Bone Mass in Schizophrenia Compared to Normal Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Renn Jenn-Huei, Yang Nan-Ping, Chueh Ching-Mo, Lin Chih-Yuan, Lan Tsuo-Hung, Chou Pesus
Primary Institution: National Yang-Ming University
Hypothesis
Do schizophrenic patients have different bone mass compared to the local community population?
Conclusion
Schizophrenic patients have lower bone mass than the community population since they are young.
Supporting Evidence
- Schizophrenic patients have lower bone mass while they are young.
- Aging effect on bone mass cannot be seen in schizophrenic patients.
- Accelerated bone mass loss during menopausal transition was not observed in female schizophrenic patients.
Takeaway
People with schizophrenia have weaker bones than those without it, especially when they are younger.
Methodology
Bone mass was measured using a heel qualitative ultrasound device in 965 schizophrenic patients and 405 community members.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with severe symptoms and the use of a single measurement location.
Limitations
The study does not include information on sex hormones, bone metabolism hormones, type of antipsychotic medication, and bone turnover markers.
Participant Demographics
623 male and 342 female schizophrenic patients, mean age 47.6 years for males and 46.8 years for females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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