Cholesterol Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cholesterol, including details on high cholesterol, hdl, ldl, diet, risks.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics: missed targets and lost opportunities.

Correll CU, Harris JL, Pantaleon Moya RA, Frederickson AM, Kane JM, Manu P

The Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of psychotic disorders with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) to individualized targets of 100, 130 or 160 mg/dl reduces the risk of CHD. We determined the prevalence of above-target LDL-C and its management during psychiatric hospitalization. METHODS: 364 hospitalized adults receiving SGAs underwent LDL-C target assessments. Records of patients with above-target LDL-C were searched for dietary or pharmacologic treatments and referrals for medical consultation. RESULTS: Above-target LDL-C levels were present in 100 (27.5%) patients and were associated with higher total cholesterol, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, older age, higher systolic blood pressure, smoking and male gender (r(2): 0.53; p<0.0001). Only 32.0% of these patients received appropriate interventions during hospital stays of 27.6+/-23.3 days. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of SGA-treated patients have above-target LDL-C, but do not receive interventions to reduce the risk of CHD.

Published 17 April 2007 in Schizophr Res, 92(1): 103-7.
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