Improving Outcome in Infantile Autism with Folate Receptor Autoimmunity and Nutritional Derangements: A Self-Controlled Trial
Joint Authors
Ramaekers, Vincent Th.
Sequeira, Jeffrey M.
DiDuca, Marco
Vrancken, Géraldine
Thomas, Aurore
Philippe, Céline
Peters, Marie
Jadot, Annick
Quadros, Edward V.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2019, Issue 2019 (31 Dec. 2019), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2019-06-18
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
In contrast to multiple rare monogenetic abnormalities, a common biomarker among children with infantile autism and their parents is the discovery of serum autoantibodies directed to the folate receptor alpha (FRα) localized at blood-brain and placental barriers, impairing physiologic folate transfer to the brain and fetus.
Since outcome after behavioral intervention remains poor, a trial was designed to treat folate receptor alpha (FRα) autoimmunity combined with correction of deficient nutrients due to abnormal feeding habits.
Methods.
All participants with nonsyndromic infantile autism underwent a routine protocol measuring CBC, iron, vitamins, coenzyme Q10, metals, and trace elements.
Serum FRα autoantibodies were assessed in patients, their parents, and healthy controls.
A self-controlled therapeutic trial treated nutritional derangements with addition of high-dose folinic acid if FRα autoantibodies tested positive.
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) monitored at baseline and following 2 years of treatment was compared to the CARS of untreated autistic children serving as a reference.
Results.
In this self-controlled trial (82 children; mean age ± SD: 4.4 ± 2.3 years; male:female ratio: 4.8:1), FRα autoantibodies were found in 75.6 % of the children, 34.1 % of mothers, and 29.4 % of fathers versus 3.3 % in healthy controls.
Compared to untreated patients with autism (n=84) whose CARS score remained unchanged, a 2-year treatment decreased the initial CARS score from severe (mean ± SD: 41.34 ± 6.47) to moderate or mild autism (mean ± SD: 34.35 ± 6.25; paired t-test p<0.0001), achieving complete recovery in 17/82 children (20.7 %).
Prognosis became less favorable with the finding of higher FRα autoantibody titers, positive maternal FRα autoantibodies, or FRα antibodies in both parents.
Conclusions.
Correction of nutritional deficiencies combined with high-dose folinic acid improved outcome for autism, although the trend of a poor prognosis due to maternal FRα antibodies or FRα antibodies in both parents may warrant folinic acid intervention before conception and during pregnancy.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Ramaekers, Vincent Th.& Sequeira, Jeffrey M.& DiDuca, Marco& Vrancken, Géraldine& Thomas, Aurore& Philippe, Céline…[et al.]. 2019. Improving Outcome in Infantile Autism with Folate Receptor Autoimmunity and Nutritional Derangements: A Self-Controlled Trial. Autism Research and Treatment،Vol. 2019, no. 2019, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1122429
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Ramaekers, Vincent Th.…[et al.]. Improving Outcome in Infantile Autism with Folate Receptor Autoimmunity and Nutritional Derangements: A Self-Controlled Trial. Autism Research and Treatment No. 2019 (2019), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1122429
American Medical Association (AMA)
Ramaekers, Vincent Th.& Sequeira, Jeffrey M.& DiDuca, Marco& Vrancken, Géraldine& Thomas, Aurore& Philippe, Céline…[et al.]. Improving Outcome in Infantile Autism with Folate Receptor Autoimmunity and Nutritional Derangements: A Self-Controlled Trial. Autism Research and Treatment. 2019. Vol. 2019, no. 2019, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1122429
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1122429