Discriminant analysis of minor physical anomalies as dysontogenetic markers of schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of minor physical anomalies in the binomial model schizophrenic patient-mentally healthy subject as an index of developmental origin of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Sixty-eight schizophrenic patients (38 males and 30 females) and 69 mentally healthy subjects (36 males and 33 females) of Bulgarian ancestry were examined for minor physical anomalies using the Waldrop Physical Anomaly Scale. The predictive value of minor physical anomalies for schizophrenia was determined by discriminant analysis.


RESULTS
The two-group discriminant analysis distinguishes well the schizophrenic patients from the controls with 6 predictive variables. The variables with significant contribution to prediction of the patient-control status are fine electric hair (p < 0.001), gap between I and II toes (p < 0.001), epicanthus (p < 0.001), high/steepled palate (p < 0.001), tongue with rough/smooth spots (p < 0.001), III toe > or = II toe (p < 0.001). The model overall correct classification is 78.63%, predicting slightly better the schizophrenics than the controls (79.7% vs. 77.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
The constellation of variables entered into the discriminant analysis model confirms the hypothesis that at least in one subpopulation of schizophrenic patients the minor physical anomalies reflect early developmental processes determining occurrence of the disease in later periods of life.
Akabaliev
V H
VH
Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Higher Medical Institute, 15A Vassil Aprilov St., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Sivkov
S T
ST
Baltadjiev
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology*; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000209:etiology*
D015415:Biomarkers