Risperidone long-acting injection and 1-year rehospitalization rate of schizophrenia patients: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aims We wanted to present a picture of patients with schizophrenia receiving risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) treatment in a real-world setting. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study; 379 patients with schizophrenia were enrolled and treated with different kinds of antipsychotic agents at E-Da Hospital, and received a 12-month follow up. The patients were distributed into three groups: the all-oral antipsychotic, oral risperidone and RLAI groups. The antipsychotic agents and dosages they used were recorded. The rate of rehospitalization, length of hospital stay, emergency room visits and medical expenditures were assessed. Results The RLAI group had a significantly higher rate of hospitalization before enrolment (the all-oral antipsychotic group was 32.1%, the oral risperidone group, 35.9%, and the RLAI group, 88.4%, P < 0.0001). After a 1-year follow up, all three groups were similar in rehospitalization rates (the all-oral antipsychotic group was 28.9%, the oral risperidone group, 30.1%, and the RLAI group, 30.2%, P > 0.999), length of hospital stay and number of emergency room visits during follow up. The most commonly used oral antipsychotics were risperidone (0.5-7 mg/day), quetiapine (65-1200 mg/day), and olanzapine (2-25 mg/day). Conclusions Using RLAI reduces the severity of disease in more difficult patients.