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[Biochemical studies in stuttering in children]
E Schleier1, P Schelhorn, F Groh
1Oddziału Foniatrycznego, Kliniki Otolaryngologicznej Uniwersytetu im. Fryderyka Schillera, Jenie.
Insights
This study found lower serum magnesium levels in 47% of children who stutter. These findings suggest a potential link between magnesium deficiency and childhood stuttering, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Context:
- Investigated biochemical differences in children with and without stuttering.
- Focused on serum ion concentrations, specifically magnesium.
- Excluded participants with metabolic or gastro-intestinal disorders.
Purpose:
- To determine if serum ion concentrations differ between stuttering and non-stuttering children.
- To explore potential biochemical factors contributing to stuttering.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for stuttering.
Summary:
- Serum samples from 53 children who stutter (ages 5-12) and 22 controls (ages 6-16) were analyzed for sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions.
- Significant differences in magnesium concentrations were observed between the groups.
- Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) was detected in 47% of the stuttering children.
Impact:
- Highlights a potential biochemical marker (hypomagnesemia) associated with childhood stuttering.
- Suggests magnesium supplementation as a possible therapeutic avenue for stuttering.
- Opens new directions for research into the etiology and treatment of stuttering.
Abstract:
Selected biochemical investigations were performed in 53 stuttering children aged 5-12, and in control group of 22 clinically healthy, non-stuttering children aged 6-16. Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions in the serum were determined according to the pharmacopoeia++ "Zweites Arztneimittelbuch++ der DDR (1983)". A special anamnestic questionnaire helped to exclude metabolic diseases and/or gastro-intestinal disorders. As a result of the study, significant differences between the Mg-ion concentrations in both groups could be demonstrated. In 47% of the stuttering children studied, hypomagnesaemia was found. This result provides interesting aspects for further investigations concerning medicamentous therapeutic concepts.
