F134. MATERNAL PRENATAL C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND ADOLESCENT NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN THE NORTHERN FINLAND BIRTH COHORT 1986

Hugh Ramsay,Golam Khandaker,Juha Veijola,Heljä-Marja Surcel

doi:10.1093/schbul/sby017.665

Abstract

BackgroundIn utero exposure to infections is associated with adverse neurocognitive outcomes in the offspring. Elevated maternal prenatal serum inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), have been associated with increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia, later in life. The objective of this study is to investigate the associations between elevated serum concentrations of CRP in early gestation, prospectively assayed in maternal sera, and adolescent psychotic experiences and academic performance. We hypothesised that elevated maternal CRP is associated with adolescent psychotic experiences and poorer academic performance.MethodsUsing data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986), a prospective birth cohort including data since before birth, we examined the association between maternal CRP levels in early gestation (N=7,600) and adolescent psychotic experiences (n=396/5,071) and poorer academic performance (n=2,324/6,770), controlling for sex and maternal education level using multivariable regression analysis. Prior to analyses we determined there was sufficient power to detect small associations (OR>1.68) for these variables.ResultsAfter controlling for sex and maternal education, those in the highest tertile of prenatal maternal CRP had increased odds of auditory hallucinations (on the PROD-screen) at age 16 years (adjusted OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.74), and poorer school academic performance (beta=-0.08, 95% CI: -0.14, -0.03).DiscussionMaternal prenatal immune activation is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescent offspring. This work extends previous findings regarding prenatal/childhood immune activation and clinical psychiatric diagnoses in adult offspring.

Highlights

In utero exposure to infections is associated with adverse neurocognitive outcomes in the offspring
The objective of this study is to investigate the associations between elevated serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in early gestation, prospectively assayed in maternal sera, and adolescent psychotic experiences and academic performance
We hypothesised that elevated maternal CRP is associated with adolescent psychotic experiences and poorer academic performance

Summary

Results

Reslts: Our case definition identified 2,864 cases of incident non-affective psychosis over the 17-year time-period. We estimate that the “true incidence” of non-affective psychosis in the program catchment area is more than twice as high as the EPI-treated incidence estimates (final numbers forthcoming). Discussion: Our findings suggest that incidence estimates obtained using case ascertainment strategies limited to specialized psychiatric services may substantially underestimate the incidence of non-affective psychotic disorders, relative to population-based estimates. We need accurate information on the epidemiology of psychotic disorders to allow service planners and administrators to more effectively resource EPI services and evaluate their coverage. MATERNAL PRENATAL C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND ADOLESCENT NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN THE NORTHERN FINLAND BIRTH COHORT 1986. Hugh Ramsay*,1, Golam Khandaker, Heljä-Marja Surcel, Juha Veijola4 1University of Oulu, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; 2University of Cambridge; 3National Institute for Health and Welfare; 4University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital

Background

Findings