Prof. Dr. Vladimir Trajkovski

Gastrointestinal disturbances in patients with autistic spectrum disorders

B. Kazek, E. Jamroz, U. Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk et al.
N e u r o l o g i a D z i e c i ę c a Vo l . 1 9 / 2 0 1 0 , n r 3 8: 27-31

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.
Key words: Autistic Spectrum Disorders, chronic abdominal
pain, chronic inflammation of duodenum, colitis chronica indeterminata.