Evaluation of Nucleated Red Blood Cell Levels in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Relationship With Disorder Severity

Objectives Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a complex aetiology and a heterogeneous clinical presentation. Having easily accessible and interpretable parameters that can be correlated with disorder severity will provide important contributions to clinicians. This study aimed to investigate nucleated red blood cell (nRBC) count and other complete blood count parameters and their relationship with ASD severity in preschool children. Methods In this retrospective study, 68 ASD cases were included. The severity of the disorder was determined using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Regression history and intellectual disability data were obtained from the medical records. Results The nRBC count was positive in 11.5% of the participants. The nRBC count in male ASD cases was found to be statistically higher in mild/moderate cases than in severe cases. The nRBC count, the platelet count and intellectual disability were found to be predictors of ASD severity. Conclusions Differences in some complete blood count parameters, especially nRBC, were found in the study's ASD cases. The platelet count and the nRBC count may be predictive of ASD severity.