Time to clincal stabilization of in-patients with schizophrenia after conversion to long-acting risperidone

Background: To evaluate the initial treatment course in patients with schizophrenia after transition to long-acting injectable risperidone (LAIR) treatment under clinical routine conditions (RIS-SIV-401). Methods: In-patients with schizophrenia were switched to LAIR treatment. Assessment included PANSS, NOSIE, AE, EPMS. Completion criteria were clinical stability under LAIR treatment and/or a maximum observational period of 12 weeks. Stable adjustment criteria were (1) LAIR was the only high potency antipsychotic, (2) stable/improved CGI, (3) stable LAIR dosage since previous visit. Results: 290 patients were documented. Mean age was 40.3 y. At discharge n=123 (43.8%) patients were judged clinically stable (S), n=167 (56.2%) not stable (NS). Median duration of hospitalization for S-group were 42, NS-group 28 days. PANSS and NOSIE revealed clinical and psychosocial amelioration in favour of S-group. EPMS were the most common AEs, although total EMPS-score improved during the observational period. Discussion: The observation of a shorter stay in hospital for clinically not stabilized patients with schizophrenia may be due to several factors [e.g. higher need of patients for discharge leading to “revolving door effect“, lack of therapeutic adherence]. Moreover, results suggest effectiveness and improved drug tolerability for LAIR in patients with schizophrenia.

This study was supported by Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Neuss, Germany.