European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by abnormalities in social interaction, impairment in language and communication, restrictive or repetitive interests, and stereotyped behaviors and movements. It seems more likely that asthma and ASD could arise from common or related pathologic disruptions of the immune system. as in India, no study has been done on this topic,so we chose this topic . Aim: To compare the prevalence of bronchial Asthmain children having Autism spectrum disorder with children not having Autism spectrum disorder. Methods: this observational and cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 children,who had autism spectrum disorder in the age group of 3-17years, who were attended OPD of Psychiatry and Pediatric Department Of Rajindra Hospital Patiala over one and half year duration.50 age and sex matched children who were attended OPD for minor illness and had not any psychiatric illness, were taken as a control group. Parameters like age, sex, geographical distribution and socioeconomic status were assessed. Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder was confirmed by using INCLEN diagnostic tool (ANNEXURE). Children having autism spectrum disorder were further evaluated for presence or absence of Asthma.  Results: it was observed that the mean age of ASD cases is 9.47 ± 4.07 years and 6.6 ± 3.87 years for ASD with concomitant Bronchial Asthma. There were more no. of patients of ASD belonged to younger age group (up to 8years), male gender (68.5%) and middle-class population. There was more no. of cases of ASD with concomitant bronchial asthma from young age group (up to 8 years), male sex (81.5%)and urban area as compared to control group (nonASD with bronchial asthma). It was observed that in our study prevalence of bronchial asthma in ASD cases is 22%, and in non ASD control group is 16%.however, this was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: No association could be found between Bronchial Asthma and ASD.