Effect of Clozapine and Other Antipsychotics on the Level of Platelet-Associated Autoantibodies in Children with Schizophrenia: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated significantly higher blood titers of platelet-associated autoantibodies (PAA) in adult schizophrenia patients compared to normal healthy subjects. In addition, young adult schizophrenia patients at their early stages of the disorder displayed higher PAA titers than older patients with longer duration of the disorder.

Aim: To assess longitudinally the blood titers of PAA in inpatients with childhood-onset schizophrenia at admission, after short- and long-term follow-up, and the correlation of these titers with the response to clozapine and other antipsychotic treatments.

High circulatory titer of platelet-associated autoantibodies in childhood onset schizophrenia and its diagnostic implications.

Background: It has been suggested that the etiology of schizophrenia, in a distinct group of patients, originates from an autoimmune reaction against platelets. Previous studies have demonstrated significantly higher blood titers of platelet-associated autoantibodies (PAA) in adult schizophrenia patients as compared to normal healthy subjects. In addition, young adult schizophrenia patients at their early stages of the disorder displayed higher PAA titers than older patients with longer duration of the disorder.

Blind verification of elevated platelet autoantibodies in serum of schizophrenic patients--part II: adult subjects.

Background: In our preceding study, we assayed in a blind fashion the blood sera of young normal subjects and schizophrenic patients for levels of platelet autoantibodies (PAA). The recorded PAA titers of the schizophrenic patients were significantly higher than those of the normal subjects. This observation has lent support to this test being used as an objective evaluation of schizophrenia in young subjects in the future.

Blind verification of elevated platelet autoantibodies in serum of schizophrenic patients--part I: young subjects.

Background: It has been hypothesized that the etiology of schizophrenia, in a distinct group of patients, originates from an autoimmune reaction against platelets. Previous open screenings have recorded significantly higher blood titers of platelet-associated autoantibodies (PAA) in schizophrenic patients as compared to normal healthy subjects. In addition, young schizophrenic patients at the early stages of their disorder displayed higher PAA titers than older patients with a longer duration of the disorder.