Positive association between schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background: An inverse relationship is observed between schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Case description: A 33 years old male patient's case history is discussed for an unusual co-occurrence of schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis. Discussion: Susceptibility genes for major histocompatibility complex are shared by schizophrenia and RA. Platelet activating factor and glutamate systems are said to be involved for the association. Prolonged institutionalization of schizophrenia patients is proposed to confer a protection against RA. Conclusion: The short duration of stay in our patient deserved reporting.

Keywords

• major histocompatibility complex; platelet activating factor; glutamate