Neuropediatrics 2006; 37 - MP2
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-943599

LOW CSF FOLATE IN CHILDREN WITH PSYCHOMOTOR RETARDATION

WT Lee 1, WC Weng 1, YH Chien 1, JC Du 1, PC Fan 1, YZ Shen 1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Objectives: To investigate the level of folate in CSF in children with psychomotor retardation, and clarify the role of folate in the pathogenesis of developmental delay in children.

Methods: Children with psychomotor retardation and involuntary movements were enrolled in the present study. CSF neurotransmitters and folate levels were measured.

Results: Low CSF folate level can be found in children with secondary deficiency like brain lesions. However, there is a very high incidence of low folate level in children with psychomotor retardation without significant lesions in brain MRI.

Conclusion: Serious selection of children with psychomotor retardation is indicated to diagnose children with cerebral folate deficiency. The high incidence of low folate level in children with psychomotor retardation also indicates the important role of folate in pathogenesis of developmental delay in children.