Increased markers of inflammation after cannabis cessation and their association with psychotic symptoms.

INTRODUCTION

A dysbalance of the immune system in psychotic disorders has been well investigated. However, despite a higher prevalence of cannabis (THC) consumption in patients with psychosis, few studies have investigated the impact of this use on inflammatory markers.

METHODS

One hundred and two inpatients were included in this retrospective study. Leukocytic formula, hsCRP, fibrinogen levels and urinary THC were measured, and comparisons were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of cannabis cessation between cannabis users (THC+) and non-users (THC-).

RESULTS

After cannabis cessation, we found a greater increase in leucocyte level (p < 0.01), monocyte level (p = 0.05) and a statistical trend to a highest increase of lymphocyte level (p = 0.06) between baseline and 4 weeks in the THC+ group as compared to the THC- group. At 4 weeks, highest leucocyte (p = 0.03), lymphocyte (p = 0.04) and monocyte (p < 0.01) counts were found in the THC+ group, whereas at baseline no difference was found. A positive correlation was found between monocyte count at 4 weeks and baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative subscore (p = 0.045) and between the variation of monocyte count between baseline and 4 weeks and the PANSS total score at 4 weeks (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

THC cessation is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers, including white blood cell, lymphocyte and monocyte levels, which correlates with symptomatology of patients with psychosis.