Autism Medical Comorbidities

The medical report from the "World J Clin Pediatr" titled "Autism medical comorbidities" is authored by Mohammed Al-Beltagi. The report delves into the various medical comorbidities that are more prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to the general population.

Major Points and Findings:

1. Genetic Disorders: Children with ASD have a higher likelihood of having certain genetic disorders. These include Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis type I, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
2. Neurological Disorders: Children with autism are more susceptible to several neurological disorders. These include epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headaches, and congenital abnormalities of the nervous system.
3. Sleep Disorders: A significant issue in individuals with autism, sleep disorders are present in about 80% of them.
4. Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: GI disorders are notably more prevalent in children with ASD, with occurrences ranging from 46% to 84%. The most frequent GI issues in children with ASD include chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux and/or disease, nausea and/or vomiting, flatulence, chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, ulcers, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerance, and/or failure to thrive.
5. Metabolic Disorders: Some patients with autism have been observed to have inborn errors of metabolism. These encompass mitochondrial disorders, disorders of creatine metabolism, selected amino acid disorders, disorders of folate or B12 metabolism, and selected lysosomal storage disorders.
6. Immune Dysfunction: A significant proportion of children with ASD show signs of persistent neuroinflammation, altered inflammatory responses, and immune abnormalities. Anti-brain antibodies might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autism.
7. Allergic Disorders: Allergic disorders are notably more prevalent in individuals with ASD across all age groups. These disorders can influence the development and severity of symptoms and might lead to problematic behaviors in a significant subset of affected children.

The report emphasizes the importance of viewing the child with autism holistically and not merely attributing all symptoms to autism. Before moving on to other interventions or therapies, it's crucial to rule out the presence of a medical condition. Children in good health have a better chance of learning, and this applies to all children, including those with autism. In conclusion, the report underscores the significance of early identification and treatment of these comorbidities, as they can have a profound impact on a child's behavior and development. Addressing these medical conditions can enhance the child's ability to learn and improve the overall circumstances for both the child and their family.