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Biomedical subjects

R M Sheikh

Publications and source records attributed to R M Sheikh.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Olanzapine versus haloperidol in children with autistic disorder: an open pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Conventional neuroleptics ameliorate symptoms in children with autistic disorder; however, they are known to cause dyskinesias. Atypical neuroleptics, including olanzapine, may have less risk for dyskinesia, but their efficacy in autistic disorder is not established. This study was designed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of open-label olanzapine as a treatment for children with autistic disorder by using haloperidol as a standard comparator treatment. METHOD: In a parallel groups design, 12 children with DSM-IV autistic disorder (mean age 7.8+/-2.1 years) were randomized to 6 weeks of open treatment with olanzapine or haloperidol. Mean final dosages were 7.9+/-2.5 mg/day for olanzapine and 1.4+/-0.7 mg/day for haloperidol. Outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) and the Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale (CPRS). RESULTS: Both groups had symptom reduction. Five of six in the olanzapine group and three of six in the haloperidol group were rated as responders according to the CGI Improvement item. Subjects showed improvement on the CPRS Autism Factor (F1,9 = 24.4, p = .0008). Side effects included drowsiness and weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that olanzapine is a promising treatment for children with autistic disorder. Further placebo-controlled and long-term studies of olanzapine in autistic disorder are required.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

Increased plasma valproate concentrations when coadministered with guanfacine.

A preliminary clinical observation suggests the possibility of changes in valproate level when coadministered with guanfacine. Two pediatric inpatients (8 and 9 years of age) were treated with valproic acid and guanfacine concurrently. In one child, when guanfacine was tapered and discontinued, the plasma valproate concentration decreased by 41% from 128 microg/mL to 76 microg/mL. In the other case, studied in an ABA design, the child exhibited a rapid increase in plasma valproate levels while guanfacine was administered. It is proposed that guanfacine may affect the pharmacokinetics of valproic acid and lead to a significant increase in valproate plasma levels when used concurrently with this agent. The mechanism of this proposed interaction may involve drug-drug competition at the level of hepatic glucuronidation (conjugation), although shifts in protein binding cannot be ruled out.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Low dose, short-term, triple therapy for helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcer.

To confirm the efficacy and tolerability of a new, low-dose, short-term triple therapy, 31 endoscopically diagnosed cases of peptic ulcer who were helicobacter pylori positive by brush cytology and urease test were inducted into the study. These patients were given lansoprazole 30 mg once a day, clarithromycin 250 mg twice a day and tinidazole 500 mg twice a day for one week only. Endoscopy, urease test and methylene blue test for helicobacter pylori were repeated four weeks after stopping the therapy. Ulcer healed in all the patients while helicobacter was eradicated in 90.3% of patients.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗