Epidemiološka raziskava na bolnikih s shizofrenijo in shizoafektivno motnjo, zdravljenih s paliperidonom v klinični praksi

Abstract

Introduction The epidemiological research investigated demographic data on patients with schizophrenia
and schizoaffective disorder eligible for treatment with paliperidone, the phase of the
illness and its main symptoms, psychosocial functioning, treatment regime, and reasons for prescribing
paliperidone. The research also assessed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the primary treatment.
Method Observational, multicentric, epidemiological research, which included 207 patients with
schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder indicated for treatment with paliperidone in regular clinical
practice in compliance with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). A single data capture
was conducted. Data on 194 patients were used in the statistical analysis. Due to incomplete data,
13 patients were not considered in the analysis.
Results At inclusion, 143 patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 51 with schizoaffective
disorder. 58% of all patients were single, 29% were employed, 21% had suicidal thoughts, and 16%
reported psychoactive substance abuse. Patients had impaired psychosocial functioning: moderately
to severely impaired functioning or inability to function was reported by 67% of patients with schizophrenia
and 65% of patients with schizoaffective disorder. A combination of antipsychotics was
administered to 50% of patients with schizophrenia and 64% of those with schizoaffective disorder.

Psychiatric comorbidity was present in 19% of patients. Over the last year, 80% of patients had received
pharmacological treatment. 62% of patients did not reach remission. Main reasons for the discontinuation
of previous pharmacological treatment were ineffective treatment, poor adherence, and
poor psychosocial functioning. Main reasons for the initiation of treatment with paliperidone were
expected improvement of positive symptoms, ineffective previous treatment, and expected favourable
impact on patient’s psychosocial functioning.
Conclusions The results showed a diminished quality of life of patients with schizophrenia and
schizoaffective disorder. Over 60% of patients had at least moderately impaired psychosocial functioning,
and only a small percentage of patients were employed or married. Patients were mostly
treated with a combination of antipsychotics. Main reasons for the initiation of treatment with paliperidone
prolonged-release tablets were expected improvement of positive symptoms, ineffective
previous treatment, and expected favourable impact on patient’s psychosocial functioning.