DYSLIPIDEMIA IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA, TREATED WITH ANTIPSYCHOTICS

Background. Psychiatric patients with schizophrenia present a higher risk for dyslipidemia than other categories. Aim. To evaluate the values of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids in patients with schizophrenia, who received typical or atypical antipsychotics. Demographic characteristics were also collected. Subjects and methods. This observational, retrospective cohort study included 54 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were observed during a period of one year. Glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids were monitored after 6 and 12 months. We selected patients who were not on hypolipemiant treatment, for various reasons, in order to better evaluate the impact of antipsychotic medication. Results. The majority of patients were male (93%). The mean age of the patients was of 38, and 87% of them were living in urban areas. Analyzing the mean values of glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids under different types of antipsychotics, higher values of these constants were observed in patients who received olanzapine and risperidone treatment, but with no significant correlations. Conclusion. Patients with schizophrenia naturally shown an increased risk for dyslipidemia, partially due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, and these conditions may be exacerbated by antipsychotic medication.