Journal of Clinical Rheumatology Research(JCRR)
ISSN: 2832-7756 | DOI: 10.33140/JCRR
Zinc Levels Assay in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Quantum Magnetic Resonance Analyzer and Direct Colorimetry
Abstract
Khalid M Zayed and Mostafa A Ibrahim.
Background: Autism is a long-term disability and a developmental disorder in which many studies suggested an asso- ciation with serum low levels of zinc. In addition, the zinc to copper (Zn/Cu) ratio can be a biomarker of ASD as it is abnormally low in individuals with autism.
Aim:The present study aimed to determine the levels of Zn in the bodies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The assay is done using new technology,the quantum magnetic resonance analysis (QMRA) method, and com- paring its results with a reference testing laboratory method to determine the validity, sensitivity, and specificity of the new measurement method.
Method: The study was performed in a group of children (M=19; F=11; age range=3-15 years) with ASD (n=30) and a control group of typically developing children (n=30) matched in terms of sex and age. The main variables in this study were the body values of Zn measured with a QMRA-998 8th Generation device and in patients’ sera by the reference direct colorimetric method.
Statistical Analysis: Results were compared across groups using descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman’s correla- tion coefficients, Chi-Square significance, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression. In addition, a sensitivity and specificity cross-tabulation test was performed to evaluate the QMRA method in measuring Zn levels.
Results: Both methods showed lower means for Zn levels in the ASD group than in the control group with a significant correlation between the two methods when measuring Zn levels. With the QMRA method, the sensitivity was 84% and specificity was 87%.
Conclusion: It is suggested to test blood levels of Zn in all autistic children and give them a Zn supplement if needed. Non-invasive health measurement devices such as QMRA can be used as a screening or adjunct tool for the measure- ment of Zn levels in humans.