Donatella Giambersio

Dr. Donatella Giambersio


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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DGDonatella Giambersio
Donatella Giambersio
LMLucia Marzulli
Lucia Marzulli
LMLucia Margari
Lucia Margari
EMemilia matera
emilia matera
LNLino Nobili
Lino Nobili
MPMaria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
Maria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
A high prevalence of sleep disturbances has been reported in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability (ID). The etiology of sleep disorders in these children is heterogeneous and, recently, iron deficiency has received increasing attention. This study aims to investigate sleep features in children with NDDs and to explore a possible correlation between serum iron status biomarkers and qualitative features of sleep. We included 4- to 12-year-old children with a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, or ID and assessed their sleep features through the children’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ). Venous blood samples were collected to investigate ferritin, transferrin, and iron levels. The mean CSHQ total score exceeds the cut-off in all groups of children. In the ASD group, the Parasomnias subscale negatively correlated with serum ferritin levels (Rho = 0.354; p = 0.029). Our findings may suggest the existence of an association between iron status, sleep quality, and neurodevelopmental processes. In clinical practice, sleep assessment should be included in the routine assessment for patients with NDDs. Furthermore, a routine assessment of iron status biomarkers should be recommended for children with NDDs who have sleep disturbances.