Effects of Depth of Needle Insertion with Risperidone Long-Acting Injectable in Persons with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study ()
1. Introduction
Relapses prevention constitutes one of the primary treatment goals for the successful long-term management of schizophrenia [1] [2] . Similarly, poor medication adherence contributes to negative treatment response, symptom relapse, and frequent re-admissions of schizophrenic patients [3] [4] . Increasing medication adherence is critical to improving outcomes among these patients. A long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication is one of the most effective methods for enhancing treatment adherence and decreasing re-hospitalization rates in patients with schizophrenia [5] [6] [7] .
First- and second-generation antipsychotic LAI therapies may improve medication adherence compared to oral antipsychotics [8] [9] . Evidence has been established that LAI antipsychotics demonstrate distinct benefits in the multi-episode, non-adherent, “revolving door” patient [10] . In previous research, discussion focused on the LAI’s kinetic properties, relationships between plasma concentrations with clinical effects, and conversion from oral to injectable therapy [11] . However, for the second-generation LAI, there were only few reports on the method to determine the suitability of injection sites of RLAI, which takes into consideration injection needle insertion depth, plasma 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS) concentration, psychotic symptoms and injection site reactions.
In past research studies, concerning the injection method of LAI using ultrasonic examination [12] [13] , it was determined that there were individual differences in the distance from the epidermis to the under-fascia (DEUF) of gluteus maximus muscle or gluteus medius muscle for each patient. Concerning the injection insertion depth in the case of IM injection, particularly in the case of LAI, a shallow insertion depth sometimes occurs and the needle does not penetrate the muscle fascia and as a result the medication is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue, or it happens that some of the medication leaks into the subcutaneous tissue. However, it was also found that when the insertion depth is deep, the needle insertion distance is widened, so that possible damage to blood vessels and nerves can happen. No method has been established to objectively evaluate the most appropriate method for RLAI administration.
2. Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate injection needle penetration depth of RLAI by examining pharmacokinetic differences, psychotic symptoms, injection site reactions, and depth of needle insertion.
3. Methods
3.1. Data Collection Methods
3.1.1. Measurement by Ultrasonography
For all patients receiving RLAI, IM injection and ultrasonography were performed in advance following this procedure: Nurse Investigators who have used the “Double Cross” method to determine the gluteal muscle injection site performed the procedure thereby ensuring consistency in the insertion method. The “Double Cross” method divides the buttocks with an imaginary cross, and then divides the upper outer quadrant by another imaginary cross [14] . The DEUF, and distance from the epidermis to the iliac bone (DEI) at bilateral gluteal sites were assessed using a standardized ultrasonography [12] . Results of ultrasonographic measurements were done based on the recorded ultrasonographic images. All ultrasonographic measurements were performed by an experienced Sonographer using a 7.5 MHz linear and convex array transducer and real-time-B-mode ultrasonography diagnostic system (Hitachi Medical Corporation, Japan). Ultrasonographic images were made at the dorsogluteal injection site. DEUF and DEI measurements were made above and outside a line drawn from the posterior superior iliac spine to the greater trochanter of the femur. The ultrasonography probe was held at a right angle to the skin at the gluteal region.
3.1.2. Measurement Items and Analysis Method
Clinical psychotic symptoms and injection site reactions were recorded throughout the study period. Also, two experienced psychologists evaluated patients’ psychotic symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) every two weeks. All evaluators and clinicians were not informed about subject belongs which group.
RLAI was administered by deep intramuscular injection at the gluteal site using the appropriate enclosed safety needle (2-inch needle for gluteal administration alternating injections between the two buttocks) intramuscularly every 2 weeks. The plasma 9-OH-RIS concentrations (ng/ml) [15] [16] were measured seven times every two weeks from the start of this test. It was considered that substantial release of risperidone into plasma begins only at 2 to 3 weeks post injection, increasing during weeks 3 and 4, and maintained during weeks 4 through 6. With repeated injections every 2 weeks, steady-state levels are usually reached by weeks 6 to 8 [17] [18] . For this reason, 9-OH-RIS concentrations were compared at the fourth (8 weeks) and seventh visit (14 weeks) from the start of this study.
It was confirmed that there is no difference between age, body mass index (BMI), and dose of RLAI in both groups. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used in comparing clinical symptoms determined by the total score of PANSS, the 9-OH-RIS concentrations, and aforementioned measurement items.
The injection site reactions (redness, swelling, and a palpable mass) were compared using Fisher’s exact test and Chi square test between two groups. Statistical analyses of data were performed using PASW Statistics (Ver. 18.0J). P value of <0.05 level was considered statistically significant.
3.1.3. Study Period
The study was conducted from December 2013 to May 2014.
3.1.4. Spacer Device for the Injection Needle
Needle-length insertion was also guided by the spacer device for the injection needle devised to accurately insert only 20 mm length of the needle (Figure 1). Plastic caps attached to unused RLAI-specialized needles collected through sanitary procedure were cut off. It was processed so that the needle could be inserted accurately to a depth of 20 mm from the tip of the needle. Autoclave sterilization was done and the needles and caps were discarded.
3.2. Subjects and Study Location
3.2.1. Subjects
There were twenty-six adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia of whom 18 were men and 8 were women, those were already prescribed RLAI. These subjects were recruited from Okehazama Hospital Fujita Kokoro Care Center, Aichi, Japan.
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Figure 1. Injection needles use in this study. Upper: The RLAI-specialized 20 gauge injection needle, 50 mm (2 inches) in length. Lower: Injection needle with a spacer device, 20 mm in length from the tip of needle to the proximal end of the spacer device.
3.2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
The subjects were patients meeting all of the following inclusion criteria, namely: Out/In-patients, 20 years of age or older at the time the informed consent was obtained; Patients with schizophrenia who met the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria; Patients who required treatment with RLAI, as well as all those who were being administered RLAI regularly for more than 8 weeks from the base line date of the study; and Patients who personally gave written informed consent to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were: Patients with a prior history of hypersensitivity to risperidone; and those PANSS total score was equal to or higher than 130.
Meanwhile, the patients whose severity scores of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was less than 130 points participated in this research out of those whose total scores were between 30 - 210 points. The participants were those patients who could maintain daily life activities at home or in the hospital environment, of single status or who received the support of care-givers such as family members despite having symptoms from mild to moderate based on the PANSS.
3.2.3. Determination of Insertion Depth of Injection Needle
Zaybak et al. [19] measured subcutaneous tissue thickness at the dorsogluteal area to determine optimal needle length for dorsogluteal IM injections in adults with BMI of more than 24.9 kg/m2. They concluded that a needle longer than 1.5 inches should be used in women whose BMI is more than 24.9 kg/m2, however, the dorsogluteal site may be used in patients who are overweight and in obese men. The ventrogluteal site may be used only among overweight men.
As generally observed among nurses practicing IM injection in the real world of clinical practice in Japan and based on the results of a questionnaire survey, IM injection is often performed using the ordinary injection needle with a length of 38 mm, with the injection needle being inserted 1/2 or 2/3 of its length [20] . The length of the RLAI-specialized injection needle is 50 mm. The designated injection needle on the buttocks for the second-generation anti-psychotic agent LAI (Paliperidone palmitate) is 38 mm. Therefore, in this study, we set the insertion depth of Group-D to 50 mm which is the same as that of the RLAI-specialized 50 mm injection needle, and the one of Group-S to a length of 1/2 or more of the 38 mm injection needle, that is, 20 mm. Applying the Hochstetter and Clark’s point measurement method on the injection sites reveals that the distance from epidermis to iliac bone (DEI) is short [21] . So, it was judged that the tip of the injection needle for RLAI might touch an iliac bone. In this study, therefore, the double cross method was applied for the method to determine the injection site. It was confirmed by ultrasonic examination that DEI from injection sites by double cross method was more than 50 mm in all subjects.
3.3. Ethical Considerations
This study was conducted after approval was received from the Okehazama Hospital Fujita Kokoro Care Center’s Ethics Committee. Both verbal and written consents were obtained from the prospective subjects of the study. Patient consent for ultrasonography images was also obtained. The consent also included a statement of understanding that images may be used for educational purposes, lectures, and publications. A double blind trial without disclosure of assignment contents was conducted.
4. Results
Table 1 is a comparison result for confirming that both groups have the same conditions. It was confirmed that there was no significant difference in age, BMI, dose of RLAI in both groups.
Table 2 shows the parameters of the variables such as characteristics of injection site reaction, RLAI dose and risperidone plasma concentration from the start of the study to the seventh occasion of RLAI administration. During the study period, patients in Group-D showed injection site reactions in two subjects out of 13 (15%). The injection site reactions were palpable and circumscribed masses beneath the subcutaneous tissue for both subjects. This palpable mass was found in a subject four times during the second, third, fourth and sixth data collection time. In Group-S patients, the injection site reactions were confirmed in six subjects out of 13 (46%). The injection site reactions were palpable masses for four subjects and apparent swellings for two more patients. Palpable masses were observed twice in a subject at the fifth and seventh data collection time. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of injection site reaction in both groups (Chi-square value = 1.55, p = 0.21).
There was no significant difference in the transition of risperidone plasma concentration and psychotic symptoms in both groups (Table 3).
5. Discussion
Risperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic agent commonly prescribed and used in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Despite its common use, there is limited documentation available on its pharmacokinetics in a naturalistic setting [22] . Only recently, a paper was published in which the 9-OH-RIS concentration of RLAI was measured and its relationship with injection needle
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Table 1. Comparison results between Group-D and Group-S regarding patients age, BMI and dose of RLAI.
Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test. Group-D: 50 mm needle inserted group, Group-S: 20 mm needle inserted group. BMI: Body Mass Index, RLAI: risperidone long acting injectable.
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Table 2. Demographic and clinical characteristics of 26 patients.
Group-D: 50 mm needle inserted group, Group-S: 20mm needle inserted group. M = male, F = female. During the test period, in Group-D, injection site reactions were confirmed in two patients out of 13 (15%). In Group-S, injection site reactions were confirmed in six patients out of 13 (46%). a)The palpable mass was recognized in a patient four times at second, third, fourth and sixth time. b)The injection site reactions were palpable masses for four patients and swellings for two. Palpable masses were observed twice in a patient at the fifth time and seventh time. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of injection site reaction (Chi-square value = 1.55, p = 0.21). 9-hydroxyrisperidone plasma concentrations were compared at the fourth (8 weeks) and the seventh (14 weeks) from the start of this test. RLAI: risperidone long acting injectable. Pre: Measurement data at the fourth visit (8 weeks) from the start of this study. Post: Measurement data at the seventh visit (14 weeks) from the start of this study.
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Table 3. Pre- and post-injection 9-hydroxyrisperidone concentrations and psychiatric states in Group-D and Group-S.
Group-D: 50 mm needle inserted group, Group-S: 20 mm needle inserted group. Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test, PANSS: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS). Pre: Measurement data at the fourth visit (8 weeks) from the start of this study. Post: Measurement data at the seventh visit (14 weeks) from the start of this study.
insertion depth, psychotic symptoms and injection site reaction were discussed. However, there has been no study in which an ultrasonic determination was implemented before the examination and the relationship analyzed. Probably, that kind of research is the first-time study was conducted in the world. Nevertheless, in this research, measuring plasma 9-OH-RIS concentration and following up its effects using ultrasonic examination were found to be significant.
In this current study, the subjects were divided two groups by the needle insertion depth of 50 mm and of 20 mm. There was no significant difference found in plasma 9-OH-RIS concentration, psychotic symptoms, injection site reaction and BMI in both groups.
RLAI is an aqueous suspension in which the active drug substance is encapsulated in a microsphere of polylactide-co-glycolide polymer. After injection, a small amount of risperidone (<1%) is released by diffusion within 24 hours [23] . It was presumed that even if RLAI was injected into subcutaneous tissue, no significant difference would have been recognized in 9-OH-RIS concentration.
Previous research reported that there was no or minimal injection site pain and skin reactions were rare [24] . However, Quiroz et al. [25] reported that investigator-rated assessments of injection-site reactions were evident. The most common injection-site reaction was tenderness (RLAI gluteal injections―25 mg and 50 mg: 10% each; deltoid injections―37.5 mg: 18%; 50 mg: 19%). Redness was observed in three percent of patients receiving 25 mg and six percent of patients receiving 50 mg of the RLAI gluteal muscle injections as well as in five percent of patients receiving 37.5 mg and eight percent of patients receiving 50 mg of the RLAI deltoid muscle injections. There were few reports of swelling or indurations at either injection site. Injection-site reactions were most frequent at two and twelve hours post injection, and resolved thereafter, with almost no injection-site reactions reported beyond Day 3.
In this current study, however, injection site reactions during the test period, of patients in Group-D were found to have injection site reactions (palpable mass in both subjects) confirmed in two subjects out of 13 (15%). Patients in Group-D were observed to show subcutaneous swelling in four occasions. During the test period among patients in Group-S, their injection site reactions (palpable masses and swellings) were confirmed in six subjects out of 13 (46%). Although there was no statistically significant difference in injection site reaction incidence, it was suggested that according to the incidence rate, inserting the injection needle deep into the muscle can possibly reduce the incidence of injection site reactions.
In most cases, injection-site reactions of two weeks post-injections were resolved thereafter. The case that had a palpable mass was observed to have the mass four times. The mass was considered a case-based incidence. In Group-D, insertion length site reactions were considered safe as compared with the patients’ situation for those in Group-S.
The information that the injection needle should not be inserted up to its base came from cases wherein the needle came off and remained in the body when this injection needles were removed. This occurred during the times when injection needles were reusable [26] . However, recent disposable injection needles are improved so that even if an injection needle is inserted up to its base, there is no danger of the needle remaining in the body.
From a safety perspective, it is suggested that an optimal needle length for dorsogluteal IM injections in adults with BMI of more than 24.9 kg/m2 is a needle longer than 1.5 inches [19] [27] . The length of the injection needle (22 gauge) for gluteal muscle injection designated for second-generation atypical antipsychotic LAI is 38 mm, both in the case of paliperidone and of aripiprazole. In this study, it is also considered that it is preferable to insert the needle up to its base of about 38 mm for the aforementioned patients.
5.1. Limitations
The study has several limitations. One of these is the small sample size which may limit the generalization derived from the findings. Likewise, the researchers failed to equalize the numbers of people in the gender groups. It takes about 20 minutes per case to conduct IM injection while conducting an ultrasonic examination. It was difficult to conduct the latter while actual clinical work was being performed. However, if the ultrasonic examination could be carried out before all the IM injections, the reliability of the result would increase further.
Nevertheless, in the double-blind trial [28] , consideration should be given to various reactions to patients occurring with a 20 mm IM injection needle in routine care settings.
5.2. Implications for Future Research
As a subject of future research, it would be advisable to confirm whether or not RLAI was in fact injected into the muscle using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment at the time of each injection. Moreover, if the relationship between the status of RLAI injection into the muscle and plasma concentration of risperidone can be investigated, then test results with further reliability can be obtained.
Performing a morphological investigation before LAI is injected is encouraged, as this type of investigation targeting buttock muscles using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment has become an inexpensive and convenient non-invasive diagnostic instrument. Since it is possible to examine not only buttock muscles but also the positional relationship among other tissues existing between skin and iliac bones and their anomalies such as arteriovenous anomalies, this morphological investigation is very useful not only to ensure the efficacy of the injection drug to be injected into the buttock muscles, but also for the reduction of risks posed by a needle’s erroneous piercing of bone or of a blood vessel.
6. Conclusions
No significant difference was observed in the 9-OH-RIS concentration, psychotic symptoms, injection site reaction between the group of shallow insertion and that of deep insertion. However, in Group-D, injection site adverse reactions were confirmed in two subjects out of 13 (15%). In Group-S, injection site reactions were confirmed in six subjects out of 13 (46%).
Although effective 9-OH-RIS concentration can be obtained with the insertion of more than 20 mm needle insertion length, it was concluded that 50 mm insertion length is more suitable for dorsogluteal IM injections in adult patients with schizophrenia, from the view point of possible local skin adverse reactions.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the subject patients and all the staff members of the hospital who have helped us with this research. Especially, we also wish to thank Associate Professor Akihiro Hirakawa from Tokyo University for his advice on research planning; and we also sincerely thank Assistant Professor Toshiko Tanaka and Professor Reiji Yoshimura from University of Occupational and Environmental Health for their participation in this study and for helping us with risperidone plasma concentration analysis.