Prevalence and associations of the metabolic syndrome among patients prescribed clozapine.
BACKGROUND
There is increasing concern that the use of second-generation antipsychotic medications in schizophrenia is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome.


OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the prevalence and clinical associations of metabolic syndrome among patients receiving clozapine within the catchment area of a mental health service in the west of Ireland.


METHODS
A total of 84 patients (96% response rate) taking clozapine were interviewed and thoroughly investigated using physical assessments, comprehensive laboratory testing and review of medical records.


RESULTS
Of the patients, 46.4% taking clozapine fulfilled the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Male gender, high body mass index, high insulin level and receiving a concomitant antipsychotic medication were significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Almost half of the patients receiving clozapine have metabolic syndrome and are consequently at risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Such patients should be closely monitored in order to facilitate interventions, which could alleviate the adverse health consequences of this syndrome.
Ahmed
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. mohamed.ahmed@nuigalway.ie
Hussain
I
I
O'Brien
S M
SM
Dineen
B
B
Griffin
D
D
McDonald
C
C
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine