Immune function in autistic children.
BACKGROUND
There have been reports that some children with autistic spectrum disorders have abnormal immune function. However, data in this area remain scarce and conflicting.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the immune function of a series of autistic children in the context of this proposed association.


METHODS
We prospectively collected data on 24 autistic children who, between January 1, 1996, and September 30, 1998, were referred unsolicited to an immunology clinic. We examined the clinical history and evaluated immunoglobulin levels; specific antibody titers to diphtheria, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae; T- + B-cell numbers; T-cell proliferation; and complement studies.


RESULTS
Seven of the 24 children had a history of recurrent infections. Only 2 patients had immunoglobulin levels that were outside the age-adjusted reference ranges, 1 of whom was subsequently diagnosed as having common variable immune deficiency. All the patients had normal in vitro T-cell function and complement study results, and only 2 of 24 patients had subtle derangements in T-cell numbers. Elevated levels of IgE were found in 5 patients, which correlated with a clinical history of atopy. Low diphtheria or tetanus antibody levels were found in 12 patients, but in 11 of these, vaccination status was not up-to-date.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the autistic children studied had normal immune function, suggesting that routine immunologic investigation is unlikely to be of benefit in most autistic children and should be considered only when there is a history suggestive of recurrent infections.
Stern
Lara
L
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center-Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Francoeur
Marie-Josée
MJ
Primeau
Marie-Noel
MN
Sommerville
Wendy
W
Fombonne
Eric
E
Mazer
Bruce D
BD
D000293:Adolescent; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D007136:Immunoglobulins