Korean J Biol Psychiatry.  2012 Nov;19(4):193-198.

Relationship between Serum Inflammatory Marker and Psychotic Symptoms in Inpatients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

• Kim KH
• Lee K
• Kim SJ
• Lee EK
• Song YM
• Park JY

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Despite the growing research interest in the role of immunological markers in schizophrenia, a few studies, with conflicting results, have focused on the association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of serum hs-CRP with psychopathology in schizophrenia.
METHODS
Fifty-five inpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled. Serum levels of hs-CRP were measured, and each patient was assessed with the Korean version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
RESULTS
In correlation analysis of hs-CRP with PANSS subscales, positive subscale score has significant positive correlation (r = 0.271, p = 0.046). In independent t-test analysis, subjects with hs-CRP > 0.3 mg/dL (elevated CRP group, n = 43) had significantly higher PANSS positive subscale score (t = -3.273, df = 24.107, p = 0.003) than those with hs-CRP < or = 0.3 mg/dL (normal CRP group, n = 12).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in schizophrenia are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms.

Keyword

C-reactive protein; Inflammatory marker; Schizophrenia; Positive symptoms

MeSH Terms

C-Reactive Protein
Humans
Inpatients
Psychopathology
Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia
C-Reactive Protein