Prevalence of Autism in epileptic pediatrics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of autism in children with epilepsy and its relation to controlled or non-controlled epilepsy. Methods: Forty patients with epilepsy referred to Tabriz Pediatric Hospital aged 16-30 months were enrolled the study. Then, patients completed the MCHATR questionnaire. Patients with a score of 8-20 were more likely to be at risk for autism, and follow-up was provided for definitive diagnosis of autism. Patients with a score of 3-7 were considered to be at moderate risk and MCHATR F questionnaire was completed for patients. Results: Mean age at onset of seizure was 11.51 ± 7.12 months (1 to 30 months). The final interpretation of the results of M-Chart-R scores in children showed that only 4 children (10%) had autism, of which 3 were male and one female, although no statistically significant difference was found (P=0.61). Autism observed 7.7% (1 patient) in controlled epilepsy and 11.1% (3 patients) in uncontrolled epilepsy but no statistically significant difference was shown (P = 0.6).