A Study of Plasma Homocysteine Level in Children with Autism

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early life. B6 and B12, and folate support homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Hence, any defect to them leads to Hcy accumulation in the body. Hcy, vitamins B12, B6 and folate are important in psychiatric disorders such dementia, schizophrenia, and autism. This study intended to compare the plasma Hcy levels in normal and autistic cases to find out whether there is difference between the levels of Hcy in plasma of autistic and normal children.

Methods: This case control study enrolled 60 children who were allocated in two groups 30 with autism and other 30 as controls. All patients were exposed to full history taking, physical examination, mental status examination, hearing test, routine lab investigations and specific lab investigations (serum folic acid, plasma vitamin B12 and Hcy level).

Results: Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) level among autistic children was 49.400 ± 5.840. The mean plasma Hcy level was considerably higher in children with autism than controls (P value< 0. 01). The mean serum folic acid level and vit B12 level was significantly reduced in autistic cases than controls (P value< 0. 01). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between plasma Hcy level (µmol/L) and CARS level in children with autism (P value< 0. 01).

Conclusions: Children with autism have increased levels of Hcy, and decreased levels of folic acid and vit B12. So, Hcy may be used as a clinical biomarker for early diagnosis and managing of autistic children.