Forty-nine autistic children and an equal number of healthy children (control group) were included in the study. No significant difference was found between the study and the control groups in terms of children’s age, while number of boys was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the study group. Average serumNGF concentrations were 46.94 ± 51.40 and 32.94 ± 12.48 pg/ml in the study and control group, respectively. SerumNGF concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the study group compared with the control group. Interpretation &
conclusions:
Our preliminary findings show that enhanced serumNGF concentration may be used as a potential diagnostic tool in autism, however, further studies including a large number of patients are required to confirm the findings.