Information on Controversial Autism Treatments

This information from an article was sent to me by a friend. I think it is a summary and information about controversial treatments worth sharing. Please let me know if you have had any experiences with these treatments or any additional questions. Thank you for visiting the Autism Community.

“The Tribune examined four treatments in depth for this series. Medical experts said the therapies have not been proven to help children with autism and that each also carries risks.

IVIG treatment
What it is: Antibodies culled from donors are infused into the patient intravenously over many hours.

FDA approved for: Pediatric HIV, some bone marrow transplants

Risks: Headaches, anaphylactic shock, meningitis, tiny risk of contracting infectious disease

Autism theory: Helps regulate the immune system

Expert: Pediatric neurologist Dr. Andrew Zimmerman ofKennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore called use of IVIG to treat autism “irresponsible” considering the lack of evidence, side effects and the enormous cost.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
What it is: Patients are sealed in pressurized chambers, which are often enriched with extra oxygen.

FDA approved for: Decompression sickness

Risks: Ear pain, oxygen toxicity

Autism theory: Reduces inflammation

Expert: Neuropharmacologist Richard Mailman at Penn State University College of Medicine: “I would not be surprised if it causes long-term damage.”

Chelation
What it is: Patients are given a drug that binds to heavy metals to be excreted in urine.

FDA approved for: Severe lead poisoning

Risks: Nausea, vomiting, body pains, neutropenia, death

Autism theory: Rids body of heavy metals

Expert: Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review: “No scientific evidence … that chelation is an effective therapy.”

Phenylbutyrate
What it is: Treatment for rare disorders

FDA approved for: Urea cycle disorders

Risks: Rectal bleeding, vomiting, peptic ulcer disease, irregular heartbeat, depression

Autism theory: Fixes detoxification pathways

Expert: Kennedy Krieger Institute: “No research conducted into use for autism”

SOURCES: “Food and Nutrients in Disease Management,” Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review, “Changing the Course of Autism,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration”

Here is a link to the series in the Chicago Tribune