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

Abstract

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.