Patients receiving second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) may experience secondary metabolic effects such as weight gain, as well as changes in lipid and glucose metabolism. These effects are well documented in adults; however, fewer studies are available concerning their occurrence and their evolution in children and adolescents.
The aim of this study was to determine if there is an age-dependent variation in the metabolic effects of SGAs in a drug-naïve population.
Charts of 232 French Canadian patients participating in a program monitoring the metabolic effects of SGAs were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 85 SGA-naïve patients were selected, including 58 youths and 27 adults. Changes, relative to baseline, in weight, body mass index, lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride), and fasting blood glucose were assessed, with follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
With respect to weight gain, in both the youth and adult groups, body mass index significantly increased from baseline at 3 months (10.1% [p?