Niacin Skin Flush Response in Patients With Schizophrenia

Niacin Skin Flush Response in Patients With Schizophrenia, Their First Degree Relatives, Bipolar Disorder Patients, and Healthy Controls

Patients with schizophrenia have abnormal skin flush response to niacin, but the niacin skin test accuracy is not well studied in these patients. The study evaluated the niacin skin test accuracy in adult hospitalized schizophrenia patients and their first degree relatives, bipolar disorder patients, and healthy controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of schizophrenia patients and bipolar disorder patients diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version IV criteria
• Normal healthy subjects without a psychiatric history
• First degree relatives of schizophrenic patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dermatological lesions, asthma or allergic disease, diabetes, chronic hypertension, vasculitis, substance use disorders (except cigarette smoking), or pregnancy
• Taking any oral medication that could affect the metabolism of prostaglandins such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids