LABORATORY AND CLINICAL MARKERS OF INTOLERANCE TO CASEIN IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Background. The etiology and pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are still not fully understood. Due to many theories of the disease development, a large number of alternative treatment methods appear, including use of casein-free diet. Aim. To determine the frequency of occurrence of laboratory and clinical markers of casein intolerance in children with ASD. Materials and Methods. 69 children with autism spectrum disorders aged from 3 to 15 years living in the Voronezh region were diagnosed for the level of antibodies to casein (IgG) and β-casomorphin-7 in blood. Parents of children were surveyed on adherence to use of casein-free diet and the effectiveness of its use. Results. Laboratory diagnostics showed increased level of antibodies to casein (IgG) in 78.2% of the examined children, 4.4% of children, according to a survey of parents, follow a casein-free diet for a long time with clinical effectiveness. Thus, a total of 82.6% of children with autism spectrum disorders have intolerance to casein. The concentration of β-casomorphin-7 in the blood of children with ASD is in the range of 0.76-3.38 pg/ml, with the average value 2.23±0.53. Conclusion. It is necessary to conduct large-scale studies to objectively assess the effectiveness of diet therapy and indications for its use. Children with autism spectrum disorders should be examined for food intolerance and the optimal strategy of complex therapy before starting to use the diet.