C-reactive protein and metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder compared to patients with schizophrenia

Infectious and inflammatory processes could potentially play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of psychotic disorders. The aim was to investigate is there any differences in CRP levels in patients with bipolar disorder compared to patients with schizophrenia and if there is an association between increased CRP levels and the presence of MS in these two groups of patients.

Patients with bipolar disorder (N=60; 32 males and 28 females) and schizophrenia (N=63, 33 males and 30 females). MS was defined according to NCEP ATP III criteria. The cut-off point for elevated CRP was set at 5 mg /L.

The prevalence of the MS was 31% in bipolar group compared to the 37% in schizophrenia group. No statistically significant differences in mean CRP values was observed between bipolar and schizophrenia group. CRP >5 mg /l was significantly associated with the presence of MS.

Measurement of serum inflammatory parameters in psychiatric patients may be beneficial in order to obtain a better assessment of their metabolic risk profile.