Prevalence and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study in a low cardiovascular disease risk geographical area

Signature of Altered Retinal Microstructures and Electrophysiology in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Is Associated With Disease Severity and Polygenic Risk

BACKGROUND

Optical coherence tomography and electroretinography studies have revealed structural and functional retinal alterations in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). However, it remains unclear which specific retinal layers are affected; how the retina, brain, and clinical symptomatology are connected; and how alterations of the visual system are related to genetic disease risk.

METHODS

Optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were applied to comprehensively investigate the visual system in a cohort of 103 patients with SSDs and 130 healthy control individuals. The sparse partial least squares algorithm was used to identify multivariate associations between clinical disease phenotype and biological alterations of the visual system. The association of the revealed patterns with individual polygenic disease risk for schizophrenia was explored in a post hoc analysis. In addition, covariate-adjusted case-control comparisons were performed for each individual optical coherence tomography and electroretinography parameter.

RESULTS

The sparse partial least squares analysis yielded a phenotype-eye-brain signature of SSDs in which greater disease severity, longer duration of illness, and impaired cognition were associated with electrophysiological alterations and microstructural thinning of most retinal layers. Higher individual loading onto this disease-relevant signature of the visual system was significantly associated with elevated polygenic risk for schizophrenia. In case-control comparisons, patients with SSDs had lower macular thickness, thinner retinal nerve fiber and inner plexiform layers, less negative a-wave amplitude, and lower b-wave amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates multimodal microstructural and electrophysiological retinal alterations in individuals with SSDs that are associated with disease severity and individual polygenic burden.

Drug-drug interactions involving combinations of antipsychotic agents with antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and weight loss drugs

INTRODUCTION

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) have a high risk for diabetes, dyslipidemia, and other components of metabolic syndrome. Patients with these metabolic comorbidities and cardiac risk factors should receive not only antipsychotics but also medications aiming to reduce cardiovascular risk. Therefore, many patients may be exposed to clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review summarizes data regarding the known or potential drug-drug interactions between antipsychotics and medications treating metabolic syndrome components, except for hypertension, which has been summarized elsewhere. A literature search in PubMed and Scopus up to 7/31/2021 was performed regarding interactions between antipsychotics and drugs used to treat metabolic syndrome components, aiming to inform clinicians' choice of medication for patients with SMI and cardiometabolic risk factors in need of pharmacologic interventions.

EXPERT OPINION

The cytochrome P450 system and, to a lesser extent, the P-glycoprotein transporter is involved in the pharmacokinetic interactions between antipsychotics and some statins or saxagliptin. Regarding pharmacodynamic interactions, the available information is based mostly on small studies, and for newer classes, like PCSK9 inhibitors or SGLT2 inhibitors, data are still lacking. However, there is sufficient information to guide clinicians in the process of selecting safer antipsychotic-cardiometabolic risk reduction drug combinations.

Doenças cardiovasculares e uso de antipsicóticos na esquizofrenia: uma revisão

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar uma revisão de escopo a respeito dos efeitos adversos cardiovasculares e metabólicos associados ao uso de antipsicóticos em pessoas com o diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo utilizando-se da base de dados PubMed, com descritores MeSH relacionados às doenças cardiovasculares e antipsicóticos. Foram encontrados 976 artigos, os quais foram filtrados por títulos, seguidos dos resumos e, na sequência, lidos na íntegra. Ao final, foram selecionados 71 artigos para a análise. Resultados O uso de antipsicóticos típicos e atípicos para tratamento da esquizofrenia associa-se a alterações glicêmicas e lipídicas, síndrome metabólica, hipertensão, ganho de peso e morbidade cardiovascular. Os estudos evidenciaram a existência de subdiagnóstico e subtratamento de doenças crônicas nessa população. A mortalidade por doença cardiovascular demonstrou aumento considerável nos pacientes em tratamento com agentes antipsicóticos, em comparação com a população geral. Conclusão Alguns fatores dos antipsicóticos, ainda não completamente determinados na psicofarmacologia, vêm se mostrando relacionados a maior risco de distúrbios metabólicos, comportamentais e intrínsecos às pessoas diagnosticadas com esquizofrenia, os quais podem agravar o curso clínico de tais doenças. Reconhece-se a necessidade de aprimorar o acompanhamento e o diagnóstico de doenças cardiovasculares e metabólicas entre pessoas com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia em tratamento com antipsicóticos típicos e atípicos.

Eating and nutritional habits in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

There are few studies that relate eating and nutritional habits to the severity of the disease and demographic profile in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE

To describe eating and nutritional habits and their relationship with the severity of the disease in patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

SAMPLE

31 patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) under outpatient treatment.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age 18-65 years, clinically stable and, written informed consent.

ASSESSMENT

Demographic, clinical characteristics (CGI-SCH, length of illness, BMI, abdominal perimeter), ad hoc questionnaire (eating, nutritional, and physical activity).

RESULTS

Mean age 43.13(SD = 7.85) years, males 61.3%. Mean severity of illness was 3.94(SD = 1.06), mean duration of the illness 18.42(SD = 8.27) years. 74.2% used to eatweekly fat meat and 64.5% less than 3-4 servings of fish, 77.4% less than 3 servings of fruit per day, and 51.6% drink less than 1 L of water. 83.9% used to drink coffee daily, 2.81(SD = 2.02) cups per day. Patients showed lower levels of Vitamin A, D, E, K1, C, folic acid, and magnesium. 93.5% did not fulfill the WHO recommendations on physical activity. Only retinol (r = -0.602, P = .039) and vitamin K1 (r = -0.693, P = .012) in women were related to the severity of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatients with schizophrenia do not follow WHO recommendations on healthy diets, neither physical activity. Both clinical severity of the illness and marital status and cohabitation were associated with poor eating habits and nutrients deficit. These data should be taken into account by the nursing staff when implementing specific care in routine clinical practice.

Addressing Dual Disorders in a Medium-Term Admission Unit

Due to the significant functional repercussions suffered by patients with dual disorder, we must evaluate which ones can benefit from intensive rehabilitative therapies in medium-stay psychiatric units. This was a retrospective study of patient medical records which intended to analyze sociodemographic and clinical variables and parameters related to the hospitalization and discharge of patients admitted to the Medium-Stay Unit (MSU) at the Castellón Provincial Hospital Consortium over 2 years (2017 and 2018), according to the presence or absence of dual disorders in these patients. Patients with a dual disorder represented 55.2% of the hospitalized patients. A higher proportion of them were male, were relatively younger, and had an earlier onset of mental illness, fewer associated medical pathologies, and shorter hospital admission times to the Short-Term Hospitalization Unit than those who did not present a dual disorder. A diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum with cannabis use or polyconsumption was the most common diagnosis; 98.2% of all the patients responded adequately to admission to the MSU. This work highlighted the need for higher doses of depot paliperidone in patients with dual disorders.

Cardiovascular disease and mortality in people with schizophrenia or antipsychotic treatment: A cohort study in primary care

People with schizophrenia (SZ) or under treatment with antipsychotic drugs (TAD) are considered to be at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, but the reasons are not fully understood. In addition, no longitudinal studies in the setting of primary care in Spain have been performed. We aimed at analysing the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CV mortality in the population with SZ and in the population without SZ but under TAD (NS-TAD).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study in primary care in Spain, based on data from computerized medical records and mortality recorded in the National Statistics Institute. Three groups were generated: SZ, NS-TAD and control group, with a 4-year follow-up period (2008 to 2011).

RESULTS

In an adjusted model, SZ was established as an independent risk factor for CV mortality although not with non-fatal CVD incidence. The NS-TAD group was an independent risk factor for mortality of any cause and CVD, but not CV mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between SZ and NS-TAD support that SZ has an increased risk of CVD independently of TAD. Further studies to evaluate the origin and management are needed. The detection of CVD and the consequent secondary CV prevention in these high-risk populations should be prioritized. Herein, a greater interaction between primary care and mental health services is eagerly needed.

Retinal Microvasculature in Schizophrenia

PURPOSE

Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in neural structure and function of the retina that are similar to changes seen in the retina and brain in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that retinal microvasculature may also be compromised in schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to determine, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), whether 1) schizophrenia is associated with alterations in retinal microvasculature density; and 2) microvasculature reductions are associated with retinal neural layer thinning and performance on a measure of verbal IQ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 37 psychiatrically healthy control subjects completed OCT and OCTA exams, and the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading.

RESULTS

Schizophrenia patients were characterized by retinal microvasculature density reductions, and enlarged foveal avascular zones, in both eyes. These microvascular abnormalities were generally associated with thinning of retinal neural (macular and peripapillary nerve fiber layer) tissue (but the data were stronger for the left than the right eye) and lower scores on a proxy measure of verbal IQ. First- and later-episode patients did not differ significantly on OCTA findings.

CONCLUSION

The retinal microvasculature impairments seen in schizophrenia appear to be a biomarker of overall brain health, as is the case for multiple neurological conditions. Additional research is needed, however, to clarify contributions of social disadvantage and medical comorbidities to the findings.

Patterns of primary care among persons with schizophrenia: the role of patients, general practitioners and centre factors

Background

Patients with schizophrenia and related disorders have more physical problems than the general population. Primary care professionals play an important role in the care of these patients as they are the main entry point into the healthcare system. We aimed to identify patient, general practitioner, and primary care centre factors associated with the number of visits of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders to general practitioners.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 primary care centres belonging to the Clinical Management Unit of Mental Health of the Regional Hospital of Málaga, Spain. The eligible population was composed of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders attending the primary care centres in the study area, and the general practitioners who attend these patients. Our dependent variable was the total number of general practitioner visits made by patients with schizophrenia and related disorders during the 3.5-year observation period. The independent variables were grouped into three: (a) patient variables (sociodemographic and clinical), (b) general practitioner variables, and (c) primary care centre characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses using the random forest method were performed.

Results

A total of 259 patients with schizophrenia and related disorders, 96 general practitioners, and 13 primary care centres were included. The annual mean was 3.9 visits per patient. The results showed that younger general practitioners, patients who were women, patients who were married, some primary care centres to which the patient belonged, taking antipsychotic medication, presenting any cardiovascular risk factor, and more frequency of mental health training sessions at the primary care centre were associated with an increased number of visits to general practitioners.

Conclusions

The only general practitioner variable that was associated with the number of visits was age, the older the less contact. There were also patient variables involved in the number of visits. Finally, mental health training for general practitioners was important for these professionals to manage patients with schizophrenia and related disorders.

Schizophrenia and the retina: Towards a 2020 perspective

BACKGROUND

Differences between people with schizophrenia and psychiatrically healthy controls have been consistently demonstrated on measures of retinal function such as electroretinography (ERG), and measures of retinal structure such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). Since our 2015 review of this literature, multiple new studies have been published using these techniques. At the same time, the accumulation of data has highlighted the "fault lines" in these fields, suggesting methodological considerations that need greater attention in future studies.

METHODS

We reviewed studies of ERG and OCT in schizophrenia, as well as data from studies whose findings are relevant to interpreting these papers, such as those on effects of the following on ERG and OCT data: comorbid medical conditions that are over-represented in schizophrenia, smoking, antipsychotic medication, substance abuse, sex and gender, obesity, attention, motivation, and influences of brain activity on retinal function.

RESULTS

Recent ERG and OCT studies continue to support the hypothesis of retinal structural and functional abnormalities in schizophrenia, and suggest that these are relevant to understanding broader aspects of pathophysiology, neurodevelopment, and neurodegeneration in this disorder. However, there are differences in findings which suggest that the effects of multiple variables on ERG and OCT data need further clarification.

CONCLUSIONS

The retina, as the only component of the CNS that can be imaged directly in live humans, has potential to clarify important aspects of schizophrenia. With greater attention to specific methodological issues, the true potential of ERG and OCT as biomarkers for important clinical phenomena in schizophrenia should become apparent.

A four-year naturalistic prospective study of cardiometabolic disease in antipsychotic-treated patients

The relationship between antipsychotic use and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is controversial. There is a lack of long-term prospective studies investigating changes in cardiometabolic risk in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. We report data from a 4-year prospective study. Patients (89) underwent detailed metabolic and cardiovascular risk assessment at 4-years which included anthropometric assessment, blood pressure, lipid profile, and an oral glucose tolerance test. We used the homeostatic model assessment to determine insulin resistance, and calculated 10-year cardiovascular risk scores. Mean age of subjects was 44.7 (±11.5) years, and 52% were male. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 8%, and 38.4% fulfilled diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome. With the exception of increased central adiposity over the 4-year follow-up period (p < 0.001), other cardiometabolic parameters were generally unchanged. There was a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia, but only 16.9% were prescribed lipid-lowering treatment. Commencing lipid-lowering therapy was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk score (OR 7.9, 95% CI = 1.3 to 48.7; p = 0.02). Patients established on longer-term antipsychotic treatment show less dramatic metabolic changes than those occurring in the early stages of treatment, but have a high burden of cardiovascular risk. Lipid-lowering therapy is associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Recording of cardiovascular risk factors by general practitioners in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia and related disorders (SRD) are more predisposed to having cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) compared to the general population due to a combination of lifestyle factors and exposure to antipsychotic medications. We aimed to analyse the documentation practices of CVRFs by general practitioners (GPs) and its associations with patient variables in a sample of persons with SRD.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 primary care centres (PCCs) in Malaga (Spain). The population comprised all patients with SRD who were in contact with a GP residing in the study area. The number of CVRFs (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and smoking) recorded by GPs were analysed by considering patients' demographic and clinical variables and use of primary care services. We performed descriptive, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 494 patients were included; CVRFs were not recorded in 59.7% of the patients. One CVRF was recorded in 42.1% of patients and two or more CVRFs were recorded in 16.1% of patients. Older age, living in an urban area and a higher number of visits to the GP were associated with a higher number of CVRFs recorded.

CONCLUSION

The main finding in this study is that both patients' demographic variables as well as use of primary care services were found to be related to the documentation of CVRFs in patients with SRD by GPs.

Metabolic Syndrome Screening in People With Severe Mental Illness: Results From Two Spanish Community Mental Health Centers

BACKGROUND: The excess of mortality in people with severe mental illness is due to unnatural causes such as accidents or suicides and natural causes such as metabolic syndrome. The presence of modifiable risk factors like tobacco consumption increases cardiovascular and metabolic risk. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors in people with severe mental illness. This study also aimed to identify the prevalence of patients receiving treatment for any metabolic syndrome risk factor. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. A total of 125 participants from two community mental health centers in Spain were recruited. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (58.4%) were active smokers. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 60%. A total of 16.8% received previous treatment for hypertension, 17.6% for hypertriglyceridemia, and 11.2% for diabetes. No differences were found between centers (22.7% vs. 18.7%, p = .9). CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the importance of monitoring the physical health of patients on antipsychotic therapy. The identification and management of cardiovascular and metabolic risks factors is an essential part of nursing care for people with severe mental illness. Mental health nurses are ideally positioned to carry out this task by performing physical health screening, health education, and lifestyle interventions.

Eating and nutritional habits in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

There are few studies that relate eating and nutritional habits to the severity of the disease and demographic profile in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE

To describe eating and nutritional habits and their relationship with the severity of the disease in patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

SAMPLE

31 patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) under outpatient treatment.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age 18-65 years, clinically stable and, written informed consent.

ASSESSMENT

Demographic, clinical characteristics (CGI-SCH, length of illness, BMI, abdominal perimeter), ad hoc questionnaire (eating, nutritional, and physical activity).

RESULTS

Mean age 43.13(SD=7.85) years, males 61.3%. Mean severity of illness was 3.94(SD=1.06), mean duration of the illness 18.42(SD=8.27) years. 74.2% used to eat weekly fat meat and 64.5% less than 3-4 servings of fish, 77.4% less than 3 servings of fruit per day, and 51.6% drink less than 1l of water. 83.9% used to drink coffee daily, 2.81(SD=2.02) cups per day. Patients showed lower levels of Vitamin A, D, E, K1, C, folic acid, and magnesium. 93.5% did not fulfill the WHO recommendations on physical activity. Only retinol (r=-0.602, p=0.039) and vitamin K1 (r=-0.693, p=0.012) in women were related to the severity of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatients with schizophrenia do not follow WHO recommendations on healthy diets, neither physical activity. Both clinical severity of the illness and marital status and cohabitation were associated with poor eating habits and nutrients deficit. These data should be taken into account by the nursing staff when implementing specific care in routine clinical practice.

General practitioner management of chronic diseases in adults with severe mental illness: a community intervention trial

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a community intervention aimed at general practitioners (GPs) by comparing Medicare claims data from patients with severe mental illness (SMI) of GPs exposed to the intervention and controls that were not. Methods A comparison was made of primary care consultation and pathology data of people with SMI from intervention and control areas. Negative binomial regression models were used to compare the frequency and length of GP consultations, as well as the number and type of pathology examinations. Results Records of 103 people from intervention area and 98 controls were obtained. Intervention and control areas were not different at baseline in terms of age and claims data, but females had higher consultation rates. After adjusting for gender, people from intervention areas had more GP consultations, especially long consultations (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.56; 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.91). They also had more pathology screening for chronic diseases, in accordance with implemented guideline recommendations. These benefits persisted after the end of the intervention. Conclusion These findings suggest that the ACTIVATE program aimed at training GPs to screen and better manage chronic diseases in adults with SMI had a positive effect up to 6 months after the trial, with demonstrated desired changes in medical management practices by GPs in the intervention area during that time. What is known about the topic? People with an SMI have higher mortality and poorer physical health than the general population. What does this paper add? The community intervention had a significant and sustained effect, with demonstrated desired changes in screening and medical management by GPs for adults with SMI in the intervention area. What are the implications for practitioners? GPs are ideally placed to assist in the prevention and better management of health conditions, thereby reducing avoidable illness and deaths in vulnerable populations, such as adults with SMI. Ongoing professional training and dissemination of clinical guidelines are critical for raising awareness about the physical and oral health care needs of people with SMI.

Coronary vascular disease event risk and metabolic syndrome prevalence in patients enrolled in an assertive treatment community program

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk of coronary vascular disease event (CVDE) and the prevalence metabolic syndrome (MS) and its cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in patients with severe mental illnesses enrolled in an assertive treatment community program (ATC) in Spain.

METHOD

We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study with all of the patients included in an ATC program in 2016 in a health area with 547,328 inhabitants in Galicia, Spain. We identified the CVRF in all the individuals, and calculated MS and 10-year CVDE. We also compared the prevalence of all traits in our cohort and the general population.

RESULTS

The 10-year median of coronary vascular disease event (CVDE10) was 8.4%. The percentage of individuals with high CVDE10 (>5%) was 41.2% The CVDE10 median was higher in men than women (10.5% vs 5.1%, p<0.001). MS was detected in 50% of patients without differences between men and women (51.2% vs 48.2%). A prevalence of 68% was found for smoking, 55% for dyslipidemia, 47% for obesity, 29% for impaired glucose metabolism, and 38% for hypertension. Women showed a higher prevalence of obesity measured by elevated waist circumference (88.9% vs 55.6%, p=0.003). Men showed a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (46.6% vs 22.2%, p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SMD Patients enrolled in ATC programs had a 1.5-times higher prevalence of MS and 8 times higher CVDE10 than those reported in the general population. Individual CVRF were also higher in the SMD patients. Prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment are important issues for patients with severe mental illnesses.

Let's get physical: improving the medical care of people with severe mental illness

There is clear evidence of increased medical comorbidity and related mortality in people with severe mental illness, despite numerous guidelines for managing medical conditions in this population. This article assesses inequalities in medical treatment and preventive healthcare received by psychiatric patients compared with the general population. It considers whether the medical care provided is adequate and whether published guidelines improve it. Mental health specialists, general practitioners and hospital specialists appear to deliver poorer than average medical care for this vulnerable population. Implementation of physical healthcare guidelines is incomplete and the guidelines must be matched with resources to address this deficit.

Parity of esteem: Addressing the inequalities between mental and physical healthcare

Parity of esteem means valuing mental health as much as physical health in order to close inequalities in mortality, morbidity or delivery of care. There is clear evidence that patients with mental illness receive inferior medical, surgical and preventive care. This further exacerbated by low help-seeking, high stigma, medication side-effects and relatively low resources in mental healthcare. As a result, patients with severe mental illness die 10–20 years prematurely and have a high rate of cardiometabolic complications and other physical illnesses. Many physical healthcare guidelines and policy recommendations address parity of esteem, but their implementation to date has been poor. All clinicians should be aware that inequalities in care are adversely influencing mental health outcomes, and managers, healthcare organisations and politicians should provide resources and education to address this gap.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of parity of esteem

• Be aware of the current inequalities in mental healthcare

• Appreciate how parity of esteem may be improved

Atrial fibrillation in patients with severe mental disorders and the risk of stroke, fatal thromboembolic events and bleeding: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with severe mental disorders are largely unknown. We compared rates of stroke, fatal thromboembolic events and bleeding in patients with AF with and without mental disorders.

DESIGN

Nationwide registry-based cohort study.

SETTING

Denmark (population 5.6 million), 2000-2015.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with AF with schizophrenia (n=534), severe depression (n=400) or bipolar disease (n=569) matched 1:5 on age, sex and calendar time to patients with AF without mental disorders.

EXPOSURE

Inpatient or hospital-based outpatient diagnosis of schizophrenia, severe depression or bipolar disease.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

HRs for stroke, fatal thromboembolic events and major bleeding comparing patients with and without mental disorders estimated by Cox regression with sequential adjustment for risk factors for stroke and bleeding, comorbidity and initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT).

RESULTS

Compared with matched comparisons, crude 5-year HRs of ischaemic stroke were 1.37 (95% CI 0.88 to 2.14) for schizophrenia, 1.36 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.08) for depression and 1.04 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.56) for bipolar disease. After adjusting for risk factors, comorbidity and OAT, these HRs declined towards the null. Crude HRs of fatal thromboembolic events were 3.16 (95% CI 1.78 to 5.61) for schizophrenia, 1.31 (95% CI 0.67 to 2.56) for depression and 1.53 (95% CI 0.93 to 2.53) for bipolar disease. Rates of major bleeding were increased in patients with schizophrenia (crude HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.90) and severe depression (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.78) but not bipolar disease (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.15).

CONCLUSION

Patients with AF with schizophrenia or severe depression experienced increased rates of stroke and major bleeding compared with matched comparisons. This increase was largely explained by differences in the prevalence of risk factors for stroke and bleeding, comorbidity and initiation of OAT during follow-up. Patients with AF with schizophrenia further experienced higher mortality following thromboembolic events than matched comparisons without mental disorders.

The chasm of care: Where does the mental health nursing responsibility lie for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness?

The poor physical health of people with a severe mental illness is well documented and health professionals' attitudes, knowledge and skills are identified factors that impact on clients' access to care for their physical health needs. An evaluation was conducted to determine: (i) mental health nurses' attitudes and beliefs about providing physical health care; and, (ii) the effect that participant demographics may have on attitudes to providing physical health care. It was hypothesized that workplace culture would have the largest effect on attitudes. Nurses at three health services completed the "Mental health nurses' attitude towards the physical health care of people with severe and enduring mental illness survey" developed by Robson and Haddad (2012). The 28-item survey measured: nurses' attitudes, confidence, identified barriers to providing care and attitudes towards clients smoking cigarettes. The findings demonstrated that workplace culture did influence the level of physical health care provided to clients. However, at the individual level, nurses remain divided and uncertain where their responsibilities lie. Nursing leadership can have a significant impact on improving clients' physical health outcomes. Education is required to raise awareness of the need to reduce cigarette smoking in this client population.

[Cardiovascular risk factors in users with severe mental disorder]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk (RCV) in users with a Severe Mental Disorder (SMD) attended in mental health service in ParcTaulí (Sabadell - Barcelona).

METHOD

This is an observational, descriptive and transversal study of the factors of cardiovascular risk in 789 users with SMD. The instrument used was the scale of assessment of the Registre Gironí del Cor, which estimates the risk of cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

26.6% of the sample has RCV (22.5% moderate, 3.8% high and 0.3% very high). The analysis of the modifiable risk factors shows that 16.5% of the patients are hypertensive, 55.2% are smokers, 19.77% have hyperglycaemia (8.2% of whom are diagnosed of diabetes mellitus), 40.2% have obesity, 36.2% overweight and 47.27% hypercholesterolemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms that the prevalence of the RVC in SMD users is greater than the RCV in general population and it's associated to the presence of modifiable risk factors. Health education carried out by nurses is the best to prevent the RCV in SMD users.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with a severe mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular risk (CVR) has been observed to be higher in patients with severe mental illness (SMI) than in the general population. However, some studies suggest that CVR is not equally increased in different subgroups of SMI. The purposes of this review are to summarise CVR scores of SMI patients and to determine the differences in CVR between patients with different SMIs and between SMI patients and the control-population.

METHODS

MEDLINE (via PubMed) was searched for literature published through August 28, 2014, followed by a snowball search in the Web of Science. Observational and experimental studies that reported CVR assessments in SMI patients using validated tools were included. The risk of bias was reported using STROBE and CONSORT criteria. Pooled continuous data were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality.

RESULTS

A total of 3,608 articles were identified, of which 67 full text papers were assessed for eligibility and 35 were finally included in our review, in which 12,179 psychiatric patients and 225,951 comparative patients had been assessed. The most frequent diagnoses were schizophrenia and related diagnoses (45.7%), depressive disorders (14.7%), SMI (11.4%) and bipolar disorders (8.6%). The most frequent CVR assessment tool used was the Framingham risk score. Subgroups analysis showed a higher CVR in schizophrenia than in depressive disorder or in studies that included patients with multiple psychiatric diagnoses (SMD: 0.63, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively). Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Total overall CVR did not differ between SMI patients and controls (SMD: 0.35 [95% CI:-0.02 to 0.71], p = 0.06); high heterogeneity was observed (I (2) = 93%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The summary of results from studies that assessed CVR using validated tools in SMI patients did not find sufficient data (except for limited evidence associated with schizophrenia) to permit any clear conclusions about increased CVR in this group of patients compared to the general population. The systematic review is registered in

PROSPERO

CRD42013003898 .

The epidemiology of diabetes in psychotic disorders

Diabetes is highly prevalent in people with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Exact prevalence is difficult to estimate, since diabetes is often underdiagnosed in people with psychosis. Results of several studies show that the prevalence of diabetes exceeds that in the general population, with documented prevalence in those with psychosis ranging from 1·26% to 50% across studies (median 13%). The association between diabetes and psychosis is complex and multifactorial. Many of the traditional risk factors for disease have increased prevalence in patients with psychotic disorders. In addition to these traditional risk factors, people with psychosis have unique risks that might have additive or even synergistic effects. These risks include the use of antipsychotic medication, the effects of adverse social determinants of health, and genetic loading. Despite evidence that rates of diabetes are increased in individuals with psychosis, many of these patients are not diagnosed or treated, resulting in increased diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality. Specific patient factors, provider issues, and systems-level factors contribute to the treatment gap. Interventions at both the clinical and public health levels are needed to successfully address this problem.

[Comorbid somatic illnesses in psychiatric inpatients - an analysis of administrative data]

PURPOSE

This study intended to analyze the prevalence of physical diagnoses at psychiatric inpatient hospital wards.

METHODS

For this purpose we used partially aggregated administrative data from routine diagnostic documentation of Austrian hospitals. All psychiatric and physical main and secondary diagnoses according to ICD-10 of all psychiatric inpatient units in Austria of the years 2007 were used.

RESULTS

Of 79,027 psychiatric hospital admissions 75,224 received a psychiatric and 3803 a somatic main diagnosis at discharge. Diseases of the vascular system (20 %) were the most frequent somatic diagnoses, followed by endocrine and metabolic diseases (16.4 %) and neurological diseases (14.4 %). Among patients suffering from schizophrenia, the most frequent physical diagnoses were endocrine and metabolic diseases. Among those with affective disorders, vascular diseases as well as endocrine and metabolic diseases were found most often.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical diagnoses are very common among psychiatric inpatients. Mass screening and specialized prevention programs should be evaluated regarding their effectiveness for this population.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the presence of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia

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.

MATERIALS AND 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).

CONCLUSION

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.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in people with severe mental illness: a mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

People with severe mental illness (SMI) generally have high rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Proposed explanations remain conjectural. Relatively little is known about Mets in SMI in Southern Europe, an area with generally healthy dietary traditions.

PURPOSE

To establish prevalence rates of MetS in an Italian sample, and testing hypotheses about putative reasons for the excess in the SMI group.

METHODS

We compared the prevalence and correlates of MetS in inpatients with SMI and controls randomly chosen from patients undergoing routine maxillofacial surgery. We employed formal tests of mediation.

RESULTS

The MetS prevalence rate was 26.1 % in the SMI group and 15.9 % in the comparison group. After controlling for age, people with SMI were three times more likely to have MetS than their non-SMI counterparts. Smoking and a family history of cardiovascular disease were strongly related to MetS in both groups. However, these factors could not explain the excess of MetS in the SMI group, and we found no effect of antipsychotic dose.

CONCLUSIONS

SMI remained prominent in increasing the likelihood of MetS in this low prevalence population, and putative determinants of MetS were common to people with SMI and to controls. Explanations for high MetS rates in SMI may lie in health behaviours other than smoking.

Cardiac risk factors and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia admitted to a general hospital psychiatric unit

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors and metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with schizophrenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By consecutive sampling, 143 patients (of age ≥ 20 years), out of total 159 patients with schizophrenia admitted to the inpatient unit were evaluated for the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk as per Framingham (10-year all CHD events) function/risk equation and systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) - 10-year cardiovascular mortality risk (CMR). Prevalence of MS was estimated by using the consensus definition.

RESULTS

Fifty-two (36.4%) patients fulfilled the criteria for MS. 10-year CHD risk was 1.65%, and 10-year CMR was 1.39%. Compared to females, males had higher Framingham score (1.96 ± 2.74 vs. 1.09 ± 0.41, U value 1987.5*, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients of schizophrenia have a high prevalence of MS and CVR factors. Hence, there is a need to screen the patient of schizophrenia for the same and manage the same as early as possible during the course of illness.

Obesity and Serious Mental Ill Health: A Critical Review of the Literature

Individuals who experience serious mental ill health such as schizophrenia are more likely to be overweight or obese than others in the general population. This high prevalence of obesity and other associated metabolic disturbances, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, contribute to a reduced life expectancy of up to 25 years. Several reasons have been proposed for high levels of obesity including a shared biological vulnerability between serious mental ill health and abnormal metabolic processes, potentially compounded by unhealthy lifestyles. However, emerging evidence suggests that the most significant cause of weight gain is the metabolic side effects of antipsychotic medication, usual treatment for people with serious mental ill health. In this paper we review the prevalence of obesity in people with serious mental ill health, explore the contribution that antipsychotic medication may make to weight gain and discuss the implications of this data for future research and the practice of mental health and other professionals.

A meta-analysis of cardio-metabolic abnormalities in drug naïve, first-episode and multi-episode patients with schizophrenia versus general population controls

A meta-analysis was conducted to explore the risk for cardio-metabolic abnormalities in drug naïve, first-episode and multi-episode patients with schizophrenia and age- and gender- or cohort-matched general population controls. Our literature search generated 203 relevant studies, of which 136 were included. The final dataset comprised 185,606 unique patients with schizophrenia, and 28 studies provided data for age- and gender-matched or cohort-matched general population controls (n=3,898,739). We found that multi-episode patients with schizophrenia were at increased risk for abdominal obesity (OR=4.43; CI=2.52-7.82; p<0.001), hypertension (OR=1.36; CI=1.21-1.53; p<0.001), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR=2.35; CI=1.78-3.10; p<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.73; CI=1.95-3.83; p<0.001), metabolic syndrome (OR=2.35; CI=1.68-3.29; p<0.001), and diabetes (OR=1.99; CI=1.55-2.54; p<0.001), compared to controls. Multi-episode patients with schizophrenia were also at increased risk, compared to first-episode (p<0.001) and drug-naïve (p<0.001) patients, for the above abnormalities, with the exception of hypertension and diabetes. Our data provide further evidence supporting WPA recommendations on screening, follow-up, health education and lifestyle changes in people with schizophrenia.

Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia

To review the data with respect to prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its correlates in schizophrenia. For this review, electronic search engines PUBMED, Sciencedirect, and Google Scholar were used. Available data suggests that most of the studies have been of cross-sectional design. Prevalence rates of MetS have varied from 11% to 69% in medicated patients, and 4-26% in drug naive patients in cross-sectional evaluations. Longitudinal studies have shown the prevalence rates to range from 0% to 14% at the baseline in drug naive patients, which increase to as high as 52.4% by 3 months of antipsychotic medication treatment. The prevalence rates of MetS in patients with schizophrenia are much higher than that seen in general population or healthy controls. Though there is no causal association with any demographic or clinical variables, the risk increases with increase in age. Among antipsychotics, there seems to be an association between MetS and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine. Therefore, the psychiatrists should be more vigilant regarding the presence of MetS in these high risk groups. Research on biological correlates of MetS in schizophrenia is still in its primitive stage, however, these is some evidence to suggest an association of MetS with adiponectin levels, hematological indices, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A) gene. These areas hold promise, and targeting these with appropriate interventions may help us to prevent the occurrence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia in future.

Increased Framingham 10-year CVD risk in Chinese patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND & HYPOTHESIS: Schizophrenia is associated with increased mortality rates, which has been attributed to the greater incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The Framingham risk score (FRS) is a widely-used age- and gender-specific algorithm to estimate 10-year CVD risk and vascular age. The main aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular risk profile in schizophrenia and examine the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a predictor of CVD risk. We hypothesized that patients with schizophrenia have an increased 10-year CVD risk.

METHODS

83 Chinese patients with schizophrenia and 243 Chinese community controls were recruited. Their medical and smoking histories were obtained, and anthropometric parameters measured. All subjects provided fasted venous blood samples for lipid and glucose measurements. 10-year CVD risk and the difference between vascular and actual age (VAdiff) for each participant were computed using the FRS and compared between patients and controls.

RESULTS

Schizophrenia patients had a higher mean 10-year CVD risk of 4.6%, as compared with 3.1% in controls, and a greater VAdiff of 4.6 years vs. 0.6 years. Both smoking and MetS contributed significantly to the 10-year CVD risk in patients with schizophrenia, with smoking having a greater effect than MetS on this risk.

CONCLUSION

This study found a significantly elevated mean 10-year CVD risk and VAdiff in patients with schizophrenia compared with controls. Findings point towards the importance of smoking cessation and screening for MetS to decrease the excess CVD risk in patients with schizophrenia.

Bridging the gap from evidence to policy and practice: reducing the progression to metabolic syndrome for children and adolescents on antipsychotic medication

OBJECTIVES

For children and adolescents, the adverse effects from antipsychotic medicines exaggerate the already considerable burden of having a serious mental illness. Many of these young people face a future not only limited by stigmatizing psychiatric illness but also a life restricted and shortened by physical ill-health, particularly cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. This review focuses on bridging the current gap between available evidence and practice guidelines and policies.

METHOD

Following an extensive literature search, key papers focusing on the evidence of the nature and occurrence of metabolic morbidity in children and adolescents following the use of antipsychotic medication were included.

RESULTS

There is growing evidence to suggest that some of the key antecedents of metabolic syndrome occur soon after diagnosis and initiation of antipsychotic medication, and they accumulate over time.

CONCLUSION

While guidelines and policies around the monitoring of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with mental illness receiving antipsychotic medication are limited, an opportunity lies in altering the trajectory towards cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes by early recognition and intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk rather than waiting until disease end-points are reached later in life.

[Cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular risk and quality of life in patients with a severe mental disorder]

AIM

To determine the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), level of cardiovascular risk (CVR) and to analyse the relationship between CVR and quality of life in patients with severe mental illness (SMI).

DESIGN OF STUDY

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Mental Health Service, Consorci Hospitalari de Vic (Barcelona).

SUBJECTS

Patients over 18 years diagnosed with SMI.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Data was collected on, socio-demographic variables, toxic habits, previous pathologies, family history of premature cardiovascular disease, psychiatric diagnoses, physical parameters and laboratory findings. The CVR was determined by the SCORE and REGICOR scales. Quality of life was measured by Euro-QoL and Seville Questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients with SMI were included; 64.9% female, and a mean age 51.1 years (SD 12.9). Major CVRF distribution: 40.1% smoking, 37.9% hypertension, 56.2% dyslipidemia, and 11.1% diabetes. The criteria for obesity and metabolic syndrome were met by 37.9% and 48.4% of the patients, respectively. The average major CVRF was 1.5 factors. The CVR was high in 4.6% of the sample by SCORE and in 5.4% by REGICOR. Neither the patients who accumulated more CVRF or those with high CVR scores showed a worse quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The most prevalent CVRF in patients with SMI are smoking and dyslipidemia, with a prevalence that exceeded population-based studies. The subgroup of depressive disorders showed a higher CVR and worse quality of life. No relationships were found between the CVR and the quality of life.

Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and diastolic dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, which is associated with early mortality compared with the nonschizophrenic population. Early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in asymptomatic periods in patients with schizophrenia would enhance their quality of life and reduce mortality. Echocardiography, carotid ultrasonography, and ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement are known to be beneficial methods of detecting subclinical cardiovascular diseases and of risk stratification. The present study investigated carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ABI and echocardiographic parameters measured via conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with a control group.

METHODS

The present case-control study included 116 patients with schizophrenia and 88 healthy patients. Participants with any current comorbid psychiatric disorder, current or lifetime neurological and medical problems, current coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism or who were using antihypertensives, antidiabetic agents, or antiobesity drugs were excluded. High-resolution B-mode ultrasound images were used to measure CIMT. Conventional and tissue Doppler measurements were performed according to the recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography.

RESULTS

Low ABI, mitral ratio of the early (E) to late (A) ventricular filling velocities, septal E', septal S', lateral E', lateral S', septal E'/septal A', lateral E'/lateral A', and high septal A', mitral E/septal E', mitral E/lateral E', and CIMT values were observed in the schizophrenia group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Doppler parameters supported the hypothesis that patients with schizophrenia are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Hyperlipidemia in patients with schizophrenia: a national population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine hyperlipidemia among Taiwanese patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

We obtained a random sample of 766,427 subjects aged ≥18 years in 2005. Subjects with at least one primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and with a primary or secondary diagnosis of hyperlipidemia or medication for hyperlipidemia were identified. We compared the prevalence and incidence of hyperlipidemia in schizophrenic patients with the general population.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with schizophrenia was higher than that in the general population (8.15% vs. 8.10%; odds ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.31) in 2005. Compared with the general population, schizophrenic patients had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia in individuals aged <50 years, among those with higher insurance amount, and among persons living in northern and central regions and in urban areas. The average annual incidence of hyperlipidemia in schizophrenic patients with second-generation antipsychotic use from 2006 to 2008 was higher than that in the general population (1.57% vs. 1.29%; odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with schizophrenia had a much higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia in young adulthood than that in the general population. Schizophrenic patients with second-generation antipsychotic exposure had a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia than individuals in the general population.

Guideline concordant monitoring of metabolic risk in people treated with antipsychotic medication: systematic review and meta-analysis of screening practices

BACKGROUND

Despite increased cardiometabolic risk in individuals with mental illness taking antipsychotic medication, metabolic screening practices are often incomplete or inconsistent.

METHOD

We undertook a systematic search and a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) meta-analysis of studies examining routine metabolic screening practices in those taking antipsychotics both for patients in psychiatric care before and following implementation of monitoring guidelines.

RESULTS

We identified 48 studies (n=290 534) conducted between 2000 and 2011 in five countries; 25 studies examined predominantly schizophrenia-spectrum disorder populations; 39 studies (n=218 940) examined routine monitoring prior to explicit guidelines; and nine studies (n=71 594) reported post-guideline monitoring. Across 39 studies, routine baseline screening was generally low and above 50% only for blood pressure [69.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 50.9-85.8] and triglycerides (59.9%, 95% CI 36.6-81.1). Cholesterol was measured in 41.5% (95% CI 18.0-67.3), glucose in 44.3% (95% CI 36.3-52.4) and weight in 47.9% (95% CI 32.4-63.7). Lipids and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were monitored in less than 25%. Rates were similar for schizophrenia patients, in US and UK studies, for in-patients and out-patients. Monitoring was non-significantly higher in case-record versus database studies and in fasting samples. Following local/national guideline implementation, monitoring improved for weight (75.9%, CI 37.3-98.7), blood pressure (75.2%, 95% CI 45.6-95.5), glucose (56.1%, 95% CI 43.4-68.3) and lipids (28.9%, 95% CI 20.3-38.4). Direct head-to-head pre-post-guideline comparison showed a modest but significant (15.4%) increase in glucose testing (p=0.0045).

CONCLUSIONS

In routine clinical practice, metabolic monitoring is concerningly low in people prescribed antipsychotic medication. Although guidelines can increase monitoring, most patients still do not receive adequate testing.

Efficacy of lifestyle interventions in physical health management of patients with severe mental illness

Awareness of the importance of maintaining physical health for patients with severe mental illnesses has recently been on the increase. Although there are several elements contributing to poor physical health among these patients as compared with the general population, risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity are of particular significance due to their relationship with mortality and morbidity. These patients present higher vulnerability to cardiovascular risk factors based on several issues, such as genetic predisposition to certain pathologies, poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, high proportions of smokers and drug abusers, less access to regular health care services, and potential adverse events during pharmacological treatment. Nevertheless, there is ample scientific evidence supporting the benefits of lifestyle interventions based on diet and exercise designed to minimize and reduce the negative impact of these risk factors on the physical health of patients with severe mental illnesses.

Metformin for obesity and glucose dysregulation in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic drugs

Antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain and glucose dysregulation add to the cardiovascular risk of patients with schizophrenia and contribute to their early mortality. The currently recommended interventions to address the metabolic complications of antipsychotic drug treatment are to switch the patient from an antipsychotic drug with high metabolic liability to one with a lower liability and to implement lifestyle changes. These interventions can be quite challenging to carry out. So far the progress in improving the metabolic and cardiovascular outcome of patients with major mental illness has been disappointing. We offer an overview of the literature on metformin for antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain and glucose dysregulation and pertinent literature from the Diabetes Prevention Program. We conclude that young adults with schizophrenia newly exposed to antipsychotic drugs, who show a pattern of rapid weight gain and/or glucose dysregulation, are prime candidates for metformin if switching the antipsychotic medication to one with a lower metabolic burden is not an option or does not curtail the weight gain and/or adverse metabolic effects. Metformin therapy should not preclude healthy lifestyle interventions.

The metabolic syndrome and its constituting variables in atypical antipsychotic-treated subjects: comparison with other drug treatments, drug-free psychiatric patients, first-degree relatives and the general population in Venezuela

BACKGROUND

Few studies on the association between atypical antipsychotic drug (AAP) administration and metabolic dysfunction have concurrently evaluated the general population (GP), other psychotropic drug treatments and drug-free psychiatric patients.

METHODS

We assessed the frequency of the metabolic syndrome (MS) according to the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria (NCEP) and its constituting variables in a GP sample (n=271) and in patients receiving, for at least three consecutive months, antiepileptic drugs (n=93), olanzapine (n=162), clozapine (n=105), typical antipsychotics (n=117), other AAP (n=58), other psychotropic drugs (n=185), and drug-free individuals (n=636). Subjects were clinically classified as schizophrenia, bipolar or other axis I disorders (DSM-IV-RT), and as first-degree relatives of each diagnostic group.

RESULTS

The MS was detected in 26.6% of the GP (95% confidence interval: 21.5-31.8). No diagnostic or treatment group had a significantly higher age-adjusted frequency than the GP (p>0.05). Treatment duration did not significantly affect the results. However, significant differences were observed in the frequency of abnormal MS constituting variables in comparison to the GP. For example, schizophrenia patients and their relatives, bipolar subjects and olanzapine- and clozapine-treated patients had higher abnormal waist circumference values. In addition, bipolar patients and their relatives and subjects treated with olanzapine and other AAPs had higher frequencies of abnormal glucose levels. Neither schizophrenia nor bipolar patients in the diagnostic categories nor the olanzapine or the clozapine groups displayed higher proportions of abnormal triglycerides, high density cholesterol or blood pressure levels than the GP.

CONCLUSIONS

While we did not demonstrate an increased frequency of the MS in AAP-treated subjects, our results confirm that specific metabolic variables must be monitored in psychiatric patients. Besides they stress the importance, in epidemiological studies, of concurrently comparing the figures recorded in AAP-treated patients with those obtained in the local GP, other drug treatment groups and drug-free subjects when referring to the magnitude of the metabolic effects of specific antipsychotic agents.

Metabolic syndrome and psychiatrists' choice of follow-up interventions in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics in Denmark and Sweden

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to obtain point prevalence estimates of the metabolic syndrome according to the NCEP III criteria in a sample of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs in Denmark and Sweden, and to assess the psychiatrists' choice of recommendations for follow-up interventions based on the patients' laboratory results.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional, observational multi-center study in Denmark and Sweden, in consecutively screened in- and outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and continuously treated for at least 3 months with atypical antipsychotic drugs.

RESULTS

The metabolic syndrome as per medical history was present in 1% of 582 evaluable patients at baseline. After performing laboratory measurements and applying the NCEP III criteria, metabolic syndrome was confirmed in 43% of subjects. The high rate of metabolic syndrome did not elicit much decisive action on the part of the treating psychiatrists; the most frequent action taken was dietary and exercise advice (in 75% of subjects), while in 54% and 19% of subjects a laboratory follow-up and blood pressure follow-up were advised respectively. Change of antipsychotic medication was recommended in only 10% of patients, and in further 11% of patients, no action was taken.

CONCLUSION

Observed metabolic syndrome prevalence rates were at least twice the rates observed in a normal, non-diabetic population. It appears that in this vulnerable population of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, metabolic syndrome remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Dose-response relationship of sertindole and haloperidol using the pharmacopsychometric triangle

OBJECTIVE

Renewed insight into dose-related effects of sertindole and haloperidol was sought by re-analysing published data for antipsychotic effect, extrapyramidal effect, and patient wellbeing - i.e., the important pharmacopsychometric triangle domains.

METHOD

Selected Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) subscales and the Simpson-Angus scale were tested for validity. Standardized effect sizes [last observation carried forward (LOCF)] at endpoint were calculated.

RESULTS

The scales were found to be valid instruments. The PANSS(11) psychotic subscale showed clinically significant effect sizes for all doses of sertindole (12, 20, and 24 mg) and haloperidol (4, 8, and 16 mg). Extrapyramidal effects were evident for all doses of haloperidol, but absent for the lower doses of sertindole. The PANSS(6) depression subscale, a proxy measure of quality of life, showed a clinically significant effect for sertindole 20 mg and no effect for haloperidol.

CONCLUSION

This re-analysis confirmed the antipsychotic effect and absence of extrapyramidal effects for sertindole and, in addition, showed a clinically significant antidepressant effect. A profile for bipolar states emerged.

Receipt of preventive medical care and medical screening for patients with mental illness: a comparative analysis

BACKGROUND

There has been long-standing concern about the delivery of preventive and screening services to patients with mental illness.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine whether the quality of preventive care received by patients with mental health conditions differs from that received by individuals who have no comparable mental disorder. Our hypothesis was that patients with mental illness would be in receipt of lower quality or lower frequency of preventive care.

METHOD

Studies that examined the quality of care in those with and without comorbid mental illness were reviewed and comparative data extracted. By using only comparative studies we hope to ascertain whether inequalities in care existed by virtue of psychiatric diagnoses (or closely affiliated factors).

RESULTS

We identified 26 studies that examined preventive care in individuals with vs. without psychiatric illness. From these eligible studies, 61 comparisons were documented across 13 health care domains. These included mammography, cervical smears, vaccinations, cholesterol screening, lifestyle counseling, colonoscopy. Twenty-seven comparisons revealed inferior preventive health care in those with mental illness, but 10 suggested superior preventive health care and 24 reached inconclusive findings. Inferior preventive care was most apparent in those with schizophrenia and in relation to osteoporosis screening, blood pressure monitoring, vaccinations, mammography and cholesterol monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude there is strong evidence to suggest that the quality of preventive and screening services received by patients with mental illness is often lower, but occasionally superior to that received by individuals who have no comparable mental disorder. More work must be done to improve the quality of medical and preventive care for individuals with mental illness.