C-reactive protein is associated with the severity of cognitive impairment but not of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the association between serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, and the severity of psychopathology and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.


METHODS
We measured the levels of CRP in N=413 individuals with schizophrenia. Symptom severity was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and cognitive functioning with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).


RESULTS
The individuals with CRP >or=5.0 mg/microl had significantly lower RBANS cognitive scores than those with CRP <5.0 mg/microl (F=8.07, p<.005). However the CRP groups did not differ in the severity of positive, negative, or general PANSS symptoms (all p>.2).


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein in schizophrenia are associated with the severity of cognitive impairment but not of psychiatric symptoms. The long term consequences of elevated levels of CRP require further investigation.
Dickerson
Faith
F
Stanley Research Center at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles, St., Baltimore, MD 21204, USA. fdickerson@sheppardpratt.org
Stallings
Cassie
C
Origoni
Andrea
A
Boronow
John
J
Yolken
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D002097:C-Reactive Protein