Gastrointestinal disturbances in patients with autistic spectrum disorders
Year: 2010
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Gastrointestinal problems occur in patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) more often than in their peers without developmental problems. The most prevalent include abdominal pain, impaired peristaltic reflexes and eating disorders. The study objective was to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders in ASD children with gastrointestinal complaints. Methods: 30 patients with ASD suffering from gastrointestinal complaints were analyzed. Results: All the children had upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and four of them colonoscopy. The nutritional condition was normal in 60% of them, 17% displayed malnutrition and 23% were overweight. Chronic abdominal pain was observed in 80% of patients. Impairment in peristaltic reflexes was noted in almost all autistic children. Histopathology of the duodenum revealed changes in 70% of cases. Colitis chronica indeterminata was recognized in all examined children. Conclusions: Autistic children with gastrointestinal disturbances should be looked after also by a gastroenterologist. Higher incidence of gastrointestinal pathologies in ASD may have influence on the behavioral patterns of these sufferers.
Source: Child Neurology
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2143698382