Long acting injectable aripiprazole: An observational study

Introduction Several trials have shown the efficacy of long acting injectable (LAI) second-generation anti-psychotics compared with other anti-psychotics. LAI aripiprazole is a novel therapeutic tool in the management of patients with schizophrenia. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who initiated treatment with LAI aripiprazole, by comparing their clinical outcomes prior and after initiating treatment with LAI aripiprazole. Methods This observational, retrospective, mirror study assessed a series of socio-demographic and clinical variables during the 12 months prior to commencing LAI aripiprazole, while on another anti-psychotic medication, and the first 12 months of LAI aripiprazole. The sample included a series of consecutive patients receiving LAI aripiprazole at the Doctor Peset university hospital health area, in Valencia (Spain). The variables analyzed in the study included: emergency room visits, number and average length of hospitalizations, relapse, rate of abandonment of treatment and number of anti-psychotics needed as maintenance treatment. Results The preliminary analysis showed a reduction in the rate of emergency room visits and the number of relapse and total hospitalizations while on LAI aripiprazole; however, there is no a reduction of the average length of hospitalizations. A reduction in the number of anti-psychotics as maintenance treatment was not appreciated, however, there was an improvement in treatment adherence. Conclusions The preliminary results showed that LAI aripiprazole is an useful option that could suppose a benefit concerning treatment adherence, a decreased in number of relapses and hospitalizations and use of health resources.