Utilizing plasma drug levels and genetic testing to achieve optimal treatment response in a patient with treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder.

We report the case of a Chinese male with schizoaffective disorder, an active smoker and a nonresponder to clozapine (600 mg daily). Therapeutic clozapine monitoring was analyzed, revealing a low concentration-dose ratio. A pharmacogenetic test showed that the patient had the CYP1A2*1F/*1F genotype, indicating an ultra-rapid clozapine metabolizer. In combination with fluvoxamine, a CYP1A2 enzyme inhibitor, clozapine plasma concentrations approached the reference range and achieved clinical improvement. This case demonstrates how pharmacogenetics can help understand the value of therapeutic drug monitoring to enhance the treatment of refractory schizoaffective disorder.

Immune-inflammatory responses and pulmonary embolism in Catatonia: A report of two cases.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). PE, as the most severe manifestation of VTE, can cause increased mortality in patients with mental disorders. Here we describe two cases of young male patients with catatonia who developed PE and DVT during their hospital stay. We also discuss the possible pathogenesis, with a focus on immune and inflammatory mechanisms.

The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery: Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version in Young Patients With Major Depression Disorder.

Background: Young patients with major depressive disorder are also associated with cognitive deficits. The development of an accurate and effective battery to measure cognitive impairment in young patients with major depressive disorder (Y-MDD) is necessary for both research and clinical practice. This study was designed to test the psychometric properties of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) in Y-MDD. Method: Fifty Y-MDD patients, 38 euthymic young patients with bipolar disorder (Y-BD), and 51 healthy teenagers were recruited. The MCCB and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were administered to assess cognitive impairment at baseline. The MCCB was also assessed 2 weeks later in Y-MDD patients. All subjects were between the ages of 13 and 24 years. Result: In the current study, cognitive impairment was greater in Y-BD patients than in Y-MDD patients in some domains. The MCCB has good internal consistency and reliability in Y-MDD patients. The Pearson correlation coefficients for retest reliability were good. Our findings also revealed an acceptable correlation between the MCCB and the MoCA, indicating good concurrent validity of the MCCB. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis of the MCCB in Y-MDD patients revealed five domains with acceptable internal structures. Conclusion: The MCCB has acceptable psychometric properties and is a sensitive battery of cognitive impairment in Y-MDD patients. In the future, additional studies need to be carried out with larger samples while controlling for the use of psychotropic medications and antidepressants to validate the findings of the present study.