Esther Ching-Lan Lin
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and Hospital, Taiwan
Title: Prevalence, gender differences, and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Han-Chinese with schizophrenia taking second-generation antipsychotics in Taiwan
Biography
Biography: Esther Ching-Lan Lin
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports an association between metabolic alterations and schizophrenia (Aichhorn et al. 2006; Kraemer et al. 2011). It is estimated that nearly two thirds of patients with schizophrenia have obesity (Keltner 2006; Rummel-Kluge et al. 2010), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (De Hert et al. 2009; Saddichha et al. 2007). The prevalence in schizophrenic patients is nearly triple that of the general population (Association, American Diabetes et al. 2004). We examined the prevalence, gender differences, and risk factors for metabolic syndrome of patients with schizophrenia using second-generation antipsychotics. A cross-sectional sample of 329 patients was recruited in central Taiwan. Prevalence was estimated using the definitions of the International Diabetes Federation for Chinese. Logistic regression analyses were done to assess the predictive power of demographic and clinical risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and to identify gender-specific predictors. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 23.7% (n = 78; men = 25.7% vs. women = 21.2%). Risk factors were a body mass index (BMI) greater than 24 and abnormal non-HDL-C (≥ 130 mg/dL). Gender-specific risk factors and related mechanisms are discussed. Future development of specific interventions for metabolic syndrome is imperative for early identification and prevention.