Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry

Objectives：There have been several evidences that the central nervous system defect is one of the etiologic factors in schizophrenia and high nailfold plexus visibility can reflect these defects indirectly. These are particularly related to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined the relationship between nailfold plexus visibility and various clinical variables in schizophrenia. 

Methods：Forty patients(20 males, 20 females) satisfying the DSM-lV criteria for schizophrenia and forty normal controls(20 males, 20 females) were measured for Plexus Visualization Score (PVS) by using capillary microscopic examination. We used Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), Ulmann-Giovannoni Process-Reactive Questionnaire(PRQ), Phillips Premorbid Adjustment Scale(PAS), Continuous Performance Test, and Backward Masking for psychopathology and clinical variables. 

Results：There was no significant relationship between schizophrenic subjects and normal controls in PVS. PVS was correlated with PANSS positively except negative symptom subscore. PVS was correlated with PRQ score negatively, and with PAS score positively. 

Conclusions：This study shows high PVS are associated with more severe psychotic symptoms and with clinical variables, such as disease process and premorbid adjustment, in some schizophrenics.

Keywords Schizophrenia;Plexus visualization score;Negative symptoms.