Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder ADHAD

Abstract EN

Background: ADHD is a common childhood disorder with serious effect on the patient and his Family’s life.

Recent evidence suggests a relation between ADHD and BDNF a neurotrophin responsible forneuronalplasticity and act as a neurotransmitter modulator.

Aim of the study: To know the possible relation between BDNF level and ADHD so it could be used as a potential marker for this disorder.

Subjects and methods: Fifty three cases ofADHD were selected 29 patients were drug naïve and 24 patients were Receiving pharmacological treatment.

The ADHD cases underwent IQ test (WISC), Conner's test to assess severity ofdifferent symptoms, 3 ml blood sample before noon were collectedto measure plasma level of BDNF.

After full assessment patients were categorized into 3 diagnostic categories (hyperactive impulsive type, inattentive type, and combined type).

Control group consisted of thirty normal volunteer children, with no psychiatric or neurological disorder.

3mlnon clotted blood samples were collected from them before noon.

Results: In our study the mean plasma BDNF levels weresignificantly higher in ADHD patients than in normal controls (p value was0.010).C onclusion: Our study suggests that there is an increase of plasma BDNF levels in ADHD patients.