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

Abstract

Introduction

Long-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.

Objectives

Provide 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.

Methods

Descriptive 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.

Results

The 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	5	6
Maternal/Pregnancy outcomes
Age(years)	35	29	35	31	38	30
Diagnosis	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia
AOM(mg/days)	400-300	400-300	400-300	160	300	400
Type of delivery	Eutocic.	Eutocic, preterm	Eutocic	Eutocic	Eutocic	Eutocic
Neonatal outcomes
Weight(grams)	3300	1800	3140	3102	2940	3400
Gender	Female	Female	Male	Male	Male	Male
Developmental Abnormalities(years)	No(3)	No(2)	No( 0.17)	No(2)	No(2)	No(1.5)

Conclusions

The 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.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.