The goal of this research was to explore the use of PCR as a marker of inflammation and CVD in patients with Schizophrenia.

A cross-sectional analysis of the BSA administrative claim database was conducted including all men and women, >18 years, with a schizophrenia spectrum disorders (by DSM-IV criteria) diagnosis. PCR measurement together with socio-demographics, evolution, medical history, 10-years CVD risk (Framingham equation) and biochemistry data was extracted for analysis.

705 patients [53.0% men, 48.2 ± 15.8 years (mean ± SD), 5.9 ± 3.2 years of evolution, 79.7% on atypical drugs] met criteria for analysis. Mean 10-year CVD risk was high; 11.9% ± 5.7% and mean PCR levels were 2.6 + 2.5 mg/L with 30.4% showing values above normal's (≥ 3 mg/L). Unadjusted PCR slightly correlated with CVD risk; r = 0.171, p < 0.001. After adjusting by age, sex, evolution, smoking and anti-inflammatory drugs treatment, PCR was linearly associated with 10-year CVD risk stratified by its level of risk (low, moderate, high/very high); respectively, 2.3 (95% CI: 2.1–2.5), 3.1 (2.6–3.5) and 3.7 (3.2–4.1) mg/L; F = 13.5, p < 0.001. Patients with known CVD showed also higher PCR levels; 3.7 (2.9–4.5) vs. 2.5 (2.4–2.7) mg/L, p = 0.008, and higher probability of values above normal's; Odds Ratio = 4.71 (2.01–11.04), p < 0.001.

High PCR levels (above normals) were associated with both known CVD and high/very high 10-year risk of CVD event in patients with schizophrenia. Then, PCR might be a marker of inflammation and CVD in this psychiatric disorder.