Metabolic Syndrome Identification in Patients Treated With Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medications

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are associated with metabolic syndrome.
• Metabolic syndrome poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Early identification and management of metabolic syndrome are critical for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess missed opportunities for identifying metabolic syndrome in psychiatric inpatients on SGAs.
• To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this patient population.
• To explore the relationship between primary care provider (PCP) involvement and metabolic syndrome management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 194 patients admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.
• Data collection included demographics, metabolic syndrome risk factors, BMI, medications, diagnoses, and PCP status.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 47.4% (92 out of 194 patients).
• Positive PCP status was significantly associated with the use of antihypertensives, statins, and antihyperglycemics (p < 0.05).
• These findings suggest a high rate of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome in this population.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial need for enhanced, system-wide metabolic syndrome screening in psychiatric units.
• Integrating care coordination with primary care providers is essential for effective metabolic syndrome management.
• Proactive identification and management can mitigate the severe health consequences associated with metabolic syndrome in patients on SGAs.