Case-control study on the serum sex steroids levels in prepuberal children with autism / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the changes of the serum sex steroids levels in prepuberal children with autism,and analyze the possible clinical implications.Methods The serum sex steroids,including folliclestimulating hormone(FSH),luteotropic hormone(LH),testosterone(T),estradiol(E2),progesterone(P),dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEA-S) and androstenedione were measured in 44 autistic children(35 boys and 9girls,47.5 ± 18.9 months) and 44 normal children(35 boys and 9 girls,45.0 ± 18.7 months),using chemiluminescence immunoassay.Results ①The progesterone levels in autism group were significantly lower than control group((＜ 0.48,2.08) nmoL/L vs (＜ 0.48,6.95) nmol/L,Z =-3.564,P ＜ 0.01),but no statistical differences were observed in other sex steroids levels(P＞ 0.05).②The progesterone levels in ＜ 48 months autism group showed no significant differences from ≥48 months autism group (Z =0.150,P ＞ 0.05).There were no statistical differences in progesterone level between the boys and girls of the autism group(Z=1.972,P＞0.05).Conclusion The progesterone levels are lower in autistic children,and they are not associated with the children's age or gender.This study indicates that the progesterone levels are closely associated with autism.