125 These preliminary findings seem to justify undertaking a more extensive work with a larger number of schizophrenics and blind data analysis, and statistical evaluation. The complete text of the poster is available from the author. CLINICAL CORRELATES OF OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA Eadbhard O'Callaghan, Conall Larkin and John L. Waddington* Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, Co. Dublin: and *Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland There is now a body of evidence to suggest that the perinatal period of schizophrenic patients is more likely than that of normal in- dividuals to be characterized by obstetric complications (OCs). However, the clinical significance of this association is not clear. It has been proposed that schizophrenia might usefully be sub-divided into familial cases, in whom OCs may be under-represented, and sporadic cases, in whom OCs may be over-represented and perhaps associated with a greater likelihood of evidence of abnormalities in brain morphology (Murray et al 1985). We report our studies on clinical correlates of OCs in an Irish schizophrenic population. Mothers of 45 outpatients satisfying DSM III criteria for schizophrenia were interviewed for the presence or absence of OCs in relation to each patient, using the check list of Lewis and Murray: additionally, a family pedigree was constructed. Family history was defined using narrow (schizophrenia in a first degree relative) and broad (schizophrenia, affective disorder or suicide in a relative) criteria. Patients were assessed neuropsychologically using Trailmak- ing Tests A & B and evaluated for tardive dyskinesia using the AIMS. OCs had been present in 15 patients. Those with and without OCs could not be distinguished by age, sex or cognitive function. Patients with OCs were significantly less likely to have a family history, and were most readily distinguished from those without OCs using the broad criterion. OCs were significantly associated with a younger age at onset of schizophrenia and with the absence of tardive dyskinesia, which occurred only in patients without OCs. Patients with OCs tended to be born lower down the birth order. 87% of our patient had OCs, a broad family history, or both. Those with OCs appear to have several distinct clinical characteristics. Murray et al. Lancet i:1023-1026, 1985.

Clinical correlates of obstetric complications in schizophrenia

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Page 1: Clinical correlates of obstetric complications in schizophrenia

125

These preliminary findings seem to justify undertaking a more extensive work with a larger number of schizophrenics and blind data analysis, and statistical evaluation.

The complete text of the poster is available from the author.

CLINICAL CORRELATES OF OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Eadbhard O'Callaghan, Conall Larkin and John L. Waddington*

Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, Co. Dublin: and *Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

There is now a body of evidence to suggest that the perinatal period of schizophrenic patients is more likely than that of normal in- dividuals to be characterized by obstetric complications (OCs). However, the clinical significance of this association is not clear. It has been proposed that schizophrenia might usefully be sub-divided into familial cases, in whom OCs may be under-represented, and sporadic cases, in whom OCs may be over-represented and perhaps associated with a greater likelihood of evidence of abnormalities in brain morphology (Murray et al 1985). We report our studies on clinical correlates of OCs in an Irish schizophrenic population.

Mothers of 45 outpatients satisfying DSM III criteria for schizophrenia were interviewed for the presence or absence of OCs in relation to each patient, using the check list of Lewis and Murray: additionally, a family pedigree was constructed. Family history was defined using narrow (schizophrenia in a first degree relative) and broad (schizophrenia, affective disorder or suicide in a relative) criteria. Patients were assessed neuropsychologically using Trailmak- ing Tests A & B and evaluated for tardive dyskinesia using the AIMS.

OCs had been present in 15 patients. Those with and without OCs could not be distinguished by age, sex or cognitive function. Patients with OCs were significantly less likely to have a family history, and were most readily distinguished from those without OCs using the broad criterion. OCs were significantly associated with a younger age at onset of schizophrenia and with the absence of tardive dyskinesia, which occurred only in patients without OCs. Patients with OCs tended to be born lower down the birth order. 87% of our patient had OCs, a broad family history, or both. Those with OCs appear to have several distinct clinical characteristics.

Murray et al. Lancet i:1023-1026, 1985.