In the search for reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: the role of vitamin D

Metabolic Brain Disease - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1% of the world’s population. Vitamin D is thought to be essential for normal brain development and modulation of the...     

The Use of Multi-parametric Biomarker Profiles May Increase the Accuracy of ASD Prediction

Effective biomarkers are urgently needed to facilitate early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), permitting early intervention, and consequently improving prognosis. In this study, we evaluate the usefulness of nine biomarkers and their association (combination) in predicting ASD onset and development. Data were analyzed using multiple independent mathematical and statistical approaches to verify the suitability of obtained results as predictive parameters. All biomarkers tested appeared useful in predicting ASD, particularly vitamin E, glutathione-S-transferase, and dopamine. Combining biomarkers into profiles improved the accuracy of ASD prediction but still failed to distinguish between participants with severe versus mild or moderate ASD. Library-based identification was effective in predicting the occurrence of disease. Due to the small sample size and wide participant age variation in this study, we conclude that the use of multi-parametric biomarker profiles directly related to autism phenotype may help predict the disease occurrence more accurately, but studies using larger, more age-homogeneous populations are needed to corroborate our findings.     

Successful diagnosis and management of prerupture rudimentary horn pregnancy in the second trimester: a case report

Rudimentary horn pregnancy has concerns due to the high incidence of an extreme risk of a life-threatening rupture. Thus, early diagnosis and management are essential to preserving the patient''s life. We present a successful diagnosis and management of a prerupture rudimentary horn pregnancy in a 24-year-old woman presented with chronic pelvic pain and amenorrhea for the last 3 months. On physical examination, she had a mobile, nontender mass equals 16 weeks of gestation. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed an empty uterus with signs of a decidual reaction and a gestational sac adjacent to the uterus and surrounded by less than a 2 mm-in-thickness muscular wall with a positive fetal heart rate. The gestational age was 16 weeks based on biparietal diameter and femur length. Based on these findings rudimentary horn pregnancy was suspected. Laparotomy was performed, unicornuate uterus with unruptured, left rudimentary horn pregnancy was observed, and the pregnant horn with the ipsilateral tube was excised. To conclude, an empty uterus and extrauterine gestational sac surrounded by a thin muscular wall (<2 mm) on ultrasound should raise the suspicion of rudimentary horn pregnancy.