Aripirazole-Long Acting Injectable in Pregnant Women with Schizophrenia: A Case Series

Abstract

IntroductionLong-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.ObjectivesProvide 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.MethodsDescriptive 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.ResultsThe 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 56Maternal/Pregnancy outcomesAge(years)352935313830DiagnosisSchizophreniaSchizophreniaSchizophreniaSchizophreniaSchizophreniaSchizophreniaAOM(mg/days)400-300400-300400-300160300400Type of deliveryEutocic.Eutocic, pretermEutocicEutocicEutocicEutocicNeonatal outcomesWeight(grams)330018003140310229403400GenderFemaleFemaleMaleMaleMaleMaleDevelopmental Abnormalities (years)No(3)No(2)No( 0.17)No(2)No(2)No(1.5)ConclusionsThe 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.DisclosureNo significant relationships.