An Investigation of Cardiovascular Risks in a Group of Children and Adolescents Who Use Atypical Antipsychotics

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2017 Oct;38(10):872-880. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1355946. Epub 2017 Sep 5.

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the metabolic parameters and body measurements associated with cardiovascular risks in a group of children and adolescents who as part of inpatient treatment received atypical antipsychotics at a psychiatric hospital in Turkey. Body mass indexes (BMIs), waist circumferences (WCs), diastolic blood pressures (DBPs), systolic blood pressures (SBPs) and heart rates (HRs) of the patients were evaluated during hospitalization and at discharge. A statistically significant difference was found among the mean BMIs, WCs, DBPs and HRs of the patients at the stages of their hospitalization and discharge (p < 0.05). On the basis of the study findings, it is recommended that mental health nurses evaluate these risk factors in children and adolescents and provide education on this subject to the patients and their families.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents