CLOZAPINE THERAPY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN KENTUCKY PSYCHIATRIC-HOSPITALS

We reviewed the protocol for determining patient eligibility to receiv e clozapine in Kentucky state psychiatric facilities. Results of a ret rospective review of the clinical outcomes of the initial 42 patients who received clozapine under this protocol are reported. Patients rece iving clozapine were severely ill patients with a mean duration of ill ness and mean length of current hospitalization of 11 years and 2 year s, respectively. Symptomatic response was dramatic with a reduction in total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Clinical Global Impre ssion (CGI) ratings of 48.4% and 36.3%, respectively. The time patient s spent in restraints decreased significantly following clozapine init iation. Clozapine was well tolerated, with sedation being the most com mon adverse effect reported. One patient experienced a seizure and ano ther developed leukopenia. Following 12 weeks of clozapine treatment, the patient discharge rate was 42.9%.