Treatment of the symptoms of schizophrenia: a combined analysis of double-blind studies comparing risperidone with haloperidol and other antipsychotic agents

Combined data on efficacy were available from 12 double-blind short-term (maximum 8 weeks) trials comparing risperidone and other antipsychotics in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Patients received risperidone (n = 1056) or other antipsychotics (n = 703). Haloperidol (n = 473) was the most frequently prescribed other antipsychotic. Efficacy assessments include the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total, subscale (positive symptoms, negative symptoms and general psychopathology), cluster (cognitive and affective symptoms) and item (anxiety and hostility) scores. At endpoint, the mean decrease from baseline in PANSS total scores was significantly greater for patients receiving risperidone (-20.9) than other antipsychotics (-16.2; P < 0.001), or the subset receiving haloperidol (-14.3; P < 0.001). Risperidone-treated patients showed a significantly greater decrease in the positive (P < 0.01), negative (P < 0.05) and general psychopathology (P < 0.001) scores than patients receiving other antipsychotics or haloperidol. Scores for cognition, affective symptoms, anxiety and hostility each improved significantly (P < 0.05) more for patients receiving risperidone than those receiving other antipsychotics or haloperidol. Efficacy data on patients with an acute exacerbation were available from seven trials (risperidone n = 372, other antipsychotics n = 285, including haloperidol n = 120). At endpoint, the mean decrease from baseline in PANSS total scores was significantly greater for patients receiving risperidone (-24.7) than other antipsychotics (-19.8, P < 0.01) including haloperidol (-19.8, P < 0.05). Risperidone-treated patients also showed a greater decrease in positive symptom scores (-7.8) than those receiving other antipsychotics (-6.3; P < 0.01) or haloperidol (-7.1). A > or = 20% reduction in PANSS total score with risperidone, haloperidol and other antipsychotics was achieved by 65.9%, 54.3% and 54.9%, respectively; a > or = 30% PANSS reduction by 54.0%, 46.6% and 46.5% of patients, respectively; and a > or = 40% reduction by 43.8%, 33.7% and 34.4% of patients, respectively. These findings are consistent with earlier findings that show risperidone is more efficacious than haloperidol for reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia.     

帕利哌酮与利司哌酮治疗精神分裂症近期疗效与安全性比较

目的比较帕利哌酮与利司哌酮治疗精神分裂症的近期疗效及安全性。方法 94例精神分裂症患者分为帕利哌酮组与利司哌酮组,每组47例。帕利哌酮组起始剂量3mg·d~(-1),每隔1～2wk增加剂量1次,增幅为每次3mg,剂量稳定在3～12mg·d~(-1);利司哌酮组起始剂量2m·d~(-1),每隔1～3d增加剂量1次,增幅为每次2mg,2wk内加至4～6mg·d~(-1),观察6wk。于基线及wk 2、4、6末,采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)评定疗效,采用副反应量表(TESS)评定不良反应。结果最终纳入分析的有91例,其中帕利哌酮组47例,利司哌酮组44例。治疗4、6 wk末2组PANSS总分、阳性症状分、阴性症状分和精神病理症状分均显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。wk 6末帕利哌酮组治疗有效率为70%,利司哌酮组为66%,疗效无显著差异(P>0.05)。wk 2末2组间PANSS总分、阳性症状分和精神病理症状分有非常显著差异(P<0.01),阴性症状分无显著差异(P>0.05);wk 4、wk 6末2组间PANSS总分及各分项分均无显著差异(P>0.05)。帕利哌酮组和利司哌酮组不良发应发生率无显著差异(72%vs.80%,P>0.05),帕利哌酮组锥体外系反应发生显著少于利司哌酮组(P<0.01)。结论帕利哌酮治疗精神分裂症的疗效与利司哌酮相当,且起效较快,锥体外系反应发生较少,安全性较好。     

A double-blind, randomized, prospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of risperidone versus haloperidol in the treatment of schizoaffective disorder

The relative efficacy and safety of risperidone versus haloperidol in the treatment of schizoaffective disorder was studied. Sixty-two patients (29 depressed type; 33 bipolar type) entered a three-site, randomized, double-blind, 6-week trial of risperidone (up to 10 mg/day) or haloperidol (up to 20 mg/day). Trained raters assessed baseline, weekly, and end-of-study levels of psychopathology with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-24) and the Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M). The authors were unable to statistically distinguish between risperidone and haloperidol in the amelioration of psychotic and manic symptoms. In addition, there was no difference in worsening of mania between the two agents in either subgroup (i.e., depressed or bipolar subgroups). For the total PANSS, risperidone produced a mean decrease of 16 points from baseline compared with a 14-point decrease with haloperidol. For the total CARS-M scale, risperidone and haloperidol produced mean change scores of 5 and 8 points, respectively, and for the CARS-M Mania subscale, 3 and 7 points, respectively. Additionally, risperidone produced a mean decrease of 13 points from the baseline 24-item HAM-D, compared with an 8-point decrease with haloperidol. In those patients who had more severe depressive symptoms (i.e., HAM-D baseline score >20), risperidone produced at least a 50% mean improvement in 12 (75%) of 16 patients in comparison to 8 (38%) of 21 patients receiving haloperidol. Haloperidol produced significantly more extrapyramidal side effects and resulted in more dropouts caused by any side effect. There was no difference between risperidone and haloperidol in reducing both psychotic and manic symptoms in this group of patients with schizoaffective disorder. Risperidone did not demonstrate a propensity to precipitate mania and was better tolerated than haloperidol. In those subjects with higher baseline HAM-D scores (i.e., >20), risperidone produced a greater improvement in depressive symptoms than haloperidol.     

Amisulpride: progress and outcomes

Amisulpride is a unique atypical antipsychotic that selectively blocks D2 and D3 receptors presynaptically in the frontal cortex, possibly enhancing dopaminergic transmission, and postsynaptically in the limbic areas, possibly reducing it. Thus dopaminergic over-activity in the frontal cortex, and under-activity in the limbic areas, can be treated simultaneously, alleviating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, respectively. In acute schizophrenia, amisulpride is at least as effective as haloperidol, with a greater number of patients responding to treatment as determined by Clinical Global Impression (CGI scores (p = 0.014). In addition, amisulpride is associated with a lower incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) as determined by Simpson-Angus scores (SAS) when compared with haloperidol (p = 0.0053). Amisulpride showed similar efficacy to risperidone as determined by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Positive and Negative Symptom Score (PANSS) positive subscale; a trend towards greater improvement of negative symptoms as determined by PANSS negative subscale compared with risperidone; and similar levels of EPS. Amisulpride uniquely benefits patients with negative symptoms and is the only antipsychotic to demonstrate efficacy in patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Amisulpride maintains its efficacy when used for medium/long-term treatment as demonstrated in studies of up to 12 months. Amisulpride demonstrates greater improvement in controlling symptoms compared to haloperidol. In terms of the relevance of the effects, a superiority is observed for quality of life, social adaptation and functioning as measured by the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), Clinical Glocal Impression scale (CGI) and Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ) scales. Amisulpride also has one of the lowest potentials of all the antipsychotic agents for weight gain. The clinical evidence for amisulpride supports its earlier pre-clinical potential, showing it to be an atypical antipsychotic agent with specific clinical advantages.     

Adjunctive risperidone treatment in post-traumatic stress disorder: a preliminary controlled trial of effects on comorbid psychotic symptoms

Positive and negative symptoms of psychosis may be common in patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few studies have investigated the use of antipsychotic agents in these patients. This preliminary study examined the potential efficacy of risperidone in treating psychotic symptoms associated with chronic PTSD. In a 5-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adjunctive risperidone treatment was assessed in 40 combat veterans with chronic PTSD and comorbid psychotic features. Most patients were receiving antidepressants and some other psychotics with doses of concurrent medications held constant for at least 1 month prior to and during the study. Thirty-seven patients completed at least 1 week of treatment with risperidone or placebo. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) were used to assess symptoms. The PANSS was the primary outcome measure. At treatment endpoint, risperidone-treated patients showed a significantly greater decrease from baseline, albeit modest, in psychotic symptoms (PANSS total scores) than placebo-treated patients (P < 0.05). CAPS ratings declined significantly in both groups but did not differ significantly between groups. However, CAPS re-experiencing subscale scores had greater improvement in the risperidone-treated patients at week 5 (P < 0.05, completer analysis) with a trend towards greater improvement versus placebo a endpoint (P < 0.1, LOCF). Risperidone was well tolerated with minimal extrapyramidal symptoms. These preliminary results support studying the potential efficacy of risperidone for treating global psychotic symptoms associated with chronic PTSD with a suggestion that core re-experiencing symptoms may also be responsive. Further research using randomized, controlled trial designs in larger patient groups are needed to define more adequately the role of risperidone and other atypical agents in PTSD.     

Long-acting risperidone improves negative symptoms in stable psychotic patients

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) for reducing negative symptoms of schizophrenia in patients with predominantly negative symptoms at baseline. A subanalysis was performed on data from the 6-month, open-label Switch to Risperidone Microspheres trial. Patients with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative subscale score > or = 21, which was higher than their PANSS positive subscale score, were included in this subanalysis. Improvement in negative symptoms was measured by assessing change in the PANSS negative subscale and a negative factor score. Additional outcome variables included measures in general functioning, quality of life and patient satisfaction. A total of 842 patients were eligible for inclusion in this subanalysis. Six months of treatment was completed by 631 (74.9%) patients. Forty-three (5.1%) patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Negative symptoms were significantly reduced by 6.1 +/- 6.3 points for the PANSS negative score and 6.1 +/- 6.4 points for the negative factor score (P < 0.0001 for both). Significant improvements were also noted for total PANSS and other PANSS subscale scores, general functioning, quality of life and patient satisfaction (P < 0.0001). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (>5%) were: anxiety (6.8% of patients), exacerbation of disease (6.2%) and insomnia (5.7%). Overall, RLAI was well tolerated and associated with significant reductions in movement disorder severity. The treatment resulted in a significant improvement in negative symptom severity and was well tolerated in patients with predominantly negative symptoms, who switched from a stable antipsychotic regimen     

帕利哌酮与利培酮治疗首发精神分裂症的临床疗效与安全性Δ

目的:比较帕利哌酮与利培酮治疗首发精神分裂症的临床疗效及安全性。方法:92例首发精神分裂症患者分为帕利哌酮(3～12 mg.d-1)组和利培酮(4～6 mg.d-1)组各46例,疗程为8周。于基线及服药2、4、6、8周末,采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)评定疗效、副反应量表(TESS)评定不良反应。结果:最终入组的患者为89例,其中帕利哌酮组45例,利培酮组44例,治疗4、6、8周末2组的PANSS总分、阳性症状评分、阴性症状评分和精神病理评分均显著降低(P<0.01)。治疗2周末,2组间PANSS总分、阳性症状评分和一般病理症状评分比较,有显著差异(P<0.01),阴性症状评分比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。治疗8周末帕利哌酮组PANSS总分减分率为(68.3±11.7)%,利培酮组为(67.8±12.1)%;帕利哌酮组有效率为71.1%,利培酮组为68.2%,2组疗效比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。帕利哌酮组锥体外系反应发生少于利培酮组(P<0.05)。结论:帕利哌酮治疗首发精神分裂症疗效与利培酮相当,且起效快、锥体外系反应少、安全性较好。     

Effects of risperidone on affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia

The effects of risperidone on affective symptoms were determined by an analysis of pooled data from six double-blind trials of risperidone versus haloperidol in 1254 patients with chronic schizophrenia. Symptoms indicating mania were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) excitement and grandiosity items and by the excited cluster (excitement, hostility, uncooperativeness, and poor impulse control); anxious / depressive symptoms were assessed by the PANSS anxious / depressive cluster (somatic concern, anxiety, guilt feelings, and depression). Mean change scores from baseline to endpoint were compared in patients receiving risperidone, haloperidol or placebo by analysis of variance with factors for trial and baseline score included in the model. In all patients, change scores on excitement and grandiosity items and excited and anxious / depressive clusters were significantly greater for risperidone than for haloperidol or placebo. Dropouts due to inefficacy were less frequent with risperidone (5 of 59; 8%) than with haloperidol (7 of 38; 18%) or placebo (8 of 10; 80%). In patients with anxious / depressive symptoms at baseline (anxiety / depression cluster score > or = the median), anxiety / depression scores decreased significantly more with risperidone than with haloperidol, and symptom reduction occurred faster with risperidone. These results are consistent with previous reports and suggest that risperidone is more efficacious than haloperidol for affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.     

阿立哌唑与利培酮治疗精神分裂症阴性症状对照研究

目的：比较阿立哌唑与利培酮治疗精神分裂症阴性症状的临床疗效。方法：阿立哌唑组60例,剂量范围10-30mg／d,利培酮组66例,剂量范围4—6mg／d,采用阳性症状与阴性症状量表（PANSS）评估临床疗效,用不良反应量表（TESS）评估不良反应。结果：阿立哌唑、利培酮治疗前后PANSS量表阳性因子、阴性因子、一般精神病症状因子分的差异有显著性,阿立哌唑与利培酮组间的PANSS各因子差异无显著性,阿立哌唑组不良反应小。结论：阿立哌唑与利培酮治疗精神分裂症阴性症状均有较好的疗效,阿立哌唑的安全性更好。     

阿立哌唑与利培酮治疗精神分裂症的双盲双模拟多中心研究

目的:研究阿立哌唑与利培酮治疗精神分裂症的疗效与安全性。方法:采用CCMD-3精神分裂症的诊断标准,223例精神分裂症患者随机分为阿立哌唑组(109例)和利培酮组(114例),治疗6周。治疗前后用阳性症状和阴性症状量表(PANSS)、临床疗效总评量表(CGI)和副反应量表(TESS)、锥体外系副反应量表(ESRS)评定疗效和安全性。结果:经6周治疗,223例患者完成研究。阿立哌唑组治愈率31.8%,有效率83.3%;利培酮组治愈率39.1%,有效率87.5%(P>0.05)。两组治疗前后PANSS总分、阳性症状、阴性症状、一般精神病理症状评分比较有显著差异(P<0.01)。阿立哌唑组阴性症状分治疗6周末下降较利培酮组明显,有显著差异(P<0.05)。治疗4周末、6周末阿立哌唑组反应缺乏分下降,和利培酮组比较有显著差异(P<0.05)。治疗4,6周末TESS评定阿立哌唑不良反应发生率低于利培酮(P<0.05)。阿立哌唑组主要不良反应是锥体外系副反应、失眠、头昏等。结论:阿立哌唑对精神分裂症患者安全有效。     

Short-term treatment with risperidone or haloperidol in first-episode schizophrenia: 8-week results of a randomized controlled trial within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia

Patients with first-episode schizophrenia appear to respond to lower doses of neuroleptics, and to be more sensitive to developing extrapyramidal side-effects. The authors therefore compared in such patients the efficacy and extrapyramidal tolerability of comparatively low dosages of the atypical neuroleptic risperidone and of the conventional neuroleptic haloperidol. Risperidone was hypothesized to have better extrapyramidal tolerability and efficacy in treating negative symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned under double-blind conditions to receive risperidone (n=143) or haloperidol (n=146) for 8 wk. The primary efficacy criterion was the estimated difference in the mean change in the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) negative score between treatment groups; secondary efficacy criteria were changes on the PANSS total score and other PANSS subscores, and several other measures of psychopathology and general functioning. The primary tolerability criterion was the difference in baseline-adjusted occurrence rates of extrapyramidal side-effects measured with the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS) compared between treatment groups. The main hypothesis was that risperidone would be superior in terms of improving negative symptoms and lowering the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Secondary tolerability criteria were the other extrapyramidal symptoms, measured with the Hillside Akathisia Scale (HAS) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). The average mean daily doses were 3.8 mg (s.d.=1.5) for risperidone and 3.7 mg (s.d.=1.5) for haloperidol. There were similar, significant improvements in both treatment groups in the primary and secondary efficacy criteria. At week 8 nearly all scores of extrapyramidal side-effects indicated a significantly higher prevalence of extrapyramidal side-effects with haloperidol than with risperidone [SAS: risperidone 36.5% of patients; haloperidol 51.5% of patients; likelihood ratio test, chi2(1)=7.8, p=0.005]. There were significantly fewer drop-outs [risperidone n=55, drop-out rate=38.5%; haloperidol n=79, drop-out rate=54.1%, chi2(1)=7.1, p=0.009] and a longer non-discontinuation time [risperidone: average of 50.8 d to drop-out; haloperidol: average of 44.0 d to drop-out; log rank test, chi2(1)=6.4, p=0.011] in the risperidone group. Risperidone and haloperidol appear to be equally effective in treating negative and other symptoms of first-episode schizophrenia. Risperidone has better extrapyramidal tolerability and treatment retention rate than the equivalent dose of haloperidol in these patients.     

Effects of dopamine D2 receptor Ser311Cys polymorphism and clinical factors on risperidone efficacy for positive and negative symptoms and social function

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent with efficacy for both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, what makes an antipsychotic 'atypical' remains unclear. We recently found that the T102C polymorphism in the 5-HT2A receptor gene could affect risperidone's efficacy for negative symptoms. The present study investigated the effect of the Ser311Cys polymorphism in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene on risperidone treatment response. A total of 123 Han Chinese patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia were given risperidone for up to 42 days. Clinical manifestations were measured bi-weekly with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatients Evaluation (NOSIE, for assessment of social function). For adjusting the within-subject dependence over repeated assessments, multiple linear regression with generalized estimating equation methods was utilized to analyse the effects of Ser311Cys polymorphism and other covariates on clinical performance. Compared with patients who had the Ser311Ser genotype, patients with the Ser311Cys genotype had lower scores on PANSS Positive, Negative, General Psychopathology and Cognitive subscales and NOSIE, after adjustment for 5-HT2A T102C polymorphisms and other confounders. The 5-HT2A T102C polymorphism had marginal influences on PANSS Total and Negative subscale scores. Male gender, fewer previous hospitalizations, and higher risperidone dose predicted better treatment response after control for other variables. The preliminary results suggest that variations in the DRD2 gene influence risperidone treatment response for positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms, general psychopathology, and social functioning. Several clinical factors may also contribute to inter-individual differences in risperidone treatment response.     

利培酮联合艾司西酞普兰治疗慢性精神分裂症阴性症状的对照研究

目的：探讨利培酮联合艾司西酞普兰治疗慢性精神分裂症阴性症状的临床疗效以及安全性。方法将80例以阴性症状为主的慢性精神分裂症患者随机分为合用组和单用组,疗程12周,采用阳性和阴性症状量表（PANSS）和治疗中出现的症状量表（TESS）评定疗效和安全性。结果合用组显效率77.5%,单用组显效率55%。治疗后两组PASS评分均较治疗前有显著性下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。治疗后2、4、8、12周末,合用组阴性因子分较单用组明显下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。两组不良反应差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论利培酮联合艾司西酞普兰治疗慢性精神分裂症阴性症状起效快、疗效好,不良反应少。     

A placebo-controlled study of tropisetron added to risperidone for the treatment of negative symptoms in chronic and stable schizophrenia

Rational

A growing body of evidence illustrates that 5-HT3 receptor antagonist drugs may be of benefit in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of tropisetron add-on to risperidone on negative symptoms in patients with chronic stable schizophrenia.

Methods

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled 8-week trial, 40 patients with chronic schizophrenia who were stabilized on risperidone were randomized into tropisetron or placebo add-on groups. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) every 2 weeks. Furthermore, extrapyramidal and depressive symptoms as well as side effects were assessed. The primary outcome measure was the difference in change from baseline of negative subscale scores between the two groups at week 8.

Results

Tropisetron resulted in greater improvement of the total PANSS scores [F(1.860,70.699)?=?37.366, p?<?0.001] as well as negative scores [F(2.439,92.675)?=?16.623, p?<?0.001] and general psychopathology [F(1.767,67.158)?=?4.602, p?=?0.017], but not positive subscale scores [F(1.348, 51.218)?=?0.048, p?=?0.893] compared to placebo. In a multiple regression analysis controlling for positive, extrapyramidal, and depressive symptoms, treatment group (standardized β?=??0.640) significantly predicted changes in primary negative symptoms. The side effect profile did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Tropisetron add-on to risperidone improves the primary negative symptoms of patients with chronic stable schizophrenia.     

Intranasal desmopressin as an adjunct to risperidone for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,clinical trial

Considering the role of neurohypophyseal peptides in normal development and function of higher cortical processes along with their proven abnormalities in schizophrenic patients, these pathways have recently attracted greater attention as treatment targets for schizophrenia. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DDAVP nasal spray as an adjunct to risperidone in improving negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, forty patients aged 18–50 years with a DSM IV-TR diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia and a minimum score of 60 on positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) were equally randomized to receive DDAVP nasal spray (20 mcg/day) or placebo in addition to risperidone for 8 weeks. Patients were partially stabilized and treated with a stable dose of risperidone (5 or 6 mg/day) for at least four weeks prior to entry. Participants were rated by PANSS every two weeks and decrease in the PANSS negative subscale score was considered as our primary outcome. By the study endpoint, DDAVP-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement in the negative symptoms (P=0.001) as well as the PANSS total and general psychopathology subscale scores (P=0.005 and P=0.003; respectively) compared to the placebo group. Treatment group was the strongest predictor of changes in negative symptoms (β=−0.48, t=−3.67, P=001). No serious adverse event or fluid/electrolyte imbalance was reported in this trial. In conclusion, DDAVP nasal spray showed to be an effective and safe medication for improving negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia.     

帕潘立酮与利培酮用于精神分裂症的对比分析

目的探讨帕潘立酮与利培酮片治疗精神分裂症的效果和不良反应。方法60例精神分裂症患者随机分为观察组和对照组各30例,分别给予帕潘立酮与利培酮治疗,疗程8周。分别于治疗前和治疗1、2、4和8周采用阳性与阴性症状量表（PANSS）评定疗效;以治疗中出现的症状量表评定不良反应。结果治疗后两组PANSS计分均比治疗前显著下降（均P〈0．01）;观察组阴性症状计分在治疗4周与8周时明显比对照组更低（均P〈0．05）。观察组显效率（70％）明显高于对照组（47％）,两组有效率（90％与80％）差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论帕潘立酮是安全有效的抗精神病药物,对阴性症状的改善尤为显著。     

MECT（无抽搐电休克）与利培酮通治疗精神分裂症的成本-效果分析

目的探讨MECT（无抽搐电休克）与维思通治疗精神分裂症的成本与疗效。方法对我院2008年5月到2010年5月的住院的64例精神分裂症患者随机分为MECT（无抽搐电休克）组（32例）和维思通组（32例）。疗程均为12周,采用阳性和阴性症状量表（PANSS）,副反应量表（TESS）,在治疗前及治疗后1,2,4,8,12周末分别评定疗效及副反应,并用最小成本分析法进行研究。结果治疗2周末,MECT（无抽搐电休克）组的PANSS总分即比较治疗前有显著下降（P〈0.05）;维思通组在治疗4周末的PANSS总分比较治疗前有显著下降（P〈0.05）;4周末起各时点PANSS评分两组之间减分差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。治疗12周末,MECT（无抽搐电休克）组有效率为75%;维思通组有效率为69%。两者之间差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。两组均未发生严重的不良反应。两方案治疗精神分裂症成本分别为9454.35元、9772.78元;每获得一个单位的效果,两种方案所需花费的成本分别为126.06元、141.63元。结论 MECT（无抽搐电休克）与维思通治疗精神分裂症的成本-效果相当,MECT（无抽搐电休克）组起效更快,副反应更少。     

Risperidone versus haloperidol in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic inpatients with schizophrenia: a randomized double-blind study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of risperidone and haloperidol in treatment-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients. Subjects (n = 78) who met DSM-III criteria for schizophrenia were randomly assigned to receive 6 mg/day of risperidone or 20 mg/day of haloperidol for 12 weeks. Clinical efficacy was determined using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and side-effects with the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Risperidone produced a mean 39.8 +/- 24.1% reduction in total PANSS score compared to a mean 28.3 + 19.4% reduction in the haloperidol group (P < 0.05). Analysis of changes for the three subscores of the PANSS revealed that the general psychopathology and negative subscores were significantly improved in the risperidone group compared to the haloperidol group. As for the side-effects, the risperidone group showed a significantly lower TESS total score, as well as nervous system symptoms subscore and cardiovascular symptoms subscore, compared to the haloperidol group. Risperidone appears to be a more effective and better tolerated antipsychotic drug in treatment-refractory Chinese schizophrenia than haloperidol.     

Plasma levels of homovanillic acid and the response to risperidone in first episode untreated acute schizophrenia

We have previously reported that risperidone might improve negative symptoms in schizophrenia by influencing noradrenergic neurons. In the present study, we focused on the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of risperidone towards positive symptoms in the acute phase of schizophrenia. Thirty-four patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia and treated with risperidone alone were evaluated regarding their clinical improvement using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) before and 2 weeks after risperidone administration, and blood samples were also drawn at the same times. Plasma concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Plasma HVA levels in the responders to the risperidone treatment (more than 50% improvement in scores of positive symptoms in PANSS) were higher than those of non-responders before risperidone administration. Furthermore, there was a negative trend between changes in plasma HVA levels and improvement of total scores for positive symptoms in PANSS. These results suggest that higher levels of plasma HVA before risperidone administration might be a predictor of a good response to risperidone treatment, and the influence of risperidone on dopaminergic activity might be associated with its efficacy in treating symptoms of schizophrenia in the acute phase.     

Efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine in patients with schizophrenia who switched from haloperidol, olanzapine or risperidone

A post hoc analysis of the SPECTRUM trial was carried out to evaluate whether the improvements in efficacy and tolerability gained on switching to quetiapine occurred consistently for patients previously treated with either: haloperidol (n = 43); olanzapine (n = 66); or risperidone (n = 55) monotherapy. Patients were initiated with quetiapine to 400 mg/day over 7 days, and then flexibly dosed (300-750 mg/day) for 11 weeks. The mean (SD) modal dose of quetiapine was 501 (138) mg/day in the haloperidol subgroup, 472 (147) mg/day in the olanzapine subgroup and 485 (141) mg/day in the risperidone subgroup at the study endpoint. Switching to quetiapine induced significant improvements from baseline in PANSS scores, with least square mean changes in total scores of -32.5, -15.4, and -18.5 for patients previously treated with haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone, respectively, (all p < 0.001 vs baseline). Significant improvements were also noted in CDSS scores, particularly for patients clinically depressed at baseline (all p < 0.001 vs baseline). There were significant reductions in EPS on the SAS and BAS for all subgroups (all p < 0.001 vs baseline). Switching to quetiapine produced efficacy and tolerability benefits regardless of whether their previous antipsychotic was haloperidol, olanzapine or risperidone.