Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study.

Autor:	Alqoaer K; Pediatric Gastroenterology, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU., Alenzi MO; Pediatric Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU., Abuharfel D; Pediatric Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU., Alenazi A; Family Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Aug 31; Vol. 16 (8), pp. e68292. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 31 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.68292
Abstrakt:	Background and objectives This study aimed to explore the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and associated risk factors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods This was a retrospective case-control study including children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with ASD by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria and the assessment card in the ASD center at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital. Data were obtained using a self-developed questionnaire that included demographic features, nutritional and behavioral characteristics, and GI symptoms in the previous six months. The control group consisted of typically developing (TD) children matched to the ASD group for age and gender. Syndromic autism with defined somatic abnormalities and recognized genetic causes (e.g., fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis) were excluded Results A total of 146 ASD children and 114 normal children were included. No significant demographic differences were found between the groups. The ASD group had a higher frequency of low income and a significantly lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months. GI symptoms, specifically constipation, abdominal gases and distension, diarrhea, undigested food particles in stool, and mouth ulcers, were significantly more frequent in the ASD group. Weight abnormalities (both increase and decrease) were also more common. Family history of ASD was significantly more in ASD children with GI symptoms while low maternal education was more in those without. Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of GI symptoms in ASD children. Family history of ASD and maternal education may influence the GI symptoms reported in ASD children. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research Ethical Team at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk issued approval KSAFH-RET-2024-588. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Alqoaer et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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