Pregnancy outcome of patients with schizophrenia

We sought to identify whether schizophrenia during pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. A population-based study comparing women with and without schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders was performed. Stratified analysis using multiple logistic regression models was performed to control for confounders. During the study period, there were 186,554 deliveries, of which 97 occurred in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. The schizophrenic patients were significantly older (mean age 30.6 versus 28.6, p=0.001), with higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus as compared with the comparison group (13.4% versus 6.7%, p=0.009). The need for induction and augmentation of delivery, congenital malformations, and low birth weight (<2500 g) were significantly increased among schizophrenic patients. No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding labor complications such as cesarean delivery (16.5% versus 13.2%, p=0.337) and placenta previa and placental abruption (1% versus 4%, p=0.333 and 1% versus 0.7%, p=0.51, respectively). Using a multivariable logistic regression model, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders during pregnancy were independent risk factors for congenital malformations (odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.9, p=0.027). Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders are independent risk factors for congenital malformations.