Publication:

Total cholesterol and triglycerides status in autistic spectrum disorder children: a case-control study on Bangladeshi children

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The association between lipid profiles, particularly total cholesterol and triglycerides, and ASD in children is a growing focus in pediatric health research. This study aimed to assess the total cholesterol and triglycerides status in autistic spectrum disorder children.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from March 2014 to January 2015 with 100 male children, half in a healthy control group (group A) and the other half diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (group B).

Results In this study, no significant correlation was found between the groups for age (p=0.94) or BMI (p=0.29). The mean (±SE) serum total cholesterol levels were 146±1.70 mg/dl in group A and 145.00±3.77 mg/dl in group B, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.885). But, the mean (±SE) serum triglyceride levels were 86.14±3.28 mg/dl in group A and 107.74±7.91 mg/dl in group B, with significantly higher levels compared to group A (p<0.01).

Conclusions Although there is no significant difference in serum total cholesterol levels between healthy children and those with autistic spectrum disorder, there is a significant difference in serum triglyceride levels. Therefore, further studies are needed to provide a clearer understanding of the lipid profile comparison.