title: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the presence of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the primary reasons for increased mortality in patients with schizophrenia. The mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis are not well understood.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the prevalence of MetS in adult outpatients with schizophrenia according to the presence or absence of negative symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records was conducted. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative-symptom factor (N1-N4, N6, G7, and G16) was used as a framework for characterizing negative symptoms. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III diagnostic criteria. An analysis of covariance model was used for correction, with significance at P<0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One or more negative symptoms were present in 52.5% of a sample of 1,120 patients (mean age 46.8 years, men 58.4%). Dyslipidemia (48.7%), hypertension (38.2%), and diabetes mellitus (19.3%) were the most frequent comorbidities. The overall prevalence of MetS was 38.6% (95% confidence interval 35.7%-41.5%), and was significantly higher in those patients with negative symptoms (43.9% versus 34.9%, P=0.002). MetS was significantly associated with the presence of negative symptoms, age, and physical comorbidity (odds ratios 1.6, 1.2, and 1.2, respectively; P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical exercise due to negative symptomatology may contribute to MetS development. Further studies are necessary to confirm this association and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Badalona Serveis Assistencials SA, Badalona, Spain.
authors.forename: Antoni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sicras-Mainar
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Roche Farma SA, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maurino
authors.affiliation: Health Economics and Outcomes Research Unit, Roche Farma SA, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Beato
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Information, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Navarro-Artieda
keywords: cardiovascular risk; comorbidity; metabolic abnormalities; negative symptoms; physical illness; schizophrenia