March 11, 2024
- Findings from a new study strongly link particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) pollution and an increased risk of autism, particularly during prenatal and postnatal phases, showing stronger associations in males. The authors suggest that the underlying mechanisms for this risk include inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of neural circuits, neuroinflammation, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic modifications. They indicate that scientific efforts should focus on emission reduction technologies, urban planning strategies, and public health initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.
- A recent article proposes the folate receptor autoantibody test (FRAT) as a supplementary tool for PANS/PANDAS treatment, with findings indicating a folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAA) prevalence of 63.8% among the study population. A case study of an 18-year-old male with PANS and severe OCD and anxiety demonstrated significant symptom improvement with leucovorin treatment targeting a positive binding FRAA, despite intolerance to antimicrobial therapy initially. Addressing central folate metabolism abnormalities improved the patient’s tolerance to antimicrobials, highlighting the potential significance of FRAAs in PANS/PANDAS. This article underscores the importance of screening PANS/PANDAS patients with FRAT and considering appropriate treatment for symptomatic relief.
- A cohort study involving over 38,000 children revealed that children born to mothers with epilepsy who used valproate or other antiseizure medications (ASMs) during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of developing epilepsy themselves, although causality remained uncertain. Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark found that children exposed to valproate during pregnancy, whether as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs, were more than twice as likely to develop epilepsy compared to those whose mothers did not use ASMs during pregnancy. Additionally, epilepsy risk was elevated in children exposed to topiramate, clonazepam, and polytherapy without valproate. While the risk associated with valproate exposure was not dose-dependent, higher doses of topiramate and clonazepam during pregnancy were linked to increased epilepsy risk in the limited number of cases where mothers used these drugs during pregnancy.
- New research reveals that adults with autism face a significantly higher lifetime risk of suicidality compared to those without the disorder, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions. The study’s authors analyzed data from the Netherlands Autism Register, focusing on adults aged 16 and older with autism who completed surveys assessing suicidal behaviors and thoughts. Of the 1164 participants who completed the initial survey item, over 80% reported suicidal ideation or attempts in their lifetime. Factors contributing to suicidal behavior included psychiatric comorbidity, loneliness, and a higher number of autistic traits. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored suicide prevention strategies for individuals on the spectrum, addressing their unique challenges and risk factors to improve mental health outcomes.
