Objective: To investigate plasma concentrations of S100B (a calcium-binding protein derived primarily from the glia) and inflammatory cytokines in children with autism and the relationship between S100B and cytokine concentrations. Methods: Plasma levels of S100B, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured in 40 unmedicated children with autism and 35 normally developing healthy children. The severity of autism was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Results: Concentrations of both S100B and TNF-α were higher in children with autism before and after adjusting for a priori-selected confounders (age, sex, and body mass index). S100B concentrations were higher in children with severe autism compared to children with mild-moderate autism. However, this association remained as a trend after adjusting for confounders. S100B concentrations correlated positively with TNF-α concentrations. Conclusion: Our findings showing an increase in peripheral concentrations of S100B and TNF-α provide limited support to the hypothesis about the roles of altered immune function and S100B in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies of larger numbers of well-characterized individuals with ASD are needed to clarify the potential role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Os transtornos coréicos são relativamente comuns durante a infância. Os automatismos apresentam graus variáveis, de leve a grave, e flutuam ao longo do tempo. Além disso, na maioria dos casos, os automatismos tendem a diminuir em número e freqüência no início da vida adulta. Dada a gravidade variável e sua história natural, muitas vezes não é necessário tratar os automatismos. O tratamento medicamentoso está indicado quando as manifestações são freqüentes, vigorosas e interferem com a vida diária. Vários medicamentos têm sido usados no tratamento dos automatismos, mas apenas alguns deles vêm sendo estudados a fundo. O artigo revisa a variedade de medicamentos que vêm sendo usados no tratamento dos automatismos e proporciona informações práticas para o tratamento clínico de crianças e adolescentes com transtornos coréicos.

Tic disorders are relatively common disorders of childhood. The tics range from mild to severe and show a fluctuating course over time. Moreover, in most cases, the tics tend to decline in number and frequency by early adulthood. Given this range of severity and natural history, tics may not require treatment. When tics are frequent, forceful and cause interference in everyday life, medication is indicated. Several medications have been used in the treatment of tics, but only a few have been carefully studied. This paper reviews the range of medications that have been used in the treatment of tics and provides practical information about clinical management of children and adolescents with tic disorders.