2.An International Adult Guideline for Making Clozapine Titration Safer by Using Ancestry-Based Personalized Dosing Titrations, C-Reactive Protein and Serum Clozapine Levels: Korean Translation and Its Clinical Application Cases
Jung Su PARK ; Nuree KANG ; Yong Min AHN ; Yong Sik KIM ; Se Hyun KIM
Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2023;26(2):52-60
Objectives:
During the initial clozapine titration, it is crucial to monitor for inflammatory reactions to ensure safe and effective administration. Clozapine metabolism varies by ancestry, particularly among Asians, warranting lower dosage. Recently, Dr. De Leon introduced guidelines based on ancestral differences. We aimed to provide a Korean translation, focusing on illustrating the necessity through clinical cases.
Methods:
The Korean translation of the guidelines, approved by Dr. De Leon, involved two psychiatrists who reviewed and revised each other’s work. An additional board-certified psychiatrist conducted an independent review. We examined two clinical cases from our institution’s database, where clozapine titration faced challenges due to fever and pneumonia, assessing guideline applicability.
Results:
The guidelines recommend a target clozapine dose of 175-300 mg/day for Asians with average metabolism and a slower titration rate compared to other ancestries. In both cases, CRP elevation was detected either before or simultaneously with the onset of fever, with a concentration-to-dose ratio ranging from 3.06 to 6.97.
Conclusion
The initial clozapine titration process should consider metabolic differences by ancestry and monitor for inflammation. Further research is needed to optimize the titration process for Koreans, considering metabolic rates, usage patterns, and side effects.
3.Efficacy and Safety of Lurasidone vs. Quetiapine XR in Acutely Psychotic Patients With Schizophrenia in Korea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Trial
Se Hyun KIM ; Do-Un JUNG ; Do Hoon KIM ; Jung Sik LEE ; Kyoung-Uk LEE ; Seunghee WON ; Bong Ju LEE ; Sung-Gon KIM ; Sungwon ROH ; Jong-Ik PARK ; Minah KIM ; Sung Won JUNG ; Hong Seok OH ; Han-yong JUNG ; Sang Hoon KIM ; Hyun Seung CHEE ; Jong-Woo PAIK ; Kyu Young LEE ; Soo In KIM ; Seung-Hwan LEE ; Eun-Jin CHEON ; Hye-Geum KIM ; Heon-Jeong LEE ; In Won CHUNG ; Joonho CHOI ; Min-Hyuk KIM ; Seong-Jin CHO ; HyunChul YOUN ; Jhin-Goo CHANG ; Hoo Rim SONG ; Euitae KIM ; Won-Hyoung KIM ; Chul Eung KIM ; Doo-Heum PARK ; Byung-Ook LEE ; Jungsun LEE ; Seung-Yup LEE ; Nuree KANG ; Hee Yeon JUNG
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(7):762-771
Objective:
This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone (160 mg/day) compared to quetiapine XR (QXR; 600 mg/day) in the treatment of acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia.
Methods:
Patients were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with lurasidone 160 mg/day (n=105) or QXR 600 mg/day (n=105). Primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline to week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI-S) score. Adverse events, body measurements, and laboratory parameters were assessed.
Results:
Lurasidone demonstrated non-inferiority to QXR on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean±standard error change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was -26.42±2.02 and -27.33±2.01 in the lurasidone and QXR group, respectively. The mean difference score was -0.91 (95% confidence interval -6.35–4.53). The lurasidone group showed a greater reduction in PANSS total and negative subscale on week 1 and a greater reduction in end-point CGI-S score compared to the QXR group. Body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference in the lurasidone group were reduced, with significantly lower mean change compared to QXR. Endpoint changes in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels were also significantly lower. The most common adverse drug reactions with lurasidone were akathisia and nausea.
Conclusion
Lurasidone 160 mg/day was found to be non-inferior to QXR 600 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia with comparable efficacy and tolerability. Adverse effects of lurasidone were generally tolerable, and beneficial effects on metabolic parameters can be expected.