Effects on Satisfaction and Service Engagement of Paliperidone Palmitate Compared with Oral Paliperidone in Patients with Schizophrenia: An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Seventy-two consecutive outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM-5) were randomly assigned for 6months to: (1) PP1M (50-150mg equivalent) or (2) paliperidone ER (6-12mg/day). Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6months with the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM); the Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics Scale (SWN-K); the Service Engagement Scale (SES); the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH); and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) score. ANOVA repeated measures was performed. Intention-to-treat analysis with last observation carried forward was conducted. We found a significant within-subjects effect (trial duration) for all rating scale except for cognitive symptoms and the TSQM domain "side effects". A significant effect between subjects (treatment modality) was found for the CGI negative symptoms, the TSQM domains "overall satisfaction" and "convenience," and the SES. There were seven drop-outs (9.7%): twi due to hyperprolactinemia and five for lack of compliance. Significant differences between the two formulations were found. PP1M was superior to paliperidone ER on global treatment satisfaction and convenience, on service engagement, and in reducing negative symptoms. The trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with the code: ACTRN12618001113246.