Case Report: Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Lithium Monotherapy in Exclusive Breastfeeding. A Follow-Up Case Series

Background: Most guidelines advise that women taking lithium should not breastfeed. The variation in transfer is just one reason behind this advice.Objectives: To present clinical and pharmacokinetic data of nine mother–infant pairs exposed to lithium monotherapy during late pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding at the Perinatal Psychiatric Unit (2006–2018).Methods: We obtained sociodemographic data, medical risk factors, obstetric variables, and family and personal psychiatric history by semi-structured interview, and assessed maternal psychopathology with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. A senior neonatologist reviewed neonatal outcomes at birth using the Peripartum Events Scale. Paired maternal and cord blood and infant venous blood samples were collected. During the breastfeeding period, we monitored serum lithium and creatinine concentrations in mother–infant pairs at delivery, and at days 1–5, 7–11, 30, and 60 postpartum, and monthly until 6-months.Results: Lithium equilibrated completely across the placenta [1.13 (0.10), range (1.02–1.30)]. No women presented symptoms of postpartum lithium intoxication, two of the neonates presented transient hypotonia (22%). Lithium exposure was significantly less during breastfeeding than during late pregnancy, and serum lithium concentrations decreased up to 44% overtime from delivery to the first-month, and up to 60% to the third-month postpartum. There was no growth or developmental delay in the follow-up period. One woman had a manic episode with psychotic features at 45 days postpartum.Conclusions: In carefully selected women with bipolar disorder, lithium therapy when breastfeeding can be an appropriate option if coupled with close monitoring of the mother-infant pair.

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Impact of modification to DSM-5 criterion A for hypomania/mania in newly diagnosed bipolar patients: findings from the prospective BIO study

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40345-020-00219-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mette U. Fredskild ◽

Sharleny Stanislaus ◽

Klara Coello ◽

Sigurd A. Melbye ◽

Hanne Lie Kjærstad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Young Mania ◽

Dsm 5 ◽

Criterion A ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Bipolar Type ◽

Dsm Iv ◽

Bipolar Patients

Abstract Background DSM-IV states that criterion A for diagnosing hypomania/mania is mood change. The revised DSM-5 now states that increased energy or activity must be present alongside mood changes to diagnose hypomania/mania, thus raising energy/activity to criterion A. We set out to investigate how the change in criterion A affects the diagnosis of hypomanic/manic visits in patients with a newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. Results In this prospective cohort study, 373 patients were included (median age = 32; IQR, 27–40). Women constituted 66% (n = 245) of the cohort and 68% of the cohort (n = 253) met criteria for bipolar type II, the remaining patients were diagnosed bipolar type I. Median number of contributed visits was 2 per subject (IQR, 1–3) and median follow-up time was 3 years (IQR, 2–4). During follow-up, 127 patients had at least one visit with fulfilled DSM-IV criterion A. Applying DSM-5 criterion A reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit by 62% at baseline and by 50% during longitudinal follow-up, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Fulfilling DSM-5 criterion A during follow-up was associated with higher modified young mania rating scale score (OR = 1.51, CL [1.34, 1.71], p < 0.0001) and increased number of visits contributed (OR = 1.86, CL [1.52, 2.29], p < 0.0001). Conclusion Applying the stricter DSM-5 criterion A in a cohort of newly diagnosed bipolar patients reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit substantially, and was associated with higher overall young mania rating scale scores, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Consequently, fewer hypomanic/manic visits may be detected in newly diagnosed bipolar patients with applied DSM-5 criterion A, and the upcoming ICD-11, which may possibly result in longer diagnostic delay of BD as compared with the DSM-IV.

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Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Documented Anterior Uveal Melanoma Regression after Ruthenium-106 Plaque Therapy

Ocular Oncology and Pathology ◽

10.1159/000512030 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Biljana Kuzmanović Elabjer ◽

Mladen Bušić ◽

Andrej Pleše ◽

Mirjana Bjeloš ◽

Daliborka Miletić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Uveal Melanoma ◽

Tumor Regression ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Case Series ◽

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Single Institution ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Caucasian Patients

Introduction: Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is the only widely used method for the evaluation of anterior uveal melanoma (AUM). Objective: Documentation of regression of AUM treated with ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque types CCB and CCC using UBM. Methods: This single institution-based retrospective case series involved 10 Caucasian patients with AUM followed after brachytherapy with UBM from January 2014 until February 2019. The largest prominence of the tumor perpendicular to the sclera or the cornea (including scleral/corneal thickness) (D) and the largest basal dimension (B) were measured in millimeters with UBM for all patients prior to the brachytherapy and at 4-month interval follow-up. Tumor regression was calculated as a percentage of decrease in the initial D and B values. Results: The study involved 10 patients with a mean age of 64.4 years (yr) (range 46–80 yr). D ranged from 1.82 to 5.5 mm (median 2.99 mm) and B from 2.32 to 12.38 mm (median 4.18 mm). The apical radiation dose in all patients was 100 Gy. The median follow-up was 42.02 months. Regression for D was 21.11 ± 13.66%, 31.09 ± 14.66%, and 34.92 ± 19.86% at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year of the follow-up, respectively, while for B it was 21.58 ± 16.05%, 28.98 ± 17.71%, and 32.06 ± 18.96%, respectively. Tumor recurrence was documented in 2/10 patients. Conclusion: The major regression of AUM, treated with Ru-106 plaque types CCB and CCC, was documented in the first 2 years after brachytherapy in our study group. In the following years, only minimal regression was documented that warns of the need for close monitoring and active search for local recurrences.

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A Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm to Treat Achilles Tendinopathy: An Exploratory Case Series

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2016-0033 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 260-268

Author(s):

Patti Syvertson ◽

Emily Dietz ◽

Monica Matocha ◽

Janet McMurray ◽

Russell Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Case Series ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Achilles Tendinopathy ◽

Global Rating ◽

Physically Active ◽

Indirect Treatment

Context:Achilles tendinopathy is relatively common in both the general and athletic populations. The current gold standard for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is eccentric exercise, which can be painful and time consuming. While there is limited research on indirect treatment approaches, it has been proposed that tendinopathy patients do respond to indirect approaches in fewer treatments without provoking pain.Objective:To determine the effectiveness of using a treatment-based-classification (TBC) algorithm as a strategy for classifying and treating patients diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Participants:11 subjects (mean age 28.0 ±15.37 y) diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Design:Case series.Setting:Participants were evaluated, diagnosed, and treated at multiple clinics.Main Outcome Measures:Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPA Scale), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A), Global Rating of Change (GRC), and Nirschl Phase Rating Scale were recorded to establish baseline scores and evaluate participant progress.Results:A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze NRS scores from initial exam to discharge and at 1-mo follow-up. Paired t tests were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of using a TBC algorithm from initial exam to discharge on the DPA Scale and VISA-A. Descriptive statistics were evaluated to determine outcomes as reported on the GRC.Conclusion:The results of this case series provide evidence that using a TBC algorithm can improve function while decreasing pain and disability in Achilles tendinopathy participants.

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A 6-month follow-up study on response and relapse rates following an acute trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with major depression

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852920001807 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Chiara Arici ◽

Beatrice Benatti ◽

Rita Cafaro ◽

Laura Cremaschi ◽

Luca Degoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Major Depression ◽

Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

High Rate ◽

Late Response ◽

Young Mania ◽

Relapse Rates

Abstract Background Little is known about the post-acute effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with major depression. The present study focused on the 6-month follow-up of a sample of patients with major depression, after the completion of an acute 4 weeks rTMS trial, with the aim of evaluating response (in terms of sustained and late response) and relapse rates. Methods Following the completion of an acute trial of rTMS (T0-T4), 31 drug-resistant depressed patients (bipolar or unipolar) entered a naturalistic follow-up period of 6 months, with three timepoints (T5, T6, and T7) during which they were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale. Results Results showed that in the 6 months following an acute transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) trial, a higher rate of late responders was observed among previously acute TMS nonresponders (63.64%, 7 out of 11) compared to the rate of relapse among those who had acutely responded to TMS (10%, 2 out of 20). In addition, an overall high rate of maintained response (90%) was observed. Conclusion Present findings seem to support the possibility of obtaining a clinical response also after the end of an acute TMS trial in patients with major depression. The concomitant low rate of relapse observed at the end of follow-up along with a high rate of maintained response provides further support to the post-acute efficacy of TMS. Nonetheless, further controlled studies, with larger samples and longer follow-up observation, are needed to confirm the reported results.

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Rapid amelioration of severe manic episodes with right unilateral ultrabrief pulse ECT: a case series of four patients

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856216663736 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 10-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alexey Sidorov ◽

Prashanth Mayur

Keyword(s):

Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽

Clinical Global Impression ◽

Treatment Efficacy ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Case Series ◽

Inadequate Response ◽

Young Mania ◽

Dramatic Decrease ◽

Current Case ◽

Significant Clinical Improvement

Objective: The aim of this small case series is to describe four cases of severe mania, where ultrabrief pulse electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was used as a primary mode of treatment. Methods: A retrospective file review was undertaken of four patients identified as having received ultrabrief pulse ECT for severe mania. The outcome measures for treatment efficacy were the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Results: All the patients showed significant clinical improvement. A comparison of pre- and post-treatment YMRS and CGI scores showed a dramatic decrease in all four cases. However, one patient was shifted to brief pulse ECT due to inadequate response. Conclusions: Ultrabrief pulse ECT may be an effective treatment in cases of severe mania. Due to the very small number of cases in the current case series, no specific conclusions regarding efficacy may be drawn; however, larger, controlled studies would be indicated.

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Results of Arthroscopic Medial Retinacular Release for Treatment of Medial Subluxation of the Patella

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546507299445 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 35 (7) ◽

pp. 1180-1187 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Brian D. Shannon ◽

James S. Keene

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Case Series ◽

High Rate ◽

Lateral Release ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patellar Subluxation ◽

Subluxation Of The Patella ◽

The Mean ◽

Medial Release

Background Medial subluxation of the patella is a rare, disabling condition that has iatrogenic and traumatic causation. To date, only open reconstructions have been reported for operative treatment of this condition, but these procedures have a high rate of complications, revisions, and subsequent surgery. This is the first study to present the results of arthroscopic medial retinacular release for treatment of this problem. Hypothesis Arthroscopic release will alleviate painful medial patellar subluxation. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Nine knees (7 patients) with painful, recurrent medial subluxation of the patella that occurred spontaneously (2 knees) or after a lateral release (5 knees) or an injury (2 knees) were treated with an arthroscopic medial retinacular release. The retinaculum was released 2 cm medial to the superior pole of the patella down to the anteromedial portal. At a mean follow-up of 2.7 years (range, 1-8 years), all knees were evaluated, and the results were graded according to the Merchant and Mercer rating scale. Results The mean age of the patients was 25 years (range, 15-38 years), and the mean duration of the subluxations before surgery was 28 months (range, 6-48 months). In all 7 patients (9 knees), the medial release relieved their medial subluxation and knee pain, and there were 6 excellent and 3 good results. There were no complications or further realignment surgery needed after this procedure. Conclusion An arthroscopic medial retinacular release will successfully treat painful medial subluxation of the patella.

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Repair of Large Chondral Defects of the Knee with Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Patients 45 Years or Older

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546508322888 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 36 (12) ◽

pp. 2336-2344 ◽

Cited By ~ 100

Author(s):

Ralf E. Rosenberger ◽

Andreas H. Gomoll ◽

Tim Bryant ◽

Tom Minas

Keyword(s):

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Short Form ◽

Case Series ◽

Younger Patients ◽

Chondral Defects ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has become an accepted option for the treatment of chondral defects in carefully selected patients. Current recommendations limit this procedure to younger patients, as insufficient data are available to conclusively evaluate outcomes in patients older than 45 years. Hypothesis Cartilage repair with ACI in patients older than 45 years results in substantially different outcomes than those previously reported for younger age groups. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods This prospective cohort study reviewed patients 45 years of age at the time of treatment with ACI. The clinical evaluation included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and four validated rating scales: Short Form-36, Modified Cincinnati Rating Scale, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Osteoarthritis Index, and the Knee Society Score. Results A total of 56 patients 45 years of age were treated with ACI. The average patient age at index surgery was 48.6 years (range, 45–60 years). The minimum follow-up was 2 years (range, 2–11 years; mean, 4.7 years). The cohort included 36 men and 20 women. The mean transplant size was 4.7 cm2 per defect (range, 1–15.0 cm2) and 9.8 cm2 per knee (range, 2.5–31.6 cm2). Twenty-eight patients (50%) underwent concomitant osteotomies to address malalignment. There were 8 failures (14%); 6 of 15 (40%) in patients receiving workers’ compensation (WC) and 2 of 41 (4.9%) in non-WC patients. Additional arthroscopic surgical procedures were required in 24 patients (43%) for periosteal-related problems and adhesions; 88% of these patients experienced lasting improvement. At their latest available follow-up, 72% of patients rated themselves as good or excellent, 78% felt improved, and 81 % would again choose ACI as a treatment option. Conclusion Our results showed a failure rate of ACI in older patients that is comparable with rates reported in younger patient groups. The procedure is associated with a substantial rate of reoperations, mostly for the arthroscopic treatment of graft hypertrophy, similar to that in younger patients.

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Weight gain in patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab: a case series

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18421/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Kristin Johansson ◽

Lina Ulrika Ivert ◽

Baltzar Bradley ◽

Maria Lundqvist ◽

Maria Bradley

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Weight Change ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Case Series ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

Rank Test ◽

Severe Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Night Sleep

Abstract Background Dupilumab, targeting the interleukin-4α receptor and inhibiting the action of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, was recently approved for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. There is limited data on long-term effects and safety among patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab. Weight gain was observed among patients treated with dupilumab in our clinic. The aim was to describe weight change in a case series of patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab from baseline to follow-up after 12 months, and to analyze if weight change was associated with effect of treatment, reported appetite, and/or disturbed night sleep due to itching. Methods All patients with atopic dermatitis receiving systemic treatment at the Unit of Dermatology, Karolinska University Hospital, have been registered and monitored consecutively since January 2017. This case series constituted all patients who started treatment on dupilumab or methotrexate between 10 January 2017 and 30 June 2019 with at least 6 months of follow-up within the study period. The following variables were monitored at start of and during treatment: Eczema Severity Score Index, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, visual analogue scale for pruritus 10cm, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and weight. Data analyses were performed using two-sample Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank-sum test, or the Wilcoxon matched-pairs sign-rank test with a p-value <0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results Patients treated with dupilumab (n=12) gained weight (mean 6.1 kg, range [0.1–18.0], p=0.002) after one year on treatment. The majority of patients showed a good response to treatment with dupilumab (n=11); at follow-up at 6, 9, or 12 months, they reached EASI-90 (n=6), EASI-75 (n=4), or EASI-50 (n=1). There was no significant association between weight gain and treatment response, reported appetite, or disturbed night-sleep due to itch. Patients treated with methotrexate showed no significant weight change (n=8). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report on a possible association between weight gain and dupilumab treatment; the extent of the association is yet to be seen, as is the mechanism behind this finding.

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Augmentative transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in poor responder depressed patients: a follow-up study

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852913000497 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 347-354 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Bernardo Dell'Osso ◽

Cristina Dobrea ◽

Chiara Arici ◽

Beatrice Benatti ◽

Roberta Ferrucci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Direct Current ◽

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Drop Out ◽

Young Mania ◽

Double Blind ◽

Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Follow Up Study

ObjectivesTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that has received increasing interest in the area of mood disorders over the last several years. While acute, double-blind, sham-controlled studies have already reported positive findings in terms of efficacy and safety for tDCS, follow-up data are lacking. This need prompted the present follow-up study, which assesses post-acute effects of tDCS (no maintenance stimulation was performed), in the mid-term, in a sample of major depressives.MethodsAfter completing an acute, open trial of tDCS, 23 outpatients with either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder entered a naturalistic follow-up (T1) with clinical evaluations at one week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 3 months (T4). A quantitative analysis of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total scores, through repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (T1–T4) and paired t-test for comparing specific time points (T1–T2, T2–T3, and T3–T4), was performed. In addition, a qualitative analysis on the basis of treatment response and remission (HAM-D) was performed.ResultsEven though a progressive reduction of follow-up completers was observed from T2 to T4 (95.6% at T2, 65.2% at T3, and 47.8% at T4), the antidepressant effects of acute tDCS persisted over 3 months in almost half of the sample. Of note, no post-acute side effects emerged during the follow-up observation. The most frequent causes of drop-out from this study included major modifications in therapeutic regimen (30%) and poor adherence to follow-up visits (17%).ConclusionsIn this mid-term, open, follow-up study, tDCS showed mixed results. Further controlled studies are urgently needed to assess its effects beyond the acute phase.

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Discontinuation of antipsychotic therapy in severe mania: A six months follow-up study

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1143 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S329-S330

Author(s):

S. Brioschi ◽

D. Delmonte ◽

C. De Santis ◽

L. Franchini ◽

C. Colombo

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Remission Rate ◽

Mood Stabilizer ◽

Manic Episode ◽

Young Mania ◽

Antipsychotic Therapy ◽

Course Of Illness ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

Continuation Therapy

IntroductionIndependently of the drug choice, antimaniac treatment has to be continued at least until full remission. Most guidelines recommend continuation therapy for 6–12 months but controlled studies are lacking.ObjectivesA six months follow-up study on a sample of 57 inpatients affected by mania at Mood Disorder Unit.AimsTo evaluate a timeframe for the discontinuation of the antipsychotic therapy.MethodsFifty-seven bipolar inpatients affected by a manic episode according to DSM-5 criteria. Patients treated according to our pharmacological protocol with a mood stabilizer (lithium or valproate) and an antipsychotic (haloperidol or risperidone). Course of illness assessed with Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scored at week 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24. Remission defined as YMRS < 12.ResultsTwenty men (35.09%) and 37 women (64.91%); mean age 43.18 ± 12.71 years. Mean YMRS basal score 38.55 ± 8.08. At 4th week, remission rate was 54.39% (31 patients); at 8th week was 80.70% (46 patients). At 8th week, 39/57 patients (68.42%) discontinued the antipsychotic. Relapse rate after 6 months was 26.32% (12 depressed, 3 manic). Multiple regression, t-test and Chi2 analysis were performed: older patients (P = 0.01) and with higher number of episodes (P = 0.04) tend to relapse earlier. Neither severity of the episode (P = 0.3), nor delusional symptoms (P = 0.6) nor discontinuation of the antipsychotic (P = 0.3) correlate with relapse time.ConclusionsOur experience suggests that an early discontinuation of antipsychotics, usually 4–8 weeks after remission, does not worsen the short-term course of illness. This approach could minimize the risk of side effects. Evidence is lacking about the duration of this therapy, long-term studies are still necessary.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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