Hormonal evaluation in
schizophrenic patients treated with neuroleptics by Kristina Melkersson, Anna-Lena Hulting & Kerstin Hall
Key words: neuroleptics; side effects; prolactin (PRL); growth
hormone (GH); insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to
hormonally evaluate schizophrenic patients on long-term treatment
with neuroleptics. Twenty-eight patients (14 men and 14 women)
on long-term therapy with different neuroleptics were investigated.
Blood samples for prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like
growth factor I (IGF-I) were measured, as well as gonadotropins
and testosterone in the males. In addition, clinical signs and
symptoms of the neuroleptic side effects were evaluated. Seven
out of 14 women had elevated PRL and five of the six fertile
women in this group had menstrual disturbances. Twelve of the
l4 men had normal PRL levels, whereas two had slightly elevated
PRL without related symptoms. Four patients had low IGF-I levels,
which in one case was combined with elevated PRL. We conclude
that PRL levels in schizophrenic patients on long-term therapy
with neuroleptics are elevated in about 50% of the women and
in 10-20% of the men. Furthermore, irrespective of PRL levels
or other hormonal disturbances, some
patients on long-term neuroleptic therapy show low IGF-I levels,
pointing at a possible interference with neuroleptics on the
hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of GH-dependent IGF-I secretion.
