Pancytopenia due to Restrictive Food Intake in an Autistic Adult. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowe, Danielle; Barrett, Christian; Shepherd, Chelsea; Charles, Jane; Kalivas, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports. Volume 10(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder -- pancytopenia -- avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1177/23247096221139260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-7096

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-behavioral syndrome that develops in childhood and can be comorbid with restrictive and avoidant food intake disorder. This case details a young man who was hospitalized with pancytopenia due to restrictive nutritional intake related to his severe ASD. He was found to have undetectable vitamin B12 levels. His blood counts improved with transfusion, nutritional supplementation, and dental care. This report illustrates the importance of understanding ASD and potential medical complications of related behaviors.