Metabolic syndrome among Filipino schizophrenic patients maintained on typical & atypical antipsychotics at the UP-PGH Psychiatry Outpatient Department

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study identified the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were maintained on typical and atypical anti-psychotics and have been consulting at the UP-PGH Out-Patient Department by reviewing the values of the laboratory parameters included in the criteria for metabolic abnormalities within a period of 6 months. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients maintained on typical and atypical anti-psychotics was described. Methodology: Patients consulting at the UP-PGH Out-Patient Department who have been diagnosed with schizooophrenia and maintained on typical and atypical anti-psychotics were screened. Only the values of laboratory exams which were reviewed and no new laboratory exams were performed. Parameters used to define the presence of metabolic syndrome as proposed by the International Diabetes Foundation were applied. Results: Fifty-two subjects had a mean age and duration of antipsychotic treatment of 38 and 12.6 years, respectively. Half were taking typical antipsychotics and the other half were maintained on atypical antipsychotics. Of the 52 subjects, 42.3% were noted to have central obesity, 23% had high blood pressure, 9.6% had high fasting glucose, 7.7% had low HDL cholesterol levels and 3.8% were noted to be obese. Four (7.49%) of the 52 subjects were noted to have metabolic syndrome, all of them maintained on atypical antipsychotics. Conclusion: Filipino patients diagnosed with schizophrenia on long-term antipsychotic underscores the need for regular assessment and monitoring of metabolic parameters.