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Reduction in Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer, Inner Plexiform Layer, and Choroidal Thickness in Children With Autism
Mahmut Zabit Kara1, Mehmet Hamdi Örüm2, Ayşe Sevgi Karadağ3
1Child Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, TUR.
Cureus
|January 5, 2024
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to reduced inner plexiform layer (IPL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and choroidal thickness. These findings suggest GCL may be a key biomarker for structural brain changes in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Investigating ocular biomarkers may offer insights into ASD pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), choroidal layer, inner plexiform layer (IPL), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) in children with ASD.
- To compare these ocular parameters between children with ASD and healthy controls.
- To assess correlations between clinical measures (CARS) and OCT findings.
Main Methods:
- Spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure RNFL, GCL, IPL, and choroidal thickness.
- A cohort of 40 children with ASD and 40 healthy controls were analyzed.
- The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess ASD severity.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD showed significantly reduced choroidal thickness, GCL, and IPL in both eyes compared to controls.
- RNFL differences were noted in specific sectors of the left eye.
- A significant correlation was found between CARS scores and left GCL/IPL volumes.
Conclusions:
- Significant reductions in IPL, GCL, and choroidal thickness are characteristic of ASD, unlike RNFL.
- GCL may serve as a more critical biomarker for structural brain deterioration in ASD.
- OCT imaging holds potential for diagnosing and monitoring the clinical course of autism.
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