Prevalence of Metablic Syndrome in Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Currently Receiving Clozapine at Ramathibodi Hospital

Abstract

Objective :

To examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders currently receiving clozapine

Methods :

This is a cross-sectional study of patients visiting psychiatric OPD at Ramathibodi Hospital from June – August 2014. The data were gathered by reviewing medical records, interviewing patients, measuring anthropometric data (body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure), and checking of blood metabolic panels (fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles). A metabolic syndrome is diagnosed with modified Nationa l Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III criteria.

Results :

From 33 patients receiving clozapine, 16 met the criteria of metabolic syndrome (48.5%). Among these, 5 patients also had the diagnosis of cardiometabolic disorders (2 had hypertension, 1 had diabetes, and 1 had dyslipidemia). While only 3 patients received the treatment with drugs involving cardiometabolic activities. Fourteen patients were not followed up on cadiometabolic panels after being treated with clozapine.

Conclusion :

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders receiving clozapine treatment have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome but the monitoring of this condition is not enough and could result in patients not receiving adequate and proper care.