Children Centre, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Mid Glamorgan, UK. abbas.latif@pr-tr.wales.nhs.uk
This research considers the prevalence of iron deficiency in children with
autism and Asperger syndrome and examines whether this will influence
guidelines and treatment. Retrospective analysis of the full blood count and,
as far as available, serum ferritin measurements of 96 children (52 with
autism and 44 with Asperger syndrome) was undertaken. Six of the autistic
group were shown to have iron deficiency anaemia and, of the 23 autistic
children who had serum ferritin measured, 12 were iron deficient. Only two of
the Asperger group had iron deficiency anaemia and, of the 22 children who had
their serum ferritin measured, only three were iron deficient. Iron
deficiency, with or without anaemia, can impair cognition and affect and is
associated with developmental slowing in infants and mood changes and poor
concentration in children. This study showed a very high prevalence of iron
deficiency in children with autism, which could potentially compromise further
their communication and behavioural impairments.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.