Psychogenic Hyperphagia: Excessive Eating as Stereotypy in a Patient with Catatonia.

Catatonia is a complex syndrome with unique cognitive, psychomotor, and mood features. Mannerisms and stereotypies are catatonic signs that have been extensively observed and described in the literature, mostly in the context of movements or motor acts. Stereotypies are commonly described as repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts with the abnormality not inherent in the act but in its frequency. Mannerisms, like stereotypies, are repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts, but they are fundamentally odd in nature. Recently, several reports have described these phenomena in the context of complex behaviors, such as eating and drinking. Identification and appreciation of personal and cultural norms, in addition to a careful analysis of behavioral processes and actions, are important tools for clinicians to identify these potentially elusive and often missed patterns of behavior in patients with catatonia. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a psychiatric history of treatment-resistant, recurrent major depressive disorder with psychotic features who presented to the inpatient psychiatric unit with signs of catatonia, including repeated, purposeless eating. The patient's chart was reviewed, and a literature review was conducted using PubMed with the keywords catatonia, stereotypies, mannerisms, and hyperphagia. The patient, who was diagnosed with catatonia and expressed hyperphagia as a stereotypy, responded to lorazepam. This case shows that hyperphagia may present as a stereotypy in patients with catatonia.

Revisión de la utilización de la prueba con lorazepam como evaluación diagnóstica de catatonía / Review of the utilization of the lorazepam test as a diagnostic evaluation of catatonia

La catatonía es un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico que se presenta con una serie heterogénea de signos y síntomas psicomotores, afectivos, conductuales y autonómicos. Es una manifestación inespecífica de ciertos trastornos mentales, metabólicos, inmunológicos, endocrinológicos, infecciosos y neurológicos, y es fundamental establecer estrategias de diagnóstico precoz para implementar medidas terapéuticas eficaces y oportunas. El objetivo de esta revisión sistematizada es evaluar la utilidad de la prueba de lorazepam como estrategia diagnóstica en individuos con catatonía. Se utilizó los buscadores Cochrane, Lilacs, Scielo, Pubmed y Scopus. Los artículos seleccionados son ensayos clínicos y cohortes prospectivos, en los cuales se analizó la forma de diagnóstico de catatonía, la utilización y protocolo de la prueba de lorazepam y las medidas de respuesta. La búsqueda inicial determinó 87 artículos; aplicando los criterios de inclusión y exclusión se culminó en la elección de 8 artículos. La identificación de la catatonía presenta dificultades y su diagnóstico es variable, lo cual genera limitaciones en cuanto a intervenciones precoces. Existe una heterogeneidad de evaluaciones y de estrategias, pero la bibliografía es sugerente en cuanto a la utilización de lorazepam como evaluación confirmatoria y tratamiento inicial de la catatonía. La prueba de lorazepam forma parte de un protocolo de manejo, y puede ser un paso en la toma de decisiones para que individuos con catatonía reciban una intervención oportuna. Se concluye que la prueba de lorazepam es una técnica accesible y replicable, con resultados prometedores para su eventual implementación, pero se necesita nuevos estudios que involucren su aplicación estandarizada.

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a heterogeneous range of psychomotor, affective, behavioral, and autonomic signs and symptoms. It is a nonspecific manifestation of certain mental, metabolic, immunological, endocrinological, infectious, and neurological disorders. Therefore, it is essential to establish early diagnostic strategies to implement effective and timely therapeutic measures. This review aims to evaluate the utility of the Lorazepam Challenge Test as a diagnostic strategy in individuals with catatonia. A review was conducted using search engines such as Cochrane, Lilacs, Scielo, Pubmed, and Scopus. The initial search yielded 87 articles, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected. The selected articles are clinical trials and prospective cohorts, where catatonia diagnosis, the use and protocol of the Lorazepam Challenge Test, and response measures were analyzed. Identifying catatonia is challenging, and its diagnosis varies, leading to limitations in early interventions. There is a heterogeneity of evaluations and strategies, but the literature suggests the use of lorazepam as a confirmatory evaluation and initial treatment for catatonia. The Lorazepam Challenge Test is part of a management protocol and can be a decision-making step for individuals with catatonia to receive timely intervention. It is concluded that The Lorazepam Challenge Test is an accessible and replicable technique with promising results for potential implementation, requiring further studies involving its standardized application.

COVID-19 et les soins palliatifs en contexte de pénuries pendant la pandémie / COVID-19 and palliative care in the context of shortages during the pandemic

CONTEXTE: Le présent document ainsi que les constats qu'il énonce ont été rédigés en réponse à une interpellation du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux dans le contexte de l'urgence sanitaire liée à la maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) au Québec. L'objectif est de réaliser une recension sommaire des données publiées et de mobiliser les savoirs clés afin d'informer les décideurs publics et les professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux. Vu la nature rapide de cette réponse, les constats ou les positions qui en découlent ne reposent pas sur un repérage exhaustif des données publiées, une évaluation de la qualité méthodologique des études avec une méthode systématique ou sur un processus de consultation élaboré. Dans les circonstances d'une telle urgence de santé publique, l'INESSS reste à l'affût de toutes nouvelles données susceptibles de lui faire modifier cette réponse rapide. PRÉSENTATION DE LA DEMANDE: Le midazolam (VersedMC), lorazépam (AtivanMC) ainsi que le phénobarbital font partie des médicaments administrés en soins palliatifs. Le contexte actuel d'urgence sanitaire lié à la COVID-19 exerce une forte pression sur l'usage de ces médicaments. Afin d'être en mesure d'offrir des soins palliatifs de qualité aux personnes qui le nécessitent, et ce, même en cas de pénurie, le MSSS a demandé à l'INESSS de rechercher les médicaments pouvant constituer des alternatives au lorazépam, midazolam et au phénobarbital en soins palliatifs, tout en tenant compte des ruptures de stock actuelles et anticipées de ces médicaments. Une attention particulière a été portée aux moyens permettant de limiter les pertes de produits, ainsi que l'usage du matériel pouvant être appelé à manquer, tels les pompes volumétriques. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Revue de littérature Questions d'évaluation: 1. Quelles sont les alternatives au midazolam (VersedMC), au lorazépam (AtivanMC) et au phénobarbital en soins palliatifs? 2. Quels seraient les moyens permettant de limiter les pertes de ces médicaments? Repérage des publications : Date de la recherche: 9 avril. Une recherche rapide a été effectuée en utilisant les bases de données Pubmed, Medline, Embase, EBM Reviews et le moteur de recherche Google avec les mots-clés suivants: midazolam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, palliative care, palliative sedation, drug shortage. Une recherche manuelle de la littérature a également été effectuée en consultant les sites Web des agences règlementaires, d'agences d'évaluation des technologies de la santé ainsi que ceux d'organismes gouvernementaux, d'associations ou ordres professionnels en lien avec le thème des travaux. CONSTATS DE L'INESSS: Basé sur la documentation scientifique disponible au moment de sa rédaction, et sur les consultations menées, malgré l'incertitude existante dans cette documentation et dans la démarche utilisée, l'INESSS met en lumière que: La pénurie de médicaments, réelle ou potentielle, doit être communiquée localement dès maintenant aux différents intervenants et des actions mises en place immédiatement, si ce n'est pas déjà fait, dans tous les centres hospitaliers du Québec, qu'ils reçoivent ou non des patients atteints de la COVID-19. L'utilisation des options alternatives devrait donc être favorisée dès maintenant afin d'éviter une pression à la baisse sur les stocks des molécules déjà à risque de pénurie. Dans un contexte d'approvisionnement limité et incertain, il faut éviter le gaspillage et minimiser les pertes; de plus, l'usage de certains produits critiques devrait être priorisé et réservé aux situations pour lesquelles les options alternatives sont peu ou pas envisageables. Il est important de bien adapter le choix des médicaments en fonction des symptômes que l'on souhaite soulager, de l'état du patient et du degré de sédation désiré. Pour soutenir les plus petits centres hospitaliers dans l'usage des options alternatives en soins palliatifs, il serait important de faciliter le partage des connaissances développées dans les grands centres hospitaliers au moyen, par exemple, d'un programme de mentorat. Les patients atteints de COVID-19 chez qui l'approche préconisée est palliative devront faire l'objet d'une prise en charge adaptée qui tient compte de la mitigation des risques de transmission ou contamination. Considérant l'évolution de la pandémie et les milieux d'exercice des soins de fin de vie, les pratiques devront néanmoins s'adapter en tenant compte des éléments d'expertise locale et de capacité du milieu à offrir certains soins.

An Easy and Reliable Way to Prevent Electrocardiographic Deteriorations of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Preoperative Anxiolytic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. RESULTS: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

An easy and reliable way to prevent electrocardiographic deteriorations of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: preoperative anxiolytic treatment

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. Results: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

TeleCondutas: avaliação e manejo da insônia / TeleGuides: evaluation and management of insomnia

A insônia é o mais prevalente dos transtornos do sono. É definida como a insatisfação com a qualidade ou a quantidade de sono, que ocorre a despeito de adequada oportunidade para dormir e que impõe ao indivíduo algum tipo de prejuízo durante o dia. A prevalência da insônia crônica em sociedades industrializadas é de 5 a 10%. Entre pessoas portadoras de doença crônica (psiquiátricas ou não) e idosos, a prevalência é significativamente maior. Trata-se de queixa frequente na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Este material contempla as situações mais comumente associadas a insônia na APS, assim como o manejo inicial desta queixa. Está baseado em extensa revisão das evidências disponíveis na literatura, em boas práticas clínicas e adaptado à realidade brasileira, considerando as intervenções terapêuticas disponíveis. Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de avaliação e manejo da insônia no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: Avaliação Geral, Avaliação Objetiva, Avaliação e Manejo em situações específicas, Intervenções Não-Farmacológicas, Manejo Farmacológico na APS, Retirada de benzodiazepínico, Preocupações com uso de amitriptilina, Fármacos não recomendados na APS, Avaliação longitudinal da insônia, Fluxograma para avaliação e manejo da insônia.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit / Convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica

Abstract Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or “pseudoseizures”) remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. Case: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and “seizures” presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as “controlled” without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3 min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. Discussion: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90 s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Resumo Introdução: As convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas (CNEP ou “pseudoconvulsões”) permanecem como tema obscuro no cenário perioperatório. Trata-se de distúrbios motores e cognitivos súbitos, mas por tempo limitado, que imitam as convulsões epilépticas, mas que são psicogenicamente mediados. Pseudoconvulsões ocorrem com mais frequência do que epilepsia em cenário perioperatório. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoces podem evitar lesões iatrogênicas. Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 48 anos, com história de depressão e “convulsões”, apresentou-se para cirurgia ginecológica. A paciente descreveu sua história de convulsões “controladas” sem o uso de terapia anticonvulsivante. Foi submetida à anestesia geral sem intercorrências e recuperou-se neurologicamente intacta. Durante as duas primeiras horas de pós-operatório, apresentou três episódios semelhantes à convulsão, com tremores generalizados das extremidades e impulso pélvico; seus olhos estavam bem fechados. Não observamos mordedura da língua ou incontinência. Os episódios duraram cerca de três minutos cada; um dos episódios resolveu espontaneamente e os outros dois após a administração de lorazepam por via intravenosa. Durante os episódios, a condição hemodinâmica da paciente era estável e a ventilação adequada, de modo que a intubação traqueal foi considerada injustificável. Após a convulsão, a paciente estava neurologicamente intacta. Tomografia axial da cabeça, teste metabólico e eletroencefalograma não mostraram alterações. O diagnóstico de provável CNEP foi feito. Discussão: As convulsão não epilépticas psicogênicas imitam o tremor e devem ser inicialmente consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial de tremor pós-operatório, pois podem ser mais prováveis do que a epilepsia nesse cenário. Os padrões da pseudoconvulsão incluem episódios convulsivos assíncronos que duram mais de 90 segundos, olhos forçadamente fechados com resistência à abertura e respostas pupilares mantidas. Manifestações autonômicas, como taquicardia, cianose e incontinência, normalmente estão ausentes. Uma história psiquiátrica é comum. O conhecimento e o diagnóstico correto de pseudoconvulsões são muito importantes para os anestesiologistas para a prevenção de morbidade e lesões iatrogênicas, como a parada respiratória causada por terapia anticonvulsivante, além dos riscos associados à intubação orotraqueal e internação prolongada. O diagnóstico de pseudoconvulsões deve ser cuidadosamente documentado e retransmitido nas trocas de equipes médicas para evitar erros de diagnóstico e complicações iatrogênicas. As recomendações de tratamento são anedóticas; intervenções psiquiátricas são o pilar do tratamento. As recomendações anestésicas incluem técnicas que envolvem o uso de agentes de ação curta, juntamente com altos níveis de apoio e amparo psicológico no período perioperatório.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit.

INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or "pseudoseizures") remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. CASE: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and "seizures" presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as "controlled" without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. DISCUSSION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Exacerbation of mood symptoms associated to primary and secondary carnitine deficiency: a case report.

Rarely screened in psychiatric patients, primary and/or secondary Carnitine deficiency could be influencing and/or mimicking the mood symptoms of our patient population. The brain and specifically neurons are highly vulnerable to impairments in oxidative metabolism, which can lead to neuronal cell death and disorders of neurotransmitters causing changes in cognition and behavior. For this reason, identification of this disorder is important since its treatment could result in symptom improvement and better quality of life of our patients. We present a case where exacerbation of mood symptoms was associated to primary and secondary Carnitine deficiency.

Therapeutic effectiveness of Galphimia glauca vs. lorazepam in generalized anxiety disorder. A controlled 15-week clinical trial.

UNLABELLED: Galphimia glauca Cav. has demonstrated anxiolytic activity attributable to nor-seco-triterpenes denominated galphimines, the most active of which is galphimine-B. Galphimine-B inhibits ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons and interacts with the serotoninergic system of the dorsal hippocampus. A previous clinical study that administered a G. glauca herbal medicinal product for 4 weeks evidenced high percentages of therapeutic effectiveness and safety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Based on the previous findings, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of G. glauca herbal medicinal product administered during 15 weeks in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. STUDY DESIGN: double-blind, randomized, lorazepam-controlled clinical trial. STUDY SUBJECTS: adult males and females, ambulatory, diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, with 20 or more points on the Hamilton anxiety scale, without data of depression, and without anxiolytic treatment in the previous month. Interventions were as follows. Experimental treatment: G. glauca herbal medicinal product in capsules containing the dry extract of G. glauca standardized in 0.175 mg of galphimine-B, one or two capsules twice a day, during 12 weeks plus 3 withdrawal weeks, and control treatment: lorazepam 0.5 mg with the same presentation and posology. PRIMARY OUTCOME: anxiolytic effectiveness (≥ 50 % reduction of initial Hamilton anxiety scale score). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: tolerability and safety. One hundred ninety-one patients initiated the study with 94 in the experimental group. One hundred four patients concluded the study, 51 of these in the experimental group. Anxiolytic effectiveness, measured as 0 in a negative case and as 1 in a positive case, was assessed 593 times in the experimental group and 631 in the control; the mean effectiveness observed was 0.686 ± 0.019 vs. 0.588 ± 0.019 (repeated-measures ANOVA; p = 0.0003). In the same way, G. glauca-herbal medicinal product diminished the score in the Hamilton anxiety scale to 11.51 ± 8.27 points and lorazepam to 12.40 ± 8.07 points (repeated-measures ANOVA; p = 0.05). The tolerability analysis, which comprised patients who concluded the treatment plus 11 patients who withdrew due to adverse reactions did not show differences between treatments (p = 0.35), nor did therapeutic safety demonstrate differences between groups (p = 0.21). There were no cases of tolerance, intoxication, dependence, or suppression syndrome. We concluded that G. glauca herbal medicinal product, standardized in 0.175 mg of galphimine-B and administered for 15 weeks to patients with generalized anxiety disorder, showed greater anxiolytic effectiveness than that obtained with lorazepam, with high percentages of therapeutic tolerability and safety.

[Haloperidol plus promethazine for agitated patients--a systematic review]. / Haloperidol mais prometazina para pacientes agitados--uma revisão sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid and safe tranquillisation is sometimes unavoidable. We conducted this systematic review to determine the value of the combination haloperidol plus promethazine, frequently used in Brazil. METHOD: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register and included all randomised clinical trials involving aggressive people with psychosis for which haloperidol plus promethazine was being used. We reliably selected, quality assessed and extracted data from all relevant studies. RESULTS: We identified four relevant high quality studies. The combination haloperidol plus promethazine mix was compared with midazolam, lorazepam, haloperidol alone and olanzapine Intramuscular. In Brazil, haloperidol plus promethazine was effective with over 2/3 of people being tranquil by 30 minutes, but midazolam was more swift and in India, compared with lorazepam, the combination was more effective. Over the next few hours reported differences are negligible. Haloperidol given without promethazine in this situation causes frequent serious adverse effects. Olanzapine is as rapidly tranquillising as haloperidol plus promethazine, but did not have an enduring effect and more people needed additional drugs within 4 hours. CONCLUSION: All treatments evaluated are effective, but this review provides compelling evidence as to clear advantages of the haloperidol plus promethazine combination.

Haloperidol mais prometazina para pacientes agitados - uma revisão sistemática / Haloperidol plus promethazine for agitated patients - a systematic review

OBJETIVO: A tranquilização farmacológica rápida e segura de episódios de agitação/agressividade é muitas vezes inevitável. Esta revisão investiga a efetividade da combinação haloperidol e prometazina intramuscular, muito utilizada no Brasil. MÉTODO: Através de busca nos registros do Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, foram incluídos todos os ensaios clínicos nos quais a combinação haloperidol e prometazina foi avaliada em pacientes agressivos com psicose. Todos os estudos relevantes foram avaliados quanto à qualidade e tiveram seus dados extraídos de forma confiável. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados quatro estudos relevantes de alta qualidade. A combinação haloperidol e prometazina foi comparada com midazolam, lorazepam, haloperidol isolado e olanzapina, todos administrados por via intramuscular. No Brasil, a combinação foi efetiva, com mais de 2/3 dos pacientes tranquilos em 30 minutos, mas midazolam foi mais rápido. Na Índia, comparado a lorazepam, a combinação haloperidol e prometazina foi mais efetiva. Após as primeiras horas, as diferenças foram negligenciáveis. O uso de haloperidol isolado acarretou maior incidência de efeitos adversos. Olanzapina promove tranquilização tão rapidamente quanto a combinação, mas não tem efeito tão duradouro e mais pessoas necessitaram medicação adicional nas quatro horas subseqüentes. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os medicamentos avaliados são eficazes, mas esta revisão demonstra vantagens no uso da combinação haloperidol e prometazina.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid and safe tranquillisation is sometimes unavoidable. We conducted this systematic review to determine the value of the combination haloperidol plus promethazine, frequently used in Brazil. METHOD: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register and included all randomised clinical trials involving aggressive people with psychosis for which haloperidol plus promethazine was being used. We reliably selected, quality assessed and extracted data from all relevant studies. RESULTS: We identified four relevant high quality studies. The combination haloperidol plus promethazine mix was compared with midazolam, lorazepam, haloperidol alone and olanzapine Intramuscular. In Brazil, haloperidol plus promethazine was effective with over 2/3 of people being tranquil by 30 minutes, but midazolam was more swift and in India, compared with lorazepam, the combination was more effective. Over the next few hours reported differences are negligible. Haloperidol given without promethazine in this situation causes frequent serious adverse effects. Olanzapine is as rapidly tranquillising as haloperidol plus promethazine, but did not have an enduring effect and more people needed additional drugs within 4 hours. CONCLUSION: All treatments evaluated are effective, but this review provides compelling evidence as to clear advantages of the haloperidol plus promethazine combination.

Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized herbal product from Galphimia glauca on generalized anxiety disorder. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial controlled with lorazepam.

Galphimia glauca Cav. is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine as a "nerve tranquilizer". Previous studies have demonstrated that the methanolic extract from this plant species possess an anxiolytic effect. Galphimine B (GB, a nor-seco-triterpene), is the active principle, with an innovative action mechanism. Against this background, a standardized herbal medicinal product was developed from the aqueous extract of G. glauca (GgHP). The present work compared the therapeutic effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of the new GgHP with lorazepam on patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). By means of a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, outpatients of either sex who matched the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria with a score of > or = 19 points on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) were included. The experimental group was treated orally with GgHP in capsules twice a day for 4 weeks. The control group received lorazepam (1 mg) under the same conditions and presentation. A total of 152 patients were included in the trial (72 in the experimental group). From the first week of treatment, GgHP showed important anxiolytic effectiveness, very similar to that produced with lorazepam. Both treatments showed therapeutic safety (no alterations on biochemical analysis of hepatic and renal function). Nevertheless, concerning side effects, GgHP evidenced a considerably higher tolerability than lorazepam.

Pregnancy and malignant catatonia.

The occurrence of malignant catatonia in pregnancy is a psychiatric emergency. In this article, we present the case of a pregnant woman with a first psychotic episode with catatonic features, autonomic abnormalities and elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels in the context of a severe adverse reaction to antipsychotic pharmacotherapy who had good responses to electroconvulsive therapy and lorazepam.

Haloperidol plus promethazine for psychosis induced aggression.

BACKGROUND: Health services often manage agitated or violent people and for emergency psychiatric services such behaviour is particularly prevalent (10%). The drugs used in this situation should ensure that the person swiftly and safely becomes calm. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether haloperidol plus promethazine is an effective treatment for psychosis induced agitation/aggression. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register (July 2004). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised clinical trials involving aggressive people with psychosis for which haloperidol plus promethazine was being used. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We reliably selected, quality assessed and extracted data from all relevant studies. For binary outcomes we calculated standard estimations of risk ratio (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where possible we estimated weighted number needed to treat or harm (NNT/H). MAIN RESULTS: We identified two relevant high quality studies. One compared the haloperidol plus promethazine mix with midazolam (n=301) and one with lorazepam (n=200). The combined results were largely heterogeneous. In Brazil, haloperidol plus promethazine was an effective means of tranquillisation with over two thirds of people being tranquil or sedated by 30 minutes, but midazolam was more swift (n=301, RR 2.9 CI 1.75 to 4.80, NNH 5 CI 3 to 12). In India, however, 95% of people were tranquil or sedated by 30 minutes if allocated to the combination treatment (vs lorazepam, n=200, RR 0.26 CI 0.10 to 0.68, NNT 8 CI 6 to 17). Over the next few hours of treatment reported differences are negligible. One person given midazolam had respiratory depression (reversed by flumazenil), one given lorazepam had respiratory difficulty. A single person given haloperidol plus promethazine had an epileptic fit. Once the initial tranquillisation was administered, few needed additional medications for continued agitation (n=501, 2 RCTs, RR needing additional tranquillising drugs by four hours 1.67 CI 0.62 to 4.54, 4% vs 2%, I squared 50%) and there were no differences in the low levels of use of restraints. About 28% of people in Brazil in both groups had another episode of aggression in the first day after the initial injection (n=301, RR 0.89 CI 0.62 to 1.29). About half of all people in the Indian study were discharged by four hours (n=200, RR 1.13 CI 0.85 to 1.50) and a similar proportion in Brazil by 15 days (n=301, RR 1.05 CI 0.84 to 1.29). Both studies attained 99% follow up for their primary outcomes. Even by two weeks only 4% of people could not be accounted for (n=501, 2 RCTs, RR 0.91 CI 0.38 to 2.17). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that both benzodiazepines work, but that midazolam has a faster onset and thereby reduces the risk of exposure to violence. Both benzodiazepines have the potential to cause respiratory depression, probably midazolam more so than lorazepam, and we would question the use of this group of drugs outside of those services fully confident of observing for and managing the consequences of respiratory distress. Most evidence, however, exists for the haloperidol plus promethazine mix, with currently more than 400 people randomised to the combination. The onset of action is swift and faster than lorazepam. The combination also seems safe with no clear longer term consequences. We would expect policy makers recommending other drug managements to have equally compelling evidence to support their guidance and hope that this would not be founded in conjecture or consensus, which may be more difficult to defend than evidence from high quality studies.

Tratamento famacológico da neuralgia do trigêmeo: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Pharmacological treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: systematic review and metanalysis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A neuralgia do trigêmeo é uma síndrome de dor crônica, caracterizada por paroxismos de dor excruciante que afeta de maneira dramática a qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. A terapia medicamentosa sistêmica é considerada o tratamento de primeira linha para esta doença. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia, a segurança e a tolerabilidade dos diversos tratamentos farmacológicos oferecidos aos pacientes com neuralgia do trigêmeo, visando fornecer evidências para as recomendações da prática clínica e identificar as necessidades de pesquisas adicionais. MÉTODO: Foram analisados ensaios clínicos aleatórios e controlados, publicados até julho de 2003, sobre o efeito analgésico das drogas prescritas no tratamento da neuralgia do trigêmeo. A análise estatística foi realizada com o auxilio do programa Review Manager 4.2.2 (Colaboração Cochrane, 2003). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da metanálise sugerem que a carbamazepina é mais eficaz que o placebo. Em três estudos controlados comparando a lamotrigina, o topiramato e o cloridrato de proparacaína ao placebo, somente a lamotrigina mostrou-se superior a ele. O dextrometafano foi comparado ao lorazepam em baixas doses, havendo aumento da dor com o uso daquele fármaco. Três estudos compararam a carbamazepina com a tizanidina, a tocainida e a pimozida, mostrando-se apenas a pimozida superior à carbamazepina. CONCLUSÕES: A carbamazepina continua como droga de escolha para o tratamento da neuralgia do trigêmeo, estando a lamotrigina e a pimozida indicadas em casos refratários à terapia convencional. Além disso, estudos adicionais são necessários para o estabelecimento de futuras opções terapêuticas.