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An audit of the metabolic syndrome in two rehabilitation inpatient units

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2010

Delphine Coyle ,
Rob Macpherson ,
Reza Hussaini  and
Stephen Arnott
Delphine Coyle*
Affiliation:
Core Trainee Psychiatrist, Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester
Rob Macpherson
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester
Reza Hussaini
Affiliation:
Core Trainee Psychiatrist, Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester
Stephen Arnott
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester
*
Correspondence to: Dr Delphine Coyle, Wotton Lawn Hospital, Horton Road, Gloucester, GL1 0LW. Tel: 07920 537 346; E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background: Some psychiatric illnesses tend to predispose patients to metabolic syndrome. Some psychiatric medications have been linked with an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome has an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Method: The following data were obtained from the last 6 months’ medical notes of inpatients in two rehabilitation units: waist circumference; BP; fasting blood tests: triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and glucose; psychiatric and medical diagnoses and medication.

Results: 58% of the patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. However, due to lack of appropriate physical monitoring in some cases, only 19% had previously been diagnosed. Therefore not all the patients with metabolic syndrome were being appropriately treated or monitored.

Conclusion: A systematic approach to assessment and management of physical health needs in people with severe mental illness is necessary. Suggestions for improvement include: healthy lifestyle encouragement; refer patients with metabolic syndrome to GP for treatment; optimization of current psychiatric treatment; monitor waist circumference, fasting lipids and glucose 4 times a year if patient has ≥ 3 criteria, or twice yearly if patient has 0–2 criteria; monitor BP monthly for all patients.

Keywords

Metabolic syndromepsychiatric illnesscardiovascular disease risk factorsdiabetesantipsychoticsphysical monitoring
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , December 2011 , pp. 79 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © NAPICU 2011

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