postnatal risk factors as well as EEG and brain magnetic ... January 02, 2015, IP: 78.175.18.3] || Click here to download free Android application for this journal ...
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Indian J Med Res 138, December 2013, pp 900-903
Serum nerve growth factor levels in autistic children in Turkish population: A preliminary study Nida Dinçel2, Aycan Ünalp1, Ayşe Kutlu1, Aysel Öztürk1, Nedret Uran1 & Sadık Ulusoy3
Dr Behçet Uz Child Disease & Pediatric Surgery Training & Research Hospital, Ege University Medical Faculty & 3Uzman Tip Medical Center, İzmir, Turkey
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Received January 16, 2012 Background & objectives: It has been hypothesized that abnormal levels of serum nerve growth factor (NGF) may represent a serological marker for autistic children who may develop cognitive impairment, regression and finally epilepsy. The objective of this preliminary study was to measure serum NGF concentrations of autistic children and compare these levels with those of healthy children. Methods: Consecutive children who were referred to the Paediatric Neurology and Child Psychiatry Policlinics of Dr. Behçet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Turkey between February and September 2008 were included in the study. Serum samples were analyzed for NGF levels using ChemiKine NGF Sandwich ELISA Kit. Comparisons between the study and the control groups were made using student’s t test and Chi-square test. Results: 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
