Rett syndrome and plasma leptin levels

To describe in patients with Rett syndrome (classic and preserved-speech variant) plasma leptin levels and their relationship to BMI (body mass index) and age.

Female patients (n = 48; age range 3-20 years) affected by classic Rett syndrome were enrolled into the study. Eleven female patients, age range 3 to 20 years, with preserved-speech variant Rett syndrome were included in the study. Controls were 24 healthy female subjects, age range 3 to 20 years. Blood samples (3 mL) were withdrawn from an antecubital vein in the morning; plasma leptin concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Patients with classic Rett syndrome and preserved-speech variant had leptin values significantly higher than controls. Leptin concentrations did not significantly differ between patients with classic Rett and preserved-speech variant. Leptin values positively correlated with age and BMI.

Because in all patients the increased leptin concentrations were not associated to obesity, we hypothesize that in patients with Rett syndrome leptin might participate to clinical manifestations other than weight balance.