Hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe autism spectrum disorder

  • Diyah Rakanita Undang RSUP DR. SARDJITO, FKKMK UGM
  • Mei Neni Sitaresmi Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Central Java
  • Roni Naning Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Central Java
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14238/pi61.2.2021.82-8
Keywords: hypovitaminosis D, ASD

Abstract

Background Vitamin D is an important risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, research on hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe ASD  has been limited. To our knowledge, no such studies have been done in Indonesia.

Objective To evaluate hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe ASD.

Methods This cross-sectional study included children aged 2-18 years who fulfilled the ASD DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Subjects were consecutively sampled from April - June 2019 at the Child Growth and Polyclinic, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. Assessment of ASD severity was carried out using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (CARS-2) questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D examination was done in the Clinical Laboratory, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital. 

Results Of 36 children with ASD, 36.1% had hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng/mL) and 69.4% had severe ASD, based on the CARS-2 questionnaire (≥37-60). Bivariate analysis revealed that children with hypovitaminosis D had more severe CARS-2 values ​​(92.3%) compared to those with normal vitamin D levels (56.5%) (PR 1.633; 95%CI 1.10 to 2.42; P=0.031). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D increased the risk of severe ASD (PR 1.65; 95%CI 1.06 to 2.56; P=0.037). However, other variables such as gender, parental education, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, sleep disorders, pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy had no significant relationships with severe ASD.

Conclusion Children with ASD and hypovitaminosis D have a 1.65 times higher risk of severe ASD compared to children with ASD and sufficient vitamin D levels. We recommend that children with ASD undergo serum 25(OH)D monitoring.

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Published
2021-03-02
How to Cite
1.
Undang D, Sitaresmi M, Naning R. Hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe autism spectrum disorder. PI [Internet]. 2Mar.2021 [cited 25Apr.2024];61(2):82-. Available from: https://paediatricaindonesiana.org/index.php/paediatrica-indonesiana/article/view/2396
Issue
Vol 61 No 2 (2021): March 2021
Section
Developmental Behavioral & Community Pediatrics

Copyright (c) 2021 Diyah Rakanita Undang, Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Roni Naning

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Received 2020-03-10
Accepted 2021-03-02
Published 2021-03-02