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Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorder

K Horvath1, J C Papadimitriou, A Rabsztyn

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal issues like reflux esophagitis and malabsorption are common in children with autism, potentially worsening behavioral problems. Further research is needed to link brain and gut health in autism.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • The underlying causes and impact of these GI disorders on behavior remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural and functional characteristics of the upper GI tract in children with autism and concurrent GI symptoms.
  • To explore potential correlations between GI dysfunction and behavioral issues in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-six children diagnosed with autistic disorder underwent upper GI endoscopy with biopsies.
  • Intestinal and pancreatic enzyme analyses, and microbial cultures were performed.
  • Evaluations included assessment of pancreatico-biliary fluid output post-secretin administration.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of reflux esophagitis (69.4%), chronic gastritis (15), and chronic duodenitis (24) observed.
  • Elevated Paneth's cells in duodenal crypts and low intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzyme activity (58.3%) were noted.
  • Increased pancreatico-biliary fluid output was found in 75% of patients, particularly those with diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Undiagnosed GI disorders, including reflux esophagitis and disaccharide malabsorption, may contribute to behavioral problems in non-verbal autistic children.
  • Increased pancreatico-biliary secretion suggests potential upregulation of secretin receptors.
  • Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the brain-gut axis in autistic disorder.
Abstract

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