Elemental imbalance in children with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia)

BACKGROUND: The risk of developing various disorders in children, including nervous system diseases, is often associated with impaired mineral metabolism, as macro- and microelements play a critical role in the functioning of both the central and autonomic nervous systems. Elemental imbalance in children may result from intrauterine developmental anomalies or from environmental exposure. AIM: To analyze and assess the elemental composition of hair in children with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective cohort study was conducted involving 93 children aged 3 to 6 years. The participants were divided into two groups: the main group, consisting of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia), and the control group. To assess elemental status, 14 chemical elements were measured in hair samples using atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Elemental homeostasis in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy was found to be disrupted with respect to both essential and conditionally essential elements, as well as toxic ones. In the hair of children in the main group, significantly elevated levels (p 0.05) of manganese, chromium, nickel, and lead were observed compared to the upper reference limit and the control group. At the same time, a significant decrease in selenium concentration was noted, relative to both the lower reference limit and the control group (by a factor of 46 and 20, respectively; p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Study of the elemental composition of hair may serve as an additional tool in the diagnosis of nervous system disorders in children and in guiding supplemental pharmacologic correction of mineral metabolism.