Abstract
Object of study: Autism is a complexed neurodevelopmental-neurobiological disorder of behaviour. From the other hand, gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea or vomiting are often seen in autistic children and they are very difficult to resolve. The aim of the study was the investigation of the degree of possible inflammation of the autistic children's intestine mucosa by measurement of fecal calprotectin levels and observation of their changes after the introduction of elemental diet.
Method: A total number of 65 children aged 2,5 to 8 years were checked(group A). All of them were diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (international criteria 1994). Further, the children were randomly divided in two groups, 32 of the children started elemental formula(containing free aminoacids-Neocate®) diet with exclusion of all milk products or milk containing food(group B) and the rest 33 children continued their previous diet(group C). Also, fecal calprotectin levels were measured in samples of 22 healthy children(aged 2 to 8 years) having normal diet(group D).
Results: Statistical significant differences (p< 0,001) were found in fecal calprotectin levels between groups A and D. Also, after 4 months of observation, statistical significant differences (p< 0,001) were found in fecal calprotectin levels between groups B and C.
Conclusions: Children suffering from pervasive developmental disorder have increased levels of fecal calprotectin, but these levels are significantly reduced by the introduction of elemental diet. We have much more to investigate by measuring calprotectin plasma levels and examine the gastrointestinal tract by other methods.
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Karkelis, S., Papadaki-Papandreou, O., Lykogeorgou, M. et al. 787 Fecal Calprotectin in Autistic Children Before and After the Use of Elemental Diet. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 397 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00787
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00787
