Monitoring of Metabolic Adverse Events of Second Generation Antipsychotics in a Naive Pediatric Population

Launched by ST. JUSTINE'S HOSPITAL · May 14, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the MEMAS study, is looking at the possible side effects of second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs) in children and teenagers who have never taken these medications before. SGAs can sometimes cause metabolic issues, like weight gain and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol levels, which can affect heart health. The study aims to understand what factors might lead to these side effects and how well doctors follow guidelines for monitoring patients taking SGAs.

To participate, children and teens under 18 years old who are starting an SGA or have been on one for less than four weeks can join, as long as they don’t have certain health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Participants will have their weight, blood pressure, and blood tests checked regularly for up to 24 months. Parents or caregivers will need to give consent for their child to be involved in the study. The findings from this research will be shared publicly to help improve care for young people taking these medications.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • patients under 18 years of age,
• • previously AP-naifs,
• • starting an SGA or who started an SGA for less than 4 weeks,
• • followed longitudinally at one of the selected recruiting center,
• • regardless of the diagnosis that motivated the prescription of the SGA medication.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • diabetes,
• • dyslipidemia,
• • high blood pressure,
• • thyroid dysfunction,
• • hepatic disease,
• • hyperprolactinemia,
• • taking a medication to treat any of the above conditions before starting SGA treatment and pregnancy.