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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Research article

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Vitamin A deficiency and sleep disturbances related to autism symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Jing Wen, Ting Yang, Jiang Zhu, Min Guo, Xi Lai, Ting Tang, Li Chen, Jie Chen, Ming Xue, Tingyu Li

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and sleep disturbances have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of vitamin A (VA) levels on sleep regulation and sleep disturbances in ASD has garnered concern. The present study aimed to characterize the association of VA levels with sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study compared children with ASD (n = 856) to typically developing children (TDC; n = 316). We used the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire to assess sleep disturbances, Childhood Autism Rating Scale to evaluate the severity of autism symptoms, and Autism Behavior Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale to assess autism behaviors. Serum VA levels were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable linear regression and two-way analysis of variance were performed to investigate if VAD was related to sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Results

Children with ASD had lower serum VA levels and a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances than TDC did. The incidence of VAD in ASD children with sleep disturbances was higher, and the symptoms more severe than those without sleep disturbances and TDC. Interestingly, the interaction between VAD and sleep disturbances was associated with the severity of autism symptoms.

Conclusion

VAD and sleep disturbances are associated with the core symptoms of ASD in children. Regular monitoring of sleep and VA levels may be beneficial for children with ASD.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-14005442, registration date: December 9th 2014.

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Title: RETRACTED ARTICLE: Vitamin A deficiency and sleep disturbances related to autism symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jing Wen
Ting Yang
Jiang Zhu
Min Guo
Xi Lai
Ting Tang
Li Chen
Jie Chen
Ming Xue
Tingyu Li
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02775-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Vitamin A deficiency and sleep disturbances related to autism symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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