Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University .
Abstract
Background: An enormous, alarming, and unexplained increase in the prevalence of autism is being reported, on an almost daily basis everywhere. Exposure to certain neurodevelopmental toxins, may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), autism, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Heavy metals including lead, aluminum and ethylmercury interrupt growth factor signaling, delaying neurodevelopmental growth of infants and children. Aim of the work: studying the state of some heavy metal overload and trace elements among children with autistic features. Subjects and Methodology: children diagnosed as having autistic features were recruited from pediatric psychiatric clinic at Kasr Al Aini and National Research center. A total of 64 cases and 30 matched children as referent group, were involved in our cross sectional study. Measuring levels of heavy metals including RBCs lead, urinary mercury, serum aluminum, and zinc was performed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results and discussion: Abnormal high levels of lead, mercury and aluminum, low level of zinc, were detected in the autistic featured group. The measured levels of heavy metals and trace elements were statistically significantly different when compare with that in referent group. Conclusion and recommendation: The level of heavy metals should be monitored in every case diagnosed as having autistic features. We recommend early intervention for preventing long term disability. A full management protocol including early diagnosis, behavioral, speech therapy, chelation and replacement therapy should be developed.
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