Digit ratio as an endophenotype in a schizophrenia population.

Wilhelm D B Nieuwoudt,Inge M Smit,Liezl Koen,Esme Jordaan,Dana Niehaus

doi:10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1587

Wilhelm D B Nieuwoudt, Inge M Smit + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1587

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Abstract

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a debilitating mental health condition affecting the lives of many South Africans. The origins of the heterogeneity in the presentation of the illness remain uncertain.AimThis cross-sectional study performed a retrospective data analysis to determine the usefulness of digit ratio as an endophenotype in a South African schizophrenia population.SettingA large genetic study in a South African schizophrenia population recruited patients from services in the Western and Eastern Cape.MethodsComplete clinical histories were captured for participants, including sets of images of the face and extremities. Software was utilised to measure the lengths of participants’ digits from said images and digit ratios (2D:4D) were calculated. Descriptive analyses were performed on the ratios and statistical differences in digit ratio means were calculated between groups characterised by sex, age of onset and the presence vs absence of positive symptoms. Linear modelling was utilised to assess for correlates between 2D:4D and positive and negative symptom severity using scores obtained from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS).Results2D:4D in male participants did not significantly differ from female participants as in healthy populations. 2D:4D did not significantly correlate with the severity of positive or negative symptoms and 2D:4D means between groups did not significantly relate to age of onset.Conclusion2D:4D appears to be a possible endophenotype in schizophrenia in this population. 2D:4D, however, may not be as readily identifiable as certain minor physical anomalies and neurological soft signs significantly associated with schizophrenia in this population.

Highlights

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental health condition affecting the lives of many South Africans
This finding was repeated upon separate analysis of male and female 2D:4D characterised by symptomatology (Table 2)
This study explored the potential use of 2D:4D as an endophenotype in a South African schizophrenia population

Summary

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental health condition affecting the lives of many South Africans. The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in South Africans is estimated at 30.8%.1. Schizophrenia is a prevalent example of such a disorder affecting the lives of many South Africans and contributes majorly to global disability. Despite the condition presenting with the core features of psychosis, schizophrenia still varies considerably in its manifestations. It remains uncertain whether schizophrenia is a single disorder with a varying clinical picture or a cluster of syndromes which are either overlapping or distinctive in their pathophysiology.[2]. Suggested endophenotypes in schizophrenia, which is believed to have a strong genetic aetiological component, include symptomatology, physical characteristics and neurodevelopmental insults

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