Obstetric complications and autoantibodies in schizophrenia

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Abstract
Our hypothesis stated that patients with schizophrenia who had obstetric complications (OC) were more likely to have autoimmune abnormalities than those without OC. OC were rated using a checklist. Anti-brain autoantibodies were measured in serum using an enzyme immunoassay. Autoantibodies to non-CNS tissues were detected using serological procedures. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to anti-brain antibodies, but patients with OC (n = 24) had a significantly higher prevalence of autoantibodies to non-CNS tissues than patients without OC (n = 25). Both groups were receiving neuroleptic drugs. OC may contribute to autoimmune abnormalities among patients with schizophrenia.