Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among patients receiving clozapine.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder receiving clozapine with a matched comparison group from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.


METHODS
Ninety-three outpatients and a matched group of 2,701 comparison subjects were compared according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Outpatient data were obtained through physical assessments, laboratory testing, and reviews of medical records.


RESULTS
The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among clozapine patients (53.8%) than among the comparison group (20.7%). For clozapine patients, logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations with age, body mass index, and duration of clozapine treatment. Only age and body mass index were associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients receiving clozapine are at significantly increased risk for developing the metabolic syndrome. Psychiatrists and other providers should consider performing regular physical health monitoring to prevent long-term adverse health consequences.
Lamberti
J Steven
JS
Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, USA. steve_lamberti@urmc.rochester.edu
Olson
David
D
Crilly
John F
JF
Olivares
Telva
T
Williams
Geoffrey C
GC
Tu
Xin
X
Tang
Wan
W
Wiener
Karen
K
Dvorin
Steven
S
Dietz
Marci B
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine