Abstract
Objectives. Atypical antipsychotics (AA) are frequently used in the pediatric population which is more predisposed to developing a metabolic disorder. It is suggested that some of the hormones produced in adipose tissue
may be involved in the pathogenesis of these problems. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic consequences in the pediatric population treated with AAs and their association with levels of selected adipokines.
Material and methods. 27 patients hospitalized in thec cild and adolescent psychiatric ward (patient group – PG) and 33 healthy individuals (control group – CG) were enrolled in the study. Before pharmacotherapy and prior to being discharged from the hospital anthropometric measurements were taken and laboratory tests carried out. The serum levels of selected adipokines were measured in PG.
Results. After 6.92 ± 3,62 weeks of treatment with AA there was a statistically significant increase of body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in PG (p = 0.013), whereas the level of leptin receptors decreased (p = 0.039). Statistical significant positive correlations were observed between the level of leptin before the treatment and BMI (R = 0.634; p = 0.049) and the level of triglycerides (TG) (R = 0.722; p = 0.012) during the treatment. There was also a positive correlation between the level of leptin receptors prior the treatment and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (R = 0.681; p = 0.043) during the treatment.
Conclusions. The increased body weight and BMI in pediatric population may occur after a few weeks of treatment with AA. It may be associated with changes in the levels of some adipokines. Furthermore, high initial level of leptin may be connected with changes in BMI and TG while initial level of leptin receptors can be associated with HDL.