Successful Early Clozapine Trial in the Treatment of First-episode Schizophrenia: A Case Report

Abstract

Clozapine remains the treatment of choice in refractory schizophrenia despite its various requirement to prescribe, such as mandatory blood monitoring program and various metabolic complication. Currently, clozapine is recommended only after two failed adequate antipsychotics trials. We report a case of a successful early clozapine trial in the treatment of first-episode schizophrenia patient, considering poor treatment response and repeated self-injurious behavior. This case highlights the efficacy of an early clozapine trial as a second-line treatment for first-episode schizophrenia in contrast to switching or combination treatment strategy.

INTRODUCTION

Despite the introduction of several new atypical antipsychotic drugs over the past two decades, clozapine remains the treatment of choice in refractory schizophrenia. The rationale for prescribing clozapine for treatment-naive schizophrenia rests on various guidelines.1) However, given that clozapine requires mandatory blood monitoring2) and has several potential metabolic complications, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular risks,3) most clinical guidelines and 'real world' treatment settings have placed restrictions on the use of the drug.

Currently, clozapine is recommended only after an incomplete response to two adequate trials of other antipsychotic medications. For example, in Canada, clozapine can be prescribed only as a third-line treatment. Current evidence does not support this position; however, limited data and methodological issues preclude a firm conclusion.4) Moreover, in the case of fist-episode psychosis, clozapine may be preferable in the inpatient setting to limit early clinical and cognitive deterioration.5) Response rates close to 90% have been reported in first-episode schizophrenia;6) however, response rates markedly drop in patients who require a second trial and decrease further with subsequent trials.4) The benefits of clozapine as a second-line treatment must be investigated in terms of the likelihood of earlier remission and transition to good social functioning. Here, we report a case that demonstrates the efficacy of an early clozapine trial as a second-line treatment for first-episode schizophrenia in contrast to switching to another atypical antipsychotic or combination treatment.

CASE

A 31-year-old man with no history of drug or alcohol use, was brought to the hospital by his parents and police. He had no history of psychiatric treatment or significant medical illness. He had good marks in high school, but he had been shy and reserved throughout his life. His mother had been treated for longstanding psychotic depression.

The patient studied education at college, but failed the certification exam three years in a row. He worked as a school instructor for several months; however, his parents wanted him to prepare for the examination. He became more socially withdrawn than he had been in the previous year and spent all day at home for a year. A month before his hospitalization, he was admitted to a community college to study electrical engineering, but soon began to hear commanding voices of unknown origin telling him to "build a nuclear power station and save the world." At times, he felt that his head was being controlled by someone and often stood alone muttering to himself.

The patient scored 110 on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS),7) and his severity subscore on the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale was 6.

The initial diagnosis was schizophrenia. A pharmacological therapy based on the current treatment algorithm was initiated targeting auditory hallucination, delusion, autistic and aggressive behavior, and blunted affect.

In his first antipsychotic trial, olanzapine was administered across a low-, medium-, and high-dose range (titrated between 10 and 30 mg). However, 4 weeks after hospitalization and treatment onset, the constant, commanding hallucination persisted. Moreover, the patient had begun banging his head against the door and refused meals nearly every day. At that point, his PANSS score was 102, and only a slight clinical improvement was observed. Because of his poor treatment response to prior medication, the rising frequency and intensity of his self-injurious behavior, and the poor clinical outcome, it was necessary to switch his antipsychotic medication. A clozapine trial was started based on its high response and remission rates in first-episode schizophrenia. The patient and his family were fully informed about the benefits and possible adverse events associated with clozapine. All laboratory tests and electrocardiogram (EKG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and brain magnetic resonance imaging were within normal limits. No evidence of encephalopathy was found. Complete blood cell counts were monitored weekly during dose titration. Olanzapine treatment was discontinued, and we initiated clozapine at 25 mg and increased the dose to 200 mg following the recommended dose titration schedule.

On day 60, the patient reported experiencing few auditory hallucinations and he began socializing with other patients. Moreover, he showed marked improvement in conceptual disorganization and bizarre content of thinking (PANSS score, 70). We observed no adverse side effects or physical compromise during the treatment regime. Three months after clozapine initiation, the patient was discharged from the hospital, and his psychopathology remained stable (PANSS score, 60).

The patient remains on a daily maintenance dose of clozapine (200 mg), and he is living with his parents while working and continuing his college education. Despite residual emotional and passive social withdrawal, the patient accepts the necessity for treatment, which has prevented further psychiatric decompensation.

DISCUSSION

The initial tailoring of antipsychotic medication for a patient experiencing a first episode of psychosis is a critical empirical process with substantial and compelling consequences.8) Our case supports the recommendation for earlier and more prolonged trials of clozapine to improve clinical outcome and lead to earlier and longer remission intervals.9)

Clozapine trials are often delayed longer than is clinically desirable.4) Such hesitation may have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, clinical outcome, and adherence to treatment. Preliminary data suggest that clozapine is most effective in the initial year of treatment in first-episode treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia. 9) Thus, for a higher response rate, clozapine should be considered as a second-line rather than a third-line treatment. Further analysis of the risk-benefit ratio in terms of potential side effects and individual patient psychopathology is essential.