Study of some Hematological Parameters in Autistic Children

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe people who have a specific combination of problems with social communication and repetitive behaviors, as well as very restricted interests and/or sensory activities that start early in life. In recent years, the prevalence of ASD has risen dramatically. The pathophysiology of ASDs is yet unknown; however, genetic abnormalities and multifactorial reasons have been linked to genetic problems. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in several hematological parameters in autistic children. The study dealt with cases of autistic patients at the Al-Safa Center for Private Autism and the Governmental Center for Mental Disability. One hundred twenty blood samples were taken from autistic patients (60 males and 20 females) and a group of healthy volunteers (20 males and 20 females) aged between 5 and 15 years old. The diagnosis of autistic patients was based on the psychologist, and parameters of the blood test were also performed, including the complete blood count (CBC), including total WBC (10^3/µL) cells, differential WBC, platelet count, HGB, MCHC, RDW levels, and blood group test. Results revealed a substantial rise (P<0.001) in the level of RDW, where the decreased level of HGB significantly (P>0.001), while the PLT level exhibited a major rise (p<0.05), and WBC is significantly * (P≤0.05), ** (P≤0.01).