Minor Physical Anomalies Among Schizophrenic Patients as a Biomarker of Its Developmental Origin in Northwest Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Although there are highly precise and advanced diagnostic methods, the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia remain poorly understood. There are several theories about schizophrenia origin, among which the neurodevelopmental theory is widely accepted. Our study aimed to assess minor physical anomalies among schizophrenic patients as putative indices of its developmental origin in North West Ethiopia 2018-2019. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted in Debre Markos comprehensive, specialized hospitals in 190 schizophrenic patients, 190 healthy controls, and 190 1st-degree relatives. Data were collected using standard methods, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and discriminant function analysis was conducted and a value of 0.03 was taken as the cutoff point for prediction of group status of the study samples. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy study samples, male 375 (65.8%), and female 195 (34.2%), were included in this study. The discriminate function 1 and 2 revealed a significant association between groups and all predictors, accounting for 83.5% and 16.5% of between-group variability, respectively. However, closer analysis of the structure matrix revealed longitudinally furrowed tongue, ≥Five palate ridges, high steeples palate, transversely and randomly furrowed tongue, protruding supraorbital ridge as significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Depending on predictor variables in this study, minor physical anomalies can serve as a biomarker for early screening of schizophrenic patients and clue for its developmental origin.

Determinants and seasonality of major structural birth defects among newborns delivered at primary and referral hospital of East and West Gojjam zones, Northwest Ethiopia 2017-2018: case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Although infant mortality because of birth defect has increased in both developed and developing countries, had not got attention like other health issues at national, regional, or local levels. Documenting the risk factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects and its seasonality will help to inform the community and to develop preventive strategies for the country. RESULTS: Factors associated with higher likelihood of a major structural birth defects included maternal age; neonates born from women living in urban; and in Dega; history of fever during pregnancy; intake of herbal medicine; and drinking alcohol. Counselling for pregnancy preparation and folic acid supplementation was found protective for the likelihood of birth defect.