Potential Autoepitope within the Extracellular Region of Contactin-Associated Protein-like 2 in Mice.

Aims: Implicated in autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyotonia and genetic forms of autism, here we report that contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) contains a potential autoepitope within the extracellular region.

Methodology: CNTNAP2 sequence-similar regions (CSSRs) from human pathogens were identified. Sera from autistic and control children were obtained and analyzed for the presence of antibodies able to bind CSSRs.

Impact of the Florida Medicaid prior-authorization program on use of antipsychotics by children under age six.

Objective: This study assessed the impact of a prior-authorization process on the use of antipsychotic medications by children under six years old in Florida's fee-for-service Medicaid program.

Methods: Child psychiatrists reviewed requests for antipsychotic treatment (N=1,424) using forms and criteria created by a panel of Florida-based experts. Data on the characteristics of the children and clinicians involved were organized into 11 consecutive quarters beginning in July 2008.

Glucose dysregulation among veterans living with schizophrenia-related disorders after switching second-generation antipsychotics.

Objectives: To compare (1) blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) laboratory results and (2) longitudinal trends in blood glucose levels among veterans switched from one second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) to another.

Design: Retrospective, naturalistic, nonequivalent control group.

Setting: United States between April 1, 2003, and September 30, 2003.

Metabolic monitoring in veterans with schizophrenia-related disorders and treated with second-generation antipsychotics: findings from a Veterans Affairs-based population.

Objectives: To describe the proportions of veterans living with schizophrenia-related disorders monitored for dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia and to investigate whether the likelihood of metabolic dysregulation monitoring was influenced by veterans' sociodemographic characteristics, preswitch pharmacologic treatment, and monitoring before the switch from one second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) to another.

Design: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study.

Setting: Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System between October 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003.

Effect on lipid profiles of switching from olanzapine to another second-generation antipsychotic agent in veterans with schizophrenia.

Objective: To compare (1) mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride differences after switching from olanzapine to quetiapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone and (2) the mean lipid change between switch patterns.

Design: Retrospective, naturalistic, nonequivalent control group design.

Setting: United States between April 1, 2002, and September 30, 2002.

Weight and blood pressure changes after switching second-generation antipsychotics in a population of veterans with schizophrenia-related disorders.

Objectives: To describe (1) the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) changes and weight change and (2) weight, SBP, and DBP changes attributable to the medication following a switch from one second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) to another.

Design: Retrospective, naturalistic, nonequivalent control group study.

Setting: United States between April 1, 2002, and September 30, 2002.

Increased cardiovascular risk with second-generation antipsychotic agent switches.

Objective: To model the risk of long-term, adverse cardiovascular events after switching from one second-generation antipsychotic medication (SGA) to another in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Data Sources: PubMed from 1985 to 2004 using the search terms atypical antipsychotics, obesity, weight, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, lipids, second generation antipsychotics, antipsychotic agents, schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Study Selection: By the authors.

Weight change after an atypical antipsychotic switch.

Background: Atypical antipsychotics successfully treat schizophrenia and other conditions, with a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects than other agents used in treatment of these disorders. However, some atypical antipsychotics are associated with weight gain.

Objective: To quantify the impact on weight and identify atypical antipsychotics causing the least amount of weight gain among patients switched from risperidone to olanzapine and olanzapine to risperidone.