[SP4-3B-2] Tympanic deep body temperature as a biomarker of Autistic spectrum disorders
[Purpose] Recent research has been focused on the mechanisms and markers of Autistic spectrum disorders（ASD), but an easy-to-use biomarker has not yet been identified. In the current report, we found tympanic deep body temperature to be a biomarker of ASD.
[Patients and Methods] Patients (3 - 5 years of age) were 6 boys diagnosed with ASD and 5 age-matched healthy boys. None of the patients in the ASD group had sleep disturbances. During the autumn of 2014 and spring of 2015, ear tympanic thermometers were provided to the parents of the subjects. Every night for one month, temperature was measured after waking and three times during sleep. Maximum response was analyzed using non-paired t-tests.
[Results] Mean temperatures of the control and ASD groups in the morning and during sleep were 36.16 ± 0.03℃ and 36.39 ± 0.02℃, and 35.81 ± 0.03℃ and 36.23 ± 0.03℃, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.005). Temperature in the ASD group showed a weak positive correlation with the Intelligence Quotient score.
[Discussion] The difference in temperature during sleep was smaller in the ASD vs. control group. This indicates autonomic dysfunction, and is consistent with previous reports of heart rate dysregulation in ASD. Previously, we reported the efficacy of the purinergic antagonist, Suramin, in a mouse model of autism. The purinergic receptor itself was related to autonomic function, indicating that Suramin may correct ASD symptoms.
[Patients and Methods] Patients (3 - 5 years of age) were 6 boys diagnosed with ASD and 5 age-matched healthy boys. None of the patients in the ASD group had sleep disturbances. During the autumn of 2014 and spring of 2015, ear tympanic thermometers were provided to the parents of the subjects. Every night for one month, temperature was measured after waking and three times during sleep. Maximum response was analyzed using non-paired t-tests.
[Results] Mean temperatures of the control and ASD groups in the morning and during sleep were 36.16 ± 0.03℃ and 36.39 ± 0.02℃, and 35.81 ± 0.03℃ and 36.23 ± 0.03℃, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.005). Temperature in the ASD group showed a weak positive correlation with the Intelligence Quotient score.
[Discussion] The difference in temperature during sleep was smaller in the ASD vs. control group. This indicates autonomic dysfunction, and is consistent with previous reports of heart rate dysregulation in ASD. Previously, we reported the efficacy of the purinergic antagonist, Suramin, in a mouse model of autism. The purinergic receptor itself was related to autonomic function, indicating that Suramin may correct ASD symptoms.