Study of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children

Background: Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology. Objective: To assess serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children patients. Subjects and methods: 40 participants have been subjected to thorough history taking, complete clinical examination, IQ assessment, estimation of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls as regards stereotypic movements, absent eye contact, delayed motor development, delayed speech and IQ (p < 0.01 for each item). Mean level of copper was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.001), also mean level of ceruloplasmin was significantly higher in patients than controls (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Serum copper level may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism. Keywords: Autism, Copper, Ceruloplasmin, Stereotypic movements