CRICM), UMR-S975, Paris, France.,INSERM, U975, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7225, CR-ICM, Paris, France.,Neurosurgery Department, APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière/Charles Foix, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Millet
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de psychiatrie adulte de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Paris, France
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Iasevoli F, De Luca V, Nucifora FC. Editorial: Neurobiology, Clinical Course, and Therapeutic Approaches of Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Toward an Integrated View. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:870. [PMID: 31824360 PMCID: PMC6881459 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Felice Iasevoli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Luca
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Frederick Charles Nucifora
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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13
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Crocker CE, Tibbo PG. Corrigendum: Confused Connections? Targeting White Matter to Address Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1417. [PMID: 30555331 PMCID: PMC6289118 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Candice E Crocker
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Philip G Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Crocker CE, Tibbo PG. Confused Connections? Targeting White Matter to Address Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1172. [PMID: 30405407 PMCID: PMC6201564 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite development of comprehensive approaches to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and improve outcomes, there remains a proportion (approximately one-third) of patients who are treatment resistant and will not have remission of psychotic symptoms despite adequate trials of pharmacotherapy. This level of treatment response is stable across all stages of the spectrum of psychotic disorders, including early phase psychosis and chronic schizophrenia. Our current pharmacotherapies are beneficial in decreasing positive symptomology in most cases, however, with little to no impact on negative or cognitive symptoms. Not all individuals with treatment resistant psychosis unfortunately, even benefit from the potential pharmacological reductions in positive symptoms. The existing pharmacotherapy for psychosis is targeted at neurotransmitter receptors. The current first and second generation antipsychotic medications all act on dopamine type 2 receptors with the second generation drugs also interacting significantly with serotonin type 1 and 2 receptors, and with varying pharmacodynamic profiles overall. This focus on developing dopaminergic/serotonergic antipsychotics, while beneficial, has not reduced the proportion of patients experiencing treatment resistance to date. Another pharmacological approach is imperative to address treatment resistance both for response overall and for negative symptoms in particular. There is research suggesting that changes in white matter integrity occur in schizophrenia and these may be more associated with cognition and even negative symptomology. Here we review the evidence that white matter abnormalities in the brain may be contributing to the symptomology of psychotic disorders. Additionally, we propose that white matter may be a viable pharmacological target for pharmacoresistant schizophrenia and discuss current treatments in development for schizophrenia that target white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice E Crocker
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Philip G Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Mantegazza R, Antozzi C. When myasthenia gravis is deemed refractory: clinical signposts and treatment strategies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756285617749134. [PMID: 29403543 PMCID: PMC5791553 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617749134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) has improved significantly over the past half century, including substantial reductions in mortality and morbidity. However, approximately 10% of patients fails to respond adequately to current therapies and are considered treatment refractory, or treatment intolerant, and up to 80% have disease that fails to achieve complete stable remission. Although patients with autoantibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (anti-MuSK positive) are more likely to become treatment refractory than those with autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR positive), each of these serotypes is substantially represented in the refractory MG population. Other risk factors for becoming treatment refractory include history of thymoma or thymectomy and female sex. A modified treatment algorithm for MG is proposed: patients who have disease that fails to respond to the stepwise approach to therapy, are treatment intolerant, or who require chronic rescue measures despite ongoing therapy, should be considered treatment refractory and emerging therapies should be considered. Three emerging monoclonal antibody-based therapies are discussed: the anti-B-cell agent rituximab; the terminal complement activation inhibitor eculizumab; and belimumab, which targets B-cell activating factor. Increased understanding of molecular pathophysiology and accurate antibody subtyping in MG should lead to the use of new therapeutic agents and successful management of treatment-refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Mantegazza
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Antozzi
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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16
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Smedley J, Michael GM, Tamire YG. Wound Closure in Smoking Peripheral Arterial Disease Patients With Treatment-Refractory Ulcerations: A 12-Month Follow-up Case Series. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2016; 15:360-365. [PMID: 27852883 PMCID: PMC5207297 DOI: 10.1177/1534734616671639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite ongoing smoking cessation efforts and optimized perfusion, failed wound closure in the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and diabetes are common. A clinical effectiveness review was conducted in actively smoking diabetic patients diagnosed with PAD, treated with serial applications of a viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCPM) (Grafix, Osiris Therapeutics Inc, Columbia, MD) for recalcitrant lower extremity ulcerations (n = 6). More than half of the patients were not candidates for revascularization. Baseline vascular status in 5 of 6 lower-extremity wounds remained unchanged throughout the entire course of vCPM treatment. Daily cigarette consumption averaged 18 cigarettes per patient. Mean wound duration and mean surface area was 53 weeks and 4.6 cm2, respectively. Mean number of vCPM applications and time to closure was 7.0 grafts in 7.8 weeks. There were no wound-related infections or amputations and no vCPM-related adverse events. All 6 wounds remained closed at the 12-month follow-up visit. In conclusion, vCPM demonstrated clinically effective outcomes in 6 previously nonhealing ulcerations despite ongoing smoking habits in the presence of PAD and diabetes.
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Zhang JP, Lencz T, Geisler S, DeRosse P, Bromet EJ, Malhotra AK. Genetic variation in BDNF is associated with antipsychotic treatment resistance in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2013; 146:285-8. [PMID: 23433505 PMCID: PMC3622803 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia. However, a substantial proportion of patients are poorly responsive or resistant to first-line treatments, and clozapine treatment is often indicated. Therefore, we and others have used clozapine treatment as a proxy phenotype for antipsychotic treatment resistance in pharmacogenetic studies. In the present study, we utilized this phenotype to test previously-identified candidate genes for antipsychotic treatment response. METHOD We assessed 89 Caucasian schizophrenia patients clinically assigned to clozapine treatment versus 190 Caucasian patients that were not selected for clozapine treatment. We conducted gene-based association tests on a set of 74 relevant candidate genes nominated in the CATIE pharmacogenetic study (Need et al., 2009), using the GATES procedure (Li et al., 2011). RESULTS After correcting for multiple testing in the gene-based association test, the gene for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was significantly associated with treatment resistance. The top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BDNF included rs11030104 (OR = 2.57), rs10501087 (OR = 2.19) and rs6265 (Val66Met) (OR = 2.08). These SNPs appear to be in high linkage disequilibrium with each other. CONCLUSION BDNF appears to have a strong association with antipsychotic treatment resistance. Future studies are needed to replicate this finding and further elucidate the biological pathways underlying the association between BDNF and antipsychotic drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ping Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, United States.
| | - Todd Lencz
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North-Shore-LIJ Health System, Manhasset, NY,Department of Psychiatry, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
| | - Stephen Geisler
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY
| | - Pamela DeRosse
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North-Shore-LIJ Health System, Manhasset, NY
| | - Evelyn J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Anil K. Malhotra
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North-Shore-LIJ Health System, Manhasset, NY,Department of Psychiatry, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Combining psychotropic medications is common for people diagnosed with schizophrenia facing a variety of clinical circumstances. This review provides an update on evidence regarding the effectiveness of polypharmacy approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiology studies have demonstrated that polypharmacy is extremely common, but evidence regarding all polypharmacy approaches for schizophrenia from randomized controlled trials remains scarce. Combinations of antipsychotic medicines are unsupported by evidence. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depressive symptoms; this logical role for antidepressants has little support from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but may be associated with lower suicide and all-cause mortality. Insufficient evidence supports the use of benzodiazepines for schizophrenia; possible risks of benzodiazepines, including increased mortality rates revealed in observational studies, warrant caution and further study. SUMMARY The lack of evidence regarding common treatment strategies exacerbates the tremendous challenge of providing optimal pharmacotherapy for individuals with schizophrenia. Comparative effectiveness research, using observational methods when appropriate and RCTs when possible, is needed to inform clinical practice, use resources wisely and improve outcomes.
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Lundquist LM, Cole SW, Augustine JM. Critical appraisal of efficacy and safety of abatacept in the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Open Access Rheumatol 2012; 4:9-19. [PMID: 27790008 PMCID: PMC5045095 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s16073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease that leads to significant disability and premature mortality. Various treatment options are available, but the foundation of treatment includes nonbiologic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The incidence of patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to first-line agents is estimated to be at least 20%. Abatacept, a T cell costimulation modulator, is the first agent to interfere with full T cell activation by competing with CD28 for binding of CD80 and CD86, which results in decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production. Current American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines recommend abatacept for patients with at least moderate disease activity and a poor prognosis demonstrating an inadequate response to other agents. Several key Phase III trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abatacept in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate or anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy. Response rates in all trials showed statistically significant improvements compared with placebo according to American College of Rheumatology criteria for disease improvement. The most common adverse event report in patients receiving abatacept was infection; however, the frequency of adverse events was similar to placebo. Abatacept is a safe and effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment for patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate or anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Lundquist
- Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Jill M Augustine
- Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Atlanta, GA
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Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, disabling disorder. Ten percent of patients remain treatment refractory despite several treatments. For these severe, treatment-refractory patients, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been suggested as a treatment option. Since 1997, in published trials, a total of 110 OCD patients have been treated with rTMS. This review aims to provide an update on rTMS treatment in patients with OCD. First, the mechanism of action is discussed, followed by the efficacy and side effects of rTMS at various brain targets, and finally implications for the future. Due to the lack of studies with comparable stimulation or treatment parameters and with reliable designs, it is difficult to draw clear conclusions. In general, rTMS appears to be effective in open-label studies; however, this has not yet been replicated in randomized, sham-controlled trials.
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21
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Boggs DL, Kelly DL, Love RC, McMahon RP, Conley RR. Comparison of clozapine response for inpatients in the research setting versus routine clinical practice. Psychiatr Q 2008; 79:111-9. [PMID: 18214677 PMCID: PMC4120101 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-008-9067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compares patient characteristics and treatment response between inpatients treated with clozapine in a research setting as compared to those initiated on clozapine during routine inpatient treatment. METHODS Subjects on clozapine, in clinical trials, were compared with clozapine inpatients receiving routine clinical care. RESULTS At baseline, patients in routine clinical practice had more negative symptoms (P < 0.001), activation (P < 0.001) and greater total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores (P = 0.022) than those in the research setting. Routine clinical practice subjects had larger decreases in BPRS total scores (P = 0.042) and positive item scores (P = 0.0005) compared to research subjects. Response to clozapine was observed in 15/85 (18%) research subjects as compared to 60/223 (27%) patients in routine care (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS Patients treated in routine clinical practice have more severe baseline symptoms, but experience significantly greater improvements in psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas L Boggs
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA.
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