Obstetric complications and risk for conversion to psychosis among individuals at high clinical risk

Abstract

Examining risk factors among high-risk populations stands to inform treatment and to elucidate our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Despite substantial evidence implicating the incidence of obstetric complications (OCs) as a risk factor for schizophrenia, little is known about the relationship between OCs and risk for conversion among high-risk individuals. We prospectively followed individuals at high risk for developing psychotic disorders for a two-year period to determine if a history of OCs is associated with conversion. Individuals who converted to psychosis had significantly more OCs when compared to non-converting participants; a history of OCs was associated with increased odds of conversion (odds ratio = 4.90, confidence interval :1.04/22.20). OCs were positively associated with prodromal symptomatology. To date, this report represents the first empirical evidence suggesting that OCs confer increased risk of conversion to psychosis. It is possible that OCs interact with brain maturational processes in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and can serve as a risk marker.