Objective:

To evaluate the potential of urinary microbially derived metabolites as a diagnostic tool for identifying a subgroup of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Initial testing identified numerous metabolites that differed between ASD and control groups.
• 90% of children with ASD had at least one markedly elevated metabolite, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100%.
• In a separate validation analysis, sensitivity was 78% while specificity remained 100%.
• Key metabolites distinguishing groups included p-cresol, p-cresol sulfate, indole-3-acryloyl glycine, phenylacetylglutamine, and arabinitol.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• Study included fewer than 100 participants.
• Excluded children with known genetic causes of autism.
• Did not collect information on diet, medication use, or body mass index.

Conclusion:

Attribution Notice

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