Biochemical alteration in some Iraqi children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development; these disorders have no single known cause, they are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate different biochemical parameters in some autistic Iraqi children, and to compare the results with healthy children who matched with age, looking for any alteration in the studied parameters in order to understand the biochemistry of this disorder.
Patients and Methods: Forty one consecutive autistic children admitted to (Al Safa center for autism and Iben- AL Rshid Psychiatry Teaching Hospital) were included in the current study with mean age of (6.62y±3).
Results: Results obtained in the present study were higher significantly high levels (p≤0.05) of serum uric acid, serum total bilirubin, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). While non-significant differences (p≥0.05) in the levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, serum totals protein, serum albumin, and total thyroxine T4, triiodothyronine T3. The results also indicated three cases of autistic children who have positive test for serum Anti- tissue-transglutaminase IgA & IgG antibody by using ELISA technique.
Conclusion: The present study highlights the relationship between some chemical parameters and ASD. Further study must carry out with large number of cases to investigate this relationship more deeply in these patients.