A two fold risk of metabolic syndrome in a sample of patients with schizophrenia: do consanguinity and family history increase risk?

Abstract

Background: Patients with schizophrenia are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its criteria among patients with schizophrenia (Sz) according to the revised criteria of NCEP ATP III and assess which component contributed to the increased risk of the MetS in schizophrenia patients.

Design: This was a matched case-control study.

Setting: Outpatient clinics of the Psychiatry department and Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers of the Supreme Council of Health, State of Qatar.

Subjects and methods: The study was carried out among patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and healthy subjects above 20 years old. The study based on matched by age and gender of 233 cases and 466 controls. The survey was conducted from June 2010 to May 2011. Face to face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire followed by laboratory tests. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program - Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III).

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among schizophrenic patients (36.5%) were significantly higher than healthy subjects (18.7%) (p<0.001). The prevalence of MetS in schizophrenic subjects was reported to be two times higher than in the general population. The MetS components were higher among schizophrenic patients than healthy subjects. Among the components of MetS, central obesity (63.9%) was the most common criteria among patients compared to healthy subjects (45.7%) (p<0.001). Schizophrenic patients (27%) were significantly obese than the healthy subjects (13.1%). Female schizophrenia patients were more likely to have three or more metabolic abnormalities compared to men.

Conclusion: The study indicated that metabolic syndrome was highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. The female gender was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The identification and clinical management of this high risk group is of great importance.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Prevalence; Qatar; Schizophrenia.