Comparison of thrombocyte functions in children with and without autism spectrum disorders

Aim: Changes related to the serotonin system play an important role in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although it is known that platelets are associated with the serotonin system, their relation to ASD has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate platelet functions in children with ASD. Method: 40 patients with ASD according to DSM-5 and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. A complete blood count was done to measure parameters relating to platelet morphology including platelet count, MPV, PDW and PCT parameters. Moreover PT and aPTT parameters were evaluated through coagulation tests. Lastly, platelet functions were assessed with a PFA-100 device by measuring collagen-ADP and collagen-EPI closure times. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PLT count, MPV, PDW, PCT, PT or aPTT parameters for ASD patients when compared to the control group (p> 0.05). However, in terms of platelet functions, the elongation in collagen-ADP and collagen-EPI closure times were significantly higher for the ASD group when compared to the control group (p = 0.044). Conclusion: In our study, no significant difference was found between ASD patients and the control group in terms of PLT count, MPV, PDW, PCT, PT or aPTT parameters. However, for the parameters evaluating platelet functions, the elongation in collagen-ADP and collagen-EPI closure times were significantly higher in the ASD group when compared to the control group. These results may suggest an impairment in platelet function rather than in platelet parameters for children with ASD. In light of these results, further investigation of thrombocyte functions in the ASD may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ASD and to the development of our limited knowledge of this disease. Keywords: Autism, Serotonin, Platelet, Platelet Function