Analysis of risk factors for tic disorders in children in Hubei region based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between trace element concentrations, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, and the severity of tic disorders (TD) in children from the Hubei region. Additionally, it seeks to explore the interrelationships among these monitored indicators to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pediatric TD. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 237 children diagnosed with TD (TD group) and 137 healthy controls, admitted to the Department of Neurology at Hubei Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. The TD group was further divided into mild and moderate-to-severe subgroups based on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores. General clinical data were collected, and serum trace element levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while serum 25(OH)D levels were quantified via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Group comparisons, Spearman correlation analysis, and univariate/multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: > 0.05). Conclusion: Children with Tic Disorders in Hubei Province demonstrate a distinctive alteration in their micronutrient profile, primarily characterized by a deficiency in 25(OH)D, alongside reduced levels of calcium and copper, and elevated levels of iron and cadmium. This association is particularly pronounced in male children over the age of six. While 25(OH)D deficiency is identified as an independent risk factor for TD, its concentration does not significantly correlate with the severity of the disorder.