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S014-3

Metabolic Problems in Hong Kong Chinese Patients

Edwin Lee

University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Background/Objective: Second generation antipsychotics (SGA) are now commonly used because
they have a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side-effects than first generation antipyschotics (FGA).
However, SGA are associated with an increased risk of metabolic complications such as obesity,
dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. There is now a pandemic of chronic diseases in Asian countries,
driven mainly by obesity, diabetes and cardio-renal complications.

Method: Epidemiological study with case registration and coding for physical comorbidity in
patients with schizophrenia.

Result: Patients with severe mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, are found to have increased
rates of physical illness compared with the general population. The effects of SGA on physical health
have become an important issue in clinical management in Chinese population because of the
cultural and socio-economical condition. The coronary heart disease, diabetes and metabolic risk
factors differ among ethnic groups. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic differences were found between
Asian and Caucasian patients.

Conclusion: The extent of metabolic problems among Asian patients in long-term treatment is
expanding. Furthermore, Western studies mainly focus on the effect of different SGA on metabolic
outcomes, but little is known for FGA, which is still commonly used in Asia. The metabolic problem
of in Hong Kong Chinese patients with schizophrenia will be discussed from research and clinical
point of view.