Plasma free homovanillic acid (HVA) as a predictor of clinical response in acute psychosis

Biol Psychiatry. 1991 Sep 1;30(5):475-82. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(91)90309-a.

Abstract

The relationship of plasma free homovanillic acid (HVA) and methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) to early clinical response was prospectively studied in a new series of acutely psychotic inpatients given a fixed dose of perphenazine elixir for 10 days. Elevated pretreatment plasma HVA but not MHPG was significantly associated with good response. Change in HVA was correlated with a favorable response and a significant decline in MHPG was found in responders. Results suggest that HVA can provide a useful clinical predictor of response, and that both dopamine metabolism and noradrenergic functioning, as measured by plasma HVA and MHPG, are reduced in effective neuroleptic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Depressive Disorder / blood
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Homovanillic Acid / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Perphenazine / administration & dosage*
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenic Psychology

Substances

  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
  • Perphenazine
  • Homovanillic Acid