Abstract
Metabolic syndrome during clozapine treatment
Objective: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in inpatients with psychotic disorders treated with clozapine for at least one year.
Design: Chronically admitted patients were screened on the use of
clozapine and the presence of metabolic side effects.
Methods: The Third Adult Treatment Panel was used tot assess metabolic syndrome. In addition, patient variables, dosage and plasma concentration of clozapine were recorded.
Results: Included were 62 patients with a most prevalent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Mean duration of treatment with clozapine was 9.2 years. Metabolic syndrome was present in 60% of the patients and more frequent in cases with comedication of
mood stabilizers.
Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among patients treated with clozapine for psychotic disorders. Additional
factors in the emergence of metabolic syndrome are: unhealthy
life style, inactivity and comedication
