Introduction. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder affecting almost 0.5% of the global population. Despite decades of research, it remains a debilitating condition that significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life (QoL) in aspects such as physical health, psychological well-being, independence, social relationships, beliefs, and environment. Current pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia consists of typical and atypical antipsychotics. Objective and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a population of 109 patients who met the DSM-IV-TR or ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia, aiming to assess their QoL, depending on the type of antipsychotic used (typical or atypical). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and simple linear regression was used to evaluate the impact of the type of antipsychotic on the QoL. In addition, educational level, pathology, and previous treatment were considered as controlling factors. QoL was assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-3L) and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life (WHO-QOL-BREF) Scale. Results. Patients treated with atypical antipsychotics (AA) presented higher overall scores on the EQ-5D-3L, indicating better QoL. In addition, there were significant associations between treatment type and gender, as well as employment status. However, no significant differences were observed in treatment history, marital status, educational level, or Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) results between the two groups. Conclusion. These findings highlight the need for individualized considerations of QoL when selecting the most suitable treatment approach for patients with schizophrenia. Further studies are warranted to provide precise guidance in tailoring treatments for these patients. Additionally, it is essential to conduct studies focusing on specific antipsychotic medications rather than broad categories to understand their distinct impacts on QoL and explore the complex relationships between antipsychotics and various influential factors in schizophrenia treatment
Introduction We discuss the case of a 75-year-old man with no psychiatric history, presenting with complex auditory hallucinations, both commentary and imperative, delusions of persecution and prejudice, severe anxiety, modified behaviour, and altered sleep patterns. Objectives The patient was started on oral risperidone, with favourable evolution of symptoms after reaching a daily dose of 3 mg/day. After three weeks of treatment, the laboratory results showed a low number of neutrophils. Interdisciplinary approach and examinations which included both clinical and paraclinical evaluation concluded that another cause of neutropenia was highly unlikely. Methods The patient was switched to olanzapine, with gradually increasing doses up to 10 mg/day. A significant improvement of the neutrophils’ level was noticed, with a return to normal parameters after a few days. Nevertheless, the clinical course was unfavourable, with reoccurrence of auditory hallucinations and delusions in two weeks’ time. Decision to rechallenge was made, with careful monitoring of the blood test results, particularly neutrophil levels. Risperidone was started at low doses of 0.5 mg/day and gradually increased up to 2 mg/day. Results Seven days after risperidone reinitiation laboratory tests showed normal absolute neutrophil count. However, another week later, neutrophils fell again out of the normal range. Conclusions The patient was discharged with haloperidol, with adequate control of symptoms and no adverse reactions. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the leading causes of death and disability among older people globally, is the most common form of dementia. The accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain leads to synaptic and neuronal loss, causing cognitive impairment and functional decline. Current treatment options, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, provide partial symptomatic relief but do not alter disease progression. Monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) have emerged as potential disease-modifying therapies by promoting the clearance of Aβ plaques. This paper reviews recent scientific literature and ongoing clinical trials related to monoclonal antibody treatments for AD. Aducanumab, Bapineuzumab, Gantenerumab, Lecanemab, and Solanezumab are among the most discussed monoclonal antibodies. Aducanumab, which has received accelerated approval from the FDA, demonstrates efficacy in reducing Aβ plaques but has generated controversy due to differing opinions among regulatory agencies. Adverse reactions, particularly amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), are associated with monoclonal antibody treatment. However, more extensive trials are required to establish their long-term safety and efficacy. Overall, monoclonal antibodies represent a potential breakthrough in AD treatment, although their use outside the US remains uncertain. Ongoing research and clinical trials are essential for further understanding and validating the efficacy and safety of these novel therapies.
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