Effect of long-acting injectable paliperidone 3 monthly and aripiprazol 1 monthly on hospitalization rate in a first-episode psychosis

IntroductionLong-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) can reduce relapse and hospitalization risk but they are not widely used in first psychotic episode (FEP) patientes.ObjectivesTo examine the effcacy of two of the most used second generation LAI antipsychotics (paliperione 3 monthly and aripiprazol 1 monthly) to reduce hospitalization rates.MethodsWe evaluated in a naturalistic study a sample of patients (n=277) with a FEP. We carried out a mirror-design study to compare the number of hospitalizations and days in hospital before and after the introduction of LAI paliperidone (3 monthly) or LAI aripiprazol. In our Early Intervention Services (Lehenak) antipsychotic treatment is not protocolized and is established for each patient according to the psychiatrist criteria.ResultsWe review the oucome of 277 FEP treated in our Early Intervention Service “Lehenak” with LAI paliperidone 3 monthly (n=156) or LAI Aripiprazol (n=121)Pre LAI Mirror PeriodPost LAI Mirror PeriodWithin group comparisons (paired t-test) t pAripiprazol LAI number of Hospitalizations (mean, standard deviation)2.31 (1.72)0.73 (1.23)17.4 (