Second-Generation Antipsychotic Utilization and Metabolic Parameter Monitoring in an Inpatient Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Analysis

Background Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are prescribed for a variety of indications and are strongly associated with adverse metabolic effects. Studies of pediatric outpatients have revealed several deficiencies in monitoring practices for adverse effects associated with SGAs. Objective Our objective was to characterize SGA prescribing and metabolic parameter monitoring (MPM) in an inpatient pediatric population. Methods Patients aged < 18 years and discharged on SGA treatment between 1 November 2013 and 30 April 2014 from an inpatient psychiatric institution in Pittsburgh, PA, USA were included. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were reviewed for patient age and weight and for parameters used by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to define metabolic syndrome: waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and blood pressure. The primary outcome was the percent of patients with completed MPM, defined as all parameters being available within the patient's EMR in any form, except estimates. Secondary outcomes included percent of patients with existing metabolic syndrome or obesity according to IDF criteria, average total daily dose of individual SGAs, and frequency of individual SGA utilization. Data were analyzed utilizing univariate descriptive statistics. Results A total of 243 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. For the primary outcome, 13.2% (n = 32) of patients had completed MPM for all parameters. Blood pressure was the most frequently documented parameter (n = 241; 99.2%), whereas waist circumference was the least (n = 67; 28%). Risperidone was the most commonly prescribed SGA (n = 99; 41%; average daily dose 1.92 mg). Conclusions Compared with outpatient studies, rates of documented MPM for certain parameters (i.e., fasting blood glucose, lipids) is higher for pediatric inpatients treated with SGAs. However, several monitoring deficiencies are still noted.