Clozapine and risperidone influence on metabolic parameters and liver function in patients with schizophrenia

Objective. It is well known that atypical antipsychotics cause metabolic disturbances and liver dysfunction. The aims of the study were to explore whether clozapine and risperidone increase glucose, cholesterol, transaminases and bilirubin levels in serum, and to determine whether there is a difference in influence on mentioned biochemical parameters between these antipsychotics. Methods. A cross-sectional study of the patients hospitalized in 2009 in Psychiatric Clinic, Clinical Center 'Kragujevac' was done. Patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine or risperidone were included. The results of laboratory parameters which were performed for patients during their hospital treatment were used for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using z-test, Student's t-test and descriptive statistics. Results. The study included 91 patients, both genders, aged 21-73, which were divided into two groups according to the treatment: clozapine (n=44) and risperidone (n=47). The frequency of elevated glucose level in clozapine-treated group was 41.46% vs. 27.66% in risperidone-treated group. The frequency of elevated cholesterol level in clozapinetreated group was 23.08% vs. 35.29% in risperidone-treated group. Seven of 42 patients in clozapine-treated group (16.67%) had a significant increase in AST, in comparison with 3 of 46 patients in risperidone-treated group (6.52%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion. The results showed that clozapine and risperidone had an influence on increased values of metabolic parameters and parameters of liver function in patients with schizophrenia, but there was no statistically significant difference between these drugs. These patients should be regularly biochemically monitored for early detection of possible side effects.