After six months of anti-psychotic treatment: Is the improvement in mental health at the expense of physical health?
BACKGROUND
The morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular causes in patients with schizophrenia is higher than in the general population, a fact that has been observed more since second generation anti-psychotics came into general use.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome in patients with a previously untreated first psychotic episode, as well as the prospective changes in the parameters that define the criteria of metabolic syndrome.


METHODS
An observational study with a prospective cohort design including patients who were admitted to the Acute Unit of Donostia Hospital.


RESULTS
A total of 21 patients were included in the study, of which 19 completed it. Just over one-quarter (26.3%) of the patients developed a metabolic syndrome at six months. Statistically significant differences were observed in the following parameters: 1) abdominal perimeter measurement with an increase of 14.6 cm at six months (P=.001); 2) triglyceride levels with a mean increase over the initial measurement of 48.99 mg/dl (P=.039); and 3) fasting blood glucose levels with a mean increase of 10.72 mg/dl (P=.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Significant changes were observed in metabolic parameters in a short period with the subsequent risk of associated cardiovascular events in a group of young patients. Actions are required directed at ensuring appropriate monitoring of these patients in order to measures to minimise the risks.
Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Donostia, San Sebastián-Donostia Gipuzkoa, Spain. lamartintzi@hotmail.com
Leire
L
Martín Otaño
Laura
L
Barbadillo Izquierdo
Ander
A
Galdeano Mondragón
Marta
M
Alonso Pinedo
Imanol
I
Querejeta Ayerdi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents