(MCT)
The Chicago 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.
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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 of Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore called use of IVIG to treat autism "irresponsible" considering the lack of evidence, side effects and the enormous cost.
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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."
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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."
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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
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EXPERIMENTAL THERAPIES
Physicians have proposed or used many experimental therapies to treat children with autism. Of the sampling below, none has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of autism, and none has been proven to improve symptoms of the disorder. Children with autism often undergo multiple treatments at once.
Methyl B12 injections
Antifungals like Diflucan and Nystatin
Antibiotics like vancomycin and Flagyl
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Colostrum
Herpes antivirals like Valtrex
Diabetes treatment, Actos
Testosterone inhibitors like Lupron and Spironolactone
Dimethylglycine
Oxytocin
Stem cell therapy
Nicotine patches
Sources: "Changing the Course of Autism," ageofautism.com, drneubrander.com, Autism Research Institute parent survey, International Child Resource Development Center
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(c) 2009, Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.