[Histocompatibility antigens in early and late onset childhood psychoses]

Childhood psychoses could have a genetic etiology, but early and late onset psychoses have to be separated. Genetic factors are certainly implicated in the development of late onset psychoses and appear to overlap with those of adult schizophrenia. Evidence implicating genetics in early onset psychoses is likely, as twin studies have supported this hypothesis. HLA system is a particularly suitable genetic marker. We report the results of an investigation on HLA A and B antigens we have performed on 57 psychotics (30 early onset psychotics, 27 late onset psychotics). No genetic association appears in the whole population, as well as in the early and late onset psychosis series. These results have to be compared with Golse's et al. (1977, 1980), Stebbs and Magenis' (1980) and adult schizophrenia data. Further researches with population and family pedigree are required with other major histocompatibility complex markers.