Hair analysis of spastic children in Hong Kong.

Hair samples of 20 spastic children and 29 normal children were collected and measured, using neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence techniques, for the concentrations of Al, Sb, As, Ca, Cu, I, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, K, Sr, S, V and Zn. Both groups of children were of ages between 5 and 13. The washing method of using detergent and powder was found to be comparable to that of using ether. Difference in the mean concentration of each element in the two groups was tested by the Student's t-test and the Wilcoxon rank-sums test. Hair concentrations of Al, Sb, Pb, Mn, K, Sr, and V in the 'spasm group' were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the 'normal group'. Attempt was made to interpret the effects of these elements on the nervous and muscular systems of the spastic children.