Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D and Ionized Calcium Levels in Sudanese Child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages; occur due to the genetic exchange or mutation within the fragile X gene or other environmental factors. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) child has frequently experience behavioral and physiological symptoms. Objective: The goal of this study was to measure serum vitamin D and ionized calcium level among children with ASD. Methods: This is case control study conducted in Al-Sharif Comprehensive Center for Special Needs in Wad Medani, Gezira State, Sudan from May to August 2017. Eighty individuals were included forty were ASD as cases group and forty healthy-matched children as control group. Blood sample were collected  and serum ionized calcium level was measured by using (Cobas 9180)electrolyte analyzer also serum vitamin D was measured, as 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Cobas e411 Analyzer both automated analyzer were from  (Roche Diagnostics Roche Diagnostics Corporation 9115 Hague RdIndianapolis, IN 46256USA) that utilizes Elecsys reagent kits. Data were collected through designed questionnaire and performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The average of serum vitamin D level (ng/ml) among ASD children was decreased when compared with healthy control (29.4 ±11.3) via (36.8 ± 5.9) with significant differences (p value = 0.001).On the other hand, result showed significant decreased in serum ionized calcium level (mg/dl) of ADS patients (4.06 ± 0.46) when compared with control group (4.56 ± 0.53) with (P. Value = 0.000). Measuring ionized calcium and vitamin D routinely in ASD children, in additional to giving vitamin D and calcium as nutritional supplement for ASD and pregnant women highly recommended. Conclusions:  Autism Spectrum Disorder children had a decreased serum ionized calcium and vitamin D.