Iron Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by difficulties in language, social communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors. ASD affects as many as 1 in 90-150 children. Sleep issues/insomnia is very common in children with ASD (50-80%). Insomnia has a negative impact on both the developmental and behavioral function of the child and the quality of life for the family. Causes of insomnia in children with ASD are multifactorial and can be difficult to treat effectively. Low iron stores, as manifest by low serum ferritin levels, is also common in children with ASD. Both insomnia and low iron stores are associated with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement of Sleep (PLMS). Children with ASD often have difficulty communicating symptoms or tolerating Polysomnography (Sleep Study). This makes establishing a diagnosis of RLS or PLMS very difficult in children with ASD.

Timeline

Start

2012-12

Primary completion

2015-08

Completion

2015-08

Publications

• Results Richdale AL, Schreck KA. Sleep problems in autism spectrum disorders: prevalence, nature, & possible biopsychosocial aetiologies. Sleep Med Rev. 2009 Dec;13(6):403-11. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2009.02.003. Epub 2009 Apr 24.
• Results Schreck KA, Mulick JA, Smith AF. Sleep problems as possible predictors of intensified symptoms of autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2004 Jan-Feb;25(1):57-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2003.04.007.
• Results Picchietti D, Allen RP, Walters AS, Davidson JE, Myers A, Ferini-Strambi L. Restless legs syndrome: prevalence and impact in children and adolescents--the Peds REST study. Pediatrics. 2007 Aug;120(2):253-66. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-2767.
• Results Picchietti DL, Walters AS. Moderate to severe periodic limb movement disorder in childhood and adolescence. Sleep. 1999 May 1;22(3):297-300. doi: 10.1093/sleep/22.3.297.
• Results Reed HE, McGrew SG, Artibee K, Surdkya K, Goldman SE, Frank K, Wang L, Malow BA. Parent-based sleep education workshops in autism. J Child Neurol. 2009 Aug;24(8):936-45. doi: 10.1177/0883073808331348. Epub 2009 Jun 1.
• Results Bokkala S, Napalinga K, Pinninti N, Carvalho KS, Valencia I, Legido A, Kothare SV. Correlates of periodic limb movements of sleep in the pediatric population. Pediatr Neurol. 2008 Jul;39(1):33-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2008.03.008.
• Results Picchietti MA, Picchietti DL. Advances in pediatric restless legs syndrome: Iron, genetics, diagnosis and treatment. Sleep Med. 2010 Aug;11(7):643-51. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2009.11.014.
• Results Simakajornboon N, Kheirandish-Gozal L, Gozal D. Diagnosis and management of restless legs syndrome in children. Sleep Med Rev. 2009 Apr;13(2):149-56. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2008.12.002. Epub 2009 Jan 31.
• Results Morgenthaler T, Alessi C, Friedman L, Owens J, Kapur V, Boehlecke B, Brown T, Chesson A Jr, Coleman J, Lee-Chiong T, Pancer J, Swick TJ; Standards of Practice Committee; American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Practice parameters for the use of actigraphy in the assessment of sleep and sleep disorders: an update for 2007. Sleep. 2007 Apr;30(4):519-29. doi: 10.1093/sleep/30.4.519.
• Results Latif A, Heinz P, Cook R. Iron deficiency in autism and Asperger syndrome. Autism. 2002 Mar;6(1):103-14. doi: 10.1177/1362361302006001008.
• Results Herguner S, Kelesoglu FM, Tanidir C, Copur M. Ferritin and iron levels in children with autistic disorder. Eur J Pediatr. 2012 Jan;171(1):143-6. doi: 10.1007/s00431-011-1506-6. Epub 2011 Jun 4.
• Results Dosman CF, Drmic IE, Brian JA, Senthilselvan A, Harford M, Smith R, Roberts SW. Ferritin as an indicator of suspected iron deficiency in children with autism spectrum disorder: prevalence of low serum ferritin concentration. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2006 Dec;48(12):1008-9. doi: 10.1017/S0012162206232225. No abstract available.
• Results Dosman CF, Brian JA, Drmic IE, Senthilselvan A, Harford MM, Smith RW, Sharieff W, Zlotkin SH, Moldofsky H, Roberts SW. Children with autism: effect of iron supplementation on sleep and ferritin. Pediatr Neurol. 2007 Mar;36(3):152-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2006.11.004.

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