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Postmaturity in a genetic subtype of schizophrenia

E W C Chow1, J Husted, R Weksberg

  • 1Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|September 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Postmaturity, or prolonged gestation, significantly elevates schizophrenia risk in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22qDS). Small for gestational age (SGA) may indicate broader neurodevelopmental issues in this genetic schizophrenia subtype.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22qDS) is a genetic disorder associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if postmaturity and small for gestational age (SGA) are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in individuals with 22qDS.
  • To explore these factors as potential risk modifiers for schizophrenia within the 22qDS population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of antepartum and intrapartum features in adults with 22qDS-schizophrenia.
  • Comparison with three control groups: newborn encephalopathy, healthy newborns, and non-psychotic 22qDS adults.

Main Results:

  • Postmaturity was significantly more prevalent in 22qDS-schizophrenia patients compared to controls (OR 13.0, P < 0.001).
  • Small for gestational age (SGA) was also more prevalent in 22qDS-schizophrenia patients (OR 3.59, P = 0.03).
  • Postmaturity showed a non-significant trend towards higher prevalence in 22qDS-schizophrenia versus other groups.

Conclusions:

  • Postmaturity appears to be a significant risk factor associated with schizophrenia expression in the 22qDS subtype.
  • SGA may serve as a non-specific indicator of neurodevelopmental disturbances rather than schizophrenia specifically in 22qDS.
Abstract

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