European Psychiatry (Jun 2022)
Aripirazole-Long Acting Injectable in Pregnant Women with Schizophrenia: A Case Series
Abstract
Introduction Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have emerged as a new therapeutic option to treat patients suffering a psychotic disorder. To date, there is a lack of studies regarding safety and clinical use pattern of LAIs in pregnant women. Objectives Provide evidence and real world clinical data of pregnant women with schizophrenia who have been treated with long-acting aripiprazole monohydrate (aripiprazole once monthly [AOM] condition) during their pregnancy. Methods Descriptive real-world clinical experiences of pregnant women in treatment with AOM. The information was obtained by reviewing electronic medical records and by direct clinical observation management. Results The first six case-series describing the pregnancy course of women with schizophrenia treated with AOM. All of them remained psychopathologically stable through pregnancy, and their infants became healthy with normal developmental milestones (Table 1). Table 1. Clinical characteristics of six case-reports. Mothers 1 2 3 4 5 6 Maternal/Pregnancy outcomes Age(years) 35 29 35 31 38 30 Diagnosis Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia AOM(mg/days) 400-300 400-300 400-300 160 300 400 Type of delivery Eutocic. Eutocic, preterm Eutocic Eutocic Eutocic Eutocic Neonatal outcomes Weight(grams) 3300 1800 3140 3102 2940 3400 Gender Female Female Male Male Male Male Developmental Abnormalities (years) No(3) No(2) No( 0.17) No(2) No(2) No(1.5) Conclusions The favorable results in this case-series suggest that despite the lack of evidence on reproductive safety and treatment with AOM during pregnancy, this therapeutic option should be considered in pregnant women with schizophrenia. However, further research on the use of long-acting antipsychotics in pregnant women is needed. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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