Can cytokines predict response to antipsychotic medication in first episode psychosis?
Poster B73, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Valentina Morgera1, Ian Soosay1, Rob Kydd1, Bruce Russell2,3; 1Psychological Medicine Department, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, 2School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, 3School of Pharmacy , University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
The association between inflammation and schizophrenia is well established but there has been significant growth in the scientific literature surrounding cytokines over recent years. Some have proposed that heightened activation of pro-inflammatory pathways may be associated with the onset of psychotic symptoms. Whilst cytokines may have a role as state and trait markers of psychosis, we were keen to explore the evidence for using cytokines to predict response to antipsychotic treatment, as this may have clinical applicability in patients first presenting with psychosis. We undertook a systematic review of the literature available on cytokines in first episode psychosis and their relationship to response to treatment using the PRISMA guidelines. This included a search of a number of electronic databases including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database using the search terms "cytokines" AND ("treatment response") AND "first episode psychosis" AND "antipsychotics". We present a summary of our findings and discuss the implications for future research and clinical practice.
Topic Area: Psychopharmacology