Evaluation of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Inflammation is thought to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Procalcitonin (PCT) is an inflammatory biomarker released by thyroid parafollicular cells. CRP is systemic biomarker of inflammation. In this study, the hypothesis that PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) might be indicators of increased inflammatory response was tested. For this purpose, PCT and CRP as well as other simple inflammatory markers were evaluated in children with ASD and ADHD. A total of 33 ASD, 36 ADHD, and 31 healthy controls were included in the study, who were similar in terms of gender and age. PCT, CRP, sedimentation and hemogram parameters (Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio) were measured in children aged 5-15 years. PCT and CRP values were found to be statistically significantly higher in ASD and ADHD children compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between PCT and CRP values (r: 0.358; p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between disorder severity scale scores and PCT and CRP values (p > 0.05 for both). Accordingly, it is suggested that inflammation plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of these disorders. PCT and CRP may be used as inflammation markers.