Relation Between Long Term Antipsychotic Treatment and Osteoporosis

Abstract

Background and Aim of Work

Osteoporosis and frequent fractures are reported in schizophrenic patients, Hyperprolactinemia can be contributing to bone demineralization. Since antipsychotics are themselves the commonest iatrogenic etiology to hyperprolactinemia, long term antipsychotic use may be contributing to osteopenia

Subjects and Methods

30 schizophrenic patients with chronic course receiving antipsychotic for 2-10 years compared to 20 drug naïf schizophrenic patients. Patients on cortisol therapy, debilitating chronic illness or suffering from rheumatic disorders were excluded. Bone density evaluated by Dual energy X ray absorbtiometry and serum level; of prolactine measured

Results

Among schizophrenic patients on medication, 40% were on respiridone, 10% on clozapine, 33.3% on haloperidol and 16.7% on olanzapine.significant difference showed up between schizophrenic patient on medication and drug naïf as regards bone miniral density T score (X² = 3.25; p< 0.05)

Conclusion

Osteopenia is common among schizophrenic patients receiving prolactine raising antipsychotics, raising the urge to screen for bone density among those with long term use of psychotropes