Elevated C-reactive protein is associated with sensory gating deficit in schizophrenia

Sensory and cognitive impairments and inflammatory processes are contributing factors to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. A previous study found that an elevated CRP level (≥5mg/L) was associated with higher cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. We aimed to investigate the association between an elevated CRP level and sensory impairments defined by a sensory gating deficit (abnormal P50 suppression) in 55 outpatients. Fifteen patients (27.3%) had an elevated CRP level that was associated with higher rate of sensory gating deficit (60% vs. 12.5%, p<0.001). This is the first study suggesting a relationship between sensory gating deficit and inflammatory processes in schizophrenia.