Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

2 Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

3 Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli University – Libya

Abstract

Background: A deficiency or excess of key minerals and trace elements has been linked to a number of health issues, including the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD children appear to be at risk for zinc insufficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed at the early diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorders and assessed serum zinc levels in children with ASDs. Patients and methods: This case control study was conducted on outpatient clinics of pediatrics and psychiatry department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University. Parents of children aged 3–11 years with ASD were invited to participate in the study. 23 children with autism who were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS) and who did not have another medical condition. The control group included 23 seemingly healthy children who were age and gender matched to the patients. Pediatricians clinically assessed all controls to rule out the possibility of subclinical autistic characteristics. Results: Serum zinc was significantly decreased in ASD group than control group (P value <0.001). Serum zinc can significantly diagnose ASD in children (AUC= 0.946, P value <0.001) at cut off ≤ 48, 95.65% sensitivity, 91.30% specificity, 91.7% PPV and 95.5% NPV. Conclusion: There was an association between serum levels of zinc in children and the zinc could be considered a biomarker of ASD.

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Zagazig University Medical Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 September 2023

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