Patterns of endogenous steroids in apathetic refugee children are compatible with long-term stress

• BACKGROUND During the last few years, a number of children of asylum applicants in Sweden developed an apathetic or unconscious state. The syndrome was perceived as new, and various explanations were advanced such as; factitious disorder, intoxication, or stress. Considering a potential association between traumatic stress and regulation of steroids biosynthesis, this study explored whether changes in concentrations of endogenous steroids were associated with the above syndrome. METHODS Eleven children were recruited in the study. Concentrations of steroids in blood samples were determined using high sensitivity liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods. Symptoms were assessed with a clinical rating scale developed for the study. Steroid concentrations were measured at the entry into study and after recovery; and concentrations were evaluated for the association with the symptoms in apathetic children. RESULTS  Cortisol and cortisone concentrations at baseline were negatively associated with duration of the symptoms from entry into the study to clinical recovery. Concentrations of pregnanes (pregnenolone, 17-OH-pregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and 17-OH-progesterone were increased in the symptomatic state and decreased after the recovery. CONCLUSIONS  Pattern of low cortisol concentrations found in apathetic children is consistent with long-term stress. An increase of upstream steroid metabolites such as pregnanes and 17-OH-progesterone was found to be associated with the symptomatic state.

Ämnesord

Medical and Health Sciences  (hsv)

Medicin och hälsovetenskap  (hsv)

Natural Sciences  (hsv)

Chemical Sciences  (hsv)

Naturvetenskap  (hsv)

Kemi  (hsv)

Nyckelord

Apathetic refugee children

Dissociative disorders

Cortisol

Steroids

Neurosteroids

Mass spectrometry