Multiorgan Dysfunction Contributes to Premature Mortality in Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia are vulnerable to premature mortality (estimated as a 9–12 years' difference in life span, compared with the general population), which is typically attributable to medical causes. To examine whether acute organ dysfunction contributed to premature deaths in patients with schizophrenia, investigators used 2005–2007 data from Taiwan's national insurance database regarding a random sample of individuals hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). Because the 203 identified patients with schizophrenia were younger than patients without schizophrenia (median ages, 53 vs. 68), the investigators matched the control group (2036 patients without schizophrenia) to cases by age and sex.

Compared to patients without schizop…