Clinical outcome and olanzapine plasma levels in acute schizophrenia

M. C. Mauri, C. P C Steinhilber, R. Marino, E. Invernizzi, A. Fiorentini, G. Cerveri, M. L. Baldi, F. Barale

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose. - This open label study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the plasma concentration of olanzapine and the response in acute schizophrenic inpatients. Material and methods. - A total of 54 inpatients, 38 males and 16 females, age ranging from 18 to 75:years, affected by Schizophrenia (DSM IV criteria) during an exacerbation phase were included in the study. Olanzapine (OLZ) was started at a dose of 5-20:mg/day and was increased to a mean dose of 15.27:mg ±5.53 S.D. Patients were evaluated at baseline, and after 2:weeks, by using BPRS, PANNS, HRS-D, EPSE, and ACS. Results. - BPRS and total PANSS showed a statistically significant improvement at the end of the study. Olanzapine plasma levels (PL) ranged from 5 to 120:ng/ml (mean 33.15:ng/ml ± 28.28 S.D.) and showed a positive correlation with OLZ dosage. A significant curvilinear correlation between OLZ PL and clinical improvement (BPRS, PANSS and HRS-D percent of amelioration) was observed. Conclusion. - Olanzapine plasma level determination seems to be a useful tool in optimizing acute treatment particularly for more problematic cases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-60
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Psychiatry
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2005

Keywords

  • Acute schizophrenia
  • Olanzapine
  • Plasma levels

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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