Prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a risk for developing cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence is especially high in psychiatric patients. To date, there is limited data from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the prevalence of MetS. Therefore, we aimed to investigate its prevalence and possible risk factors in a large sample of psychiatric patients in the UAE. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Ain Hospital, in Al-Ain City, UAE. We collected demographic and clinical data on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar affective disorder in the period between January 2017 and December 2020. This included their secondary diagnosis (psychiatric or medical), vital signs (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Body Mass Index [BMI]), metabolic parameters (fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoproteins), and prescribed medications. We used the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) criteria to diagnose MetS. RESULTS: We included 889 subjects and of these, 79.8% (N = 709) had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and 9.8% (N = 87) had no abnormal metabolic parameters. Overall, 28.1% (N = 250) had MetS with no statistical difference between the three groups. Fasting blood glucose levels and abnormally elevated triglycerides were significant predictors for MetS. CONCLUSION: Our study found that around one in three patients had MetS irrespective of the three diagnoses. Some variables were significant predictors for MetS. Our findings were consistent with other studies and warrant the need for regular screening and management of abnormal metabolic parameters.

There is no statistical difference between schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder with regards to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.Fasting blood glucose levels and abnormally elevated triglycerides were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome.Screening of metabolic parameters is important as well as the careful tailoring of the choice of antipsychotics.

Can Cotard Syndrome Be Induced?: Illustration With a Rare Case of Potential Organ Transplant.

ABSTRACT: Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterized by delusions ranging from a belief that one has lost organs to insisting that one has lost one's soul or is dead. This is the report a case of a 45-year-old man who was comatose after an attempted suicide. This was initially diagnosed as brain death and use of his organs for transplantation was actively considered. However, he awakened days later with new-onset Cotard syndrome. It remains difficult to know the link, unconscious or conscious, between this patient's delusions and the fleeting intention of doctors who intended to transplant his organs. This is the first description of a coincidence between delusional denial of an organ and the potential medico-surgical act of having an organ removed. This case is an opportunity to revisit the philosophical concepts of negation and nihilism. A multidisciplinary reflection is needed to give meaning to other clinical presentations.

Risks for bicycle-related injuries in Al Ain city, United Arab Emirates: An observational study.

ABSTRACT: Traffic-related injuries are a serious health problem. Traffic safety is a priority reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Data on current hazards for bicycle-related injuries from the United Arab Emirates are lacking. The aim of our observational study was to assess the behavior of bicyclists on the roads in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates and compare our current results with a previous study from 2004.We adapted and tested a structured data collection form. Different sectors of Al Ain were randomly selected to cover the whole city during different times. Bicyclists were observed without direct contact.Out of 1129 bicyclists, 97.6% were males and 13.2% children. 39.4% were cycling on main roads with high-density traffic, 33.1% were cycling against the traffic, 39.3% were cycling at night, and 96.8% of them were not using lights. Only 2.1% of the bicyclists used helmets. A higher proportion of female than male cyclists used helmets (25.9% vs 1.5%; P < .001, Fisher exact test). There was an increase in cycling with the traffic (P < .001) and in use of helmets (P < .025) compared with the previous study.Unsafe practices of bicyclists and low use of helmets despite legislation persist in Al Ain. There is a need to raise bicycle safety awareness and improve enforcement of bicycle helmet legislation. This should be directed toward expatriate workers, children, parents, and maids. Environmental changes, namely building separate bicycle lanes, can increase safety for cycling.