Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate by serial echocardiography and dosage of NT-pro-BNP, whether, in previously healthy subjects, long term therapy with clozapine may lead to subclinical cardiac toxicity. Methods and Results: 38 patients (24 males, 14 females, mean age 38.4 years) suffering from a severe personality disorder were enrolled. At inclusion duration of clozapine treatment averaged 66 months at a mean daily dose of 296 mg. Clinical evaluation, NT-pro-BNP dosage and echocardiography were performed at baseline, 3 and 12 months. At first visit 15 patients showed depression of left ventricular function (12 had LVEF between 50 and 55%, 22= -0.4619, p 5% was found in 33% of patients with baseline normal LVEF while LVEF remained below 55% in 70% of group B patients. LVEF and NT-pro-BNP values were still significantly different in the two groups at the term of follow-up. Conclusions: subclinical heart dysfunction, frequently biventricular, occurs in 1/3 of young, previously healthy, clozapine treated patients. NT-pro-BNP values relate inversely with LVEF. At 1 year follow -up a LVEF decrease >5% occurred in 1/3 of patients with baseline normal left ventricular function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 148-153 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Cardiovascular and Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2012 |
Keywords
- Adverse effects
- Cardiomyopathy
- Clozapine
- Diastolic function
- Echocardiography
- Metabolic syndrome
- NT-pro-BNP
- QT i nterval
- Refractory schizophrenia
- Right ventricular function
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Pharmacology