Late onset mania (first psychiatric hospitalization at age ≥47, representing 6.3% of 366 bipolar patients) was associated with greater vascular risk factors and higher cholesterol levels.
Case-Control (n=366)
Is late-onset mania associated with greater vascular risk factors and higher cholesterol levels compared to early-onset mania in bipolar patients?
Late-onset mania is associated with greater vascular risk factors and higher cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential vascular etiology for this distinct manic subtype.
BACKGROUND: Previous researches have suggested that late onset mania is a distinct subtype associated with medical and neurological disorders. Few studies, however, have focused on vascular risk factors. METHODS: Records of 366 bipolar patients were reviewed and age of first psychiatric hospitalization determined. Late-onset cases were determined empirically from a distribution histogram. Late onset cases were matched to early onset cases and histories of vascular disease/risks and current cholesterol levels compared. RESULTS: The distribution of age of first psychiatric hospitalization was bimodal with an intermode at age 47. Using that threshold, 6.3% of the cohort was classified as having late onset mania. Vascular risks factors were greater and current cholesterol levels higher in the late onset group. CONCLUSIONS: Late onset mania is associated with greater vascular risk factors. The bimodal appearance of age of first psychiatric hospitalization in this study provides further support of late onset mania as a distinct manic subtype with possibly a different, vascular aetiology. Control of these vascular risks may impact on the incidence of late onset mania, as well as on its clinical management.
Cassidy et al. (2002) conducted a case-control in Bipolar disorder (n=366). Late onset mania vs. Early onset mania was evaluated on Vascular risk factors and current cholesterol levels. Late onset mania (first psychiatric hospitalization at age ≥47, representing 6.3% of 366 bipolar patients) was associated with greater vascular risk factors and higher cholesterol levels.