PHTHALATE EXPOSURE AMONG EGYPTIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RELATION TO ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood. Phthalates are industrial chemicals often used in personal care products and to soften plastics in toys and household items such as food containers, and medical devices. Animal studies have reported that the phthalate compound might cause hyperactivity and impulsivity in rats. However, the relation between phthalates and ADHD in human is still controversial. The aim of our study is to investigate the possible association between urinary phthalate metabolite levels and attention deficit disorder, learning disability in 6–12-years old children. Methods: Urine samples were obtained from 80 children. All children were selected from the attendants of Abu Elreesh child psychiatry outpatient clinic, Cairo University. subjects were divided into two main groups Group A (patients) consisted of 50 children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed by psychiatric consultant and Group B (control) consisted of 30 normal children. In urine, mono butyl phthalate (MBP) metabolite were measured with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The mean concentration of MBP level was (15.539±8.316) for patients (group A) and (8.085 ±2.426) for controls (group B) with significant difference between groups. Also, there was significant correlation with processing milk, plastic containers, toys, cosmetics, wall, and floor materials containing phthalate exposure and higher level of (MBP) in urine of group A. Conclusion: The present study showed association between phthalate metabolites in urine and symptoms of ADHD among school-age children.