Hemodynamic and white blood cells parameters in patients with first-episode psychosis: a pilot longitudinal study

Objective Patients with schizophrenia are at higher risk of cardiovascular (CVS) related mortality. Close attention is being paid to the clinical utility of readily available CVS markers. Methods A pilot one-year longitudinal study in inpatients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) was carried out to determine markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction (monocyte- and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios) and basal blood pressure, pulse, and derived hemodynamic parameters (PP: pulse pressure; RPP: rate pressure product; and MAP: mean arterial pressure). Results After one year, PP and RPP increased, as did systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Systolic blood pressure, PP, total white blood cells, and neutrophils correlated with weight gain. After one year, correlations between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and RPP and MAP were observed. Conclusion Our study indicates worsening CVS health over the first year of treatment and emphasises the importance of early monitoring of CVS status using easily accessible parameters to prevent CVS-related mortality.