Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by pervasive and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases (DSM-V). It is estimated that around 60%–100% of children with ADHD also exhibit one or more comorbid disorders that often continue into adulthood 1. Elevated levels of some inflammatory markers have been reported in children with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, indicating that inflammation may have a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders 2.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the level of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) as an indicator of inflammatory markers in children with ADHD.
Subjects and Methods: This case control study, the participants were consecutively recruited by simple random method from the pediatric neurology clinic in Bab-El Sharyia university hospital in the period from June 2019 to February 2020. Twenty children diagnosed as ADHD (fulfilling the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, for ADHD diagnosis) and 20 healthy children as a control .Both groups were subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, psychometric tests and Serum interleukin-6 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: In the patients group, 85% of patients were males while15% were females. Regarding subtypes of ADHD, 55% of ADHD patients were of the combined type, 25% were of the inattentive type while 15% of the hyperactive type. 70% of the studied ADHD patients were from rural areas and 30% were from urban areas.IQ was lower in ADHD patients than controls. There were significant higher Conners' scores in ADHD patients compared to the control. The mean serum level of IL-6 was 23.35 ± 13.47 pg/ml in ADHD patients, while it was 7.57 ± 3.47 pg/ml in the controls, with highly significant difference.
Conclusion: Serum IL-6 values were significantly higher in ADHD patients compared to healthy control children.