• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2018

Objectives : Clozapine is a widely prescribed antipsychotic drug for schizophrenia and is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its metabolic side effects. However, little is known about the effect of clozapine on the platelet activation, another important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we tried to investigate the effect of clozapine on platelet activity in patients with schizophrenia by comparing the mean platelet component (MPC) values before and after the clozapine administration. Methods : A retrospective review of medical records of patients with schizophrenia, who newly started clozapine treatment from September 1st, 2003 to April 30th, 2007 at the Department of Psychiatry, Konyang University Hospital in Republic of Korea was performed. The final statistical analysis included 14 participants. Bayer ADVIA $120^{(R)}$ system was used to measure MPC. Results : Among the 14 participants, five subjects were males (28.60%), and ten subjects were females (71.40%). The mean age of participants was $37.50{\pm}11.64years$. Average of duration of illness was $91.00{\pm}93.96months$, with the mean dosage of clozapine taken by participants at the time of the last blood test was $337.50{\pm}109.52mg$. The mean MPC measurement before and after receiving clozapine was $26.12{\pm}2.22g/dL$ and $25.14{\pm}2.08g/dL$ respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in MPC levels after clozapine administration (V=16, p=0.024). Conclusions : Decreased MPC levels after clozapine administration implies that clozapine may increase platelet activation which could have an adverse effect on the occurrence of thromboembolic disease. Our findings also suggest that careful monitoring of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, such as platelets activity, is necessary when administering clozapine.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.97-100
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• 2018

Purpose The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is an important indicator of glomerular filtration and has been used to test renal function and the extent of its function. The GFR test is performed by intravenous injection of radioactive medicines made of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA, and blood concentration is measured by taking blood according to the elapsed time. also, PET-CT, bone scan, transfusion and so on will affect the outcome. Therefore, we will improve the quality of the test by providing guidelines for the GFR test for more accurate testing. Materials and Methods 5 mL of physiological saline solution and 2 mL of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA solution are used to make 5 mL of the radiopharmaceutical solution to be injected into the patient. First, the syringe weight is measured before the injection, and then the radioactive medicine is injected into the patient's vein and the syringe weight is measured after the injection. Blood sampling is performed twice in total. In adults, blood is collected 3 hours / 5 hours after injection and in children 2 hours / 5 hours after injection. The blood sample is centrifuged at 3300 rpm for 5 minutes. Standard solution is prepared by filling diluent water up to the scale indicated in the 200-mL volumetric flask, discarding $500{\mu}L$, injecting $500{\mu}L$ of GFR reagent and mixing well. $500{\mu}L$ each of the standard solution is dispensed into two test tubes, and $500{\mu}L$ of each of the plasma samples collected in time is dispensed into two test tubes and measured with a Cobra Counter. Results At present, the reference range applied in this study is $119.5{\pm}30.3ml/min/1.73m2$ for males and $125.2{\pm}28.2ml/min/1.73m^2$ for females. Conclusion The GFR test is conducted using radioactive medical products. GFR testing is performed as a scheduled test, but PET-CT, dialysis and transfusion, which may affect GFR testing, may be scheduled during GFR testing. Therefore, we could get accurate GFR test results by notifying the ward and department beforehand when booking.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.63-71
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• 2023

Urinary incontinence (UI), affecting 3%-11% of males and 25%-45% of females globally, is expected to rise with an aging population. It significantly impacts mental health, causing depression, stress, and reduced quality of life. UI can exacerbate psychiatric conditions, affecting treatment compliance and effectiveness. It is categorized into transient and chronic types. Transient UI, often reversible, is caused by factors summarized in the acronym DIAPPERS: Delirium, Infection, Atrophic urethritis/vaginitis, Psychological disorders, Pharmaceuticals, Excess urine output, Restricted mobility, Stool impaction. Chronic UI includes stress, urge, mixed, overflow, functional, and persistent incontinence. Drug-induced UI, a transient form, is frequently seen in psychiatric treatment. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychiatric medications can cause UI through various mechanisms like affecting bladder muscle tone, altering nerve reflexes, and inducing other conditions like diabetes or epilepsy. Specific drugs like lithium and valproic acid have also been linked to UI, though mechanisms are not always clear. Managing UI in psychiatric patients requires careful monitoring of urinary symptoms and judicious medication management. If a drug is identified as the cause, options include discontinuing, reducing, or adjusting the dosage. In cases where medication continuation is necessary, additional treatments like desmopressin, oxybutynin, trihexyphenidyl, or amitriptyline may be considered.