Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

all of the patients studied. The ratio of the cerebrospinal fluid levels to serum
levels averaged 53.7:1. This ratio is significantly higher than the elevations
reported for other pathological states for which cerebrospinal fluid and serum
tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels have been simultaneously measured. This
observation may offer a unique insight into central nervous system inflammatory
mechanisms that may contribute to the onset of autism and may serve as a
potential clinical marker. More controlled study of this potentially important
observation may prove valuable.
Elder, J. H., M. Shankar, et al. (2006). "The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism:
results of a preliminary double blind clinical trial." J Autism Dev Disord 36(3): 413-20.
This study tested the efficacy of a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet in
treating autism using a randomized, double blind repeated measures crossover
design. The sample included 15 children aged 2-16 years with autism spectrum
disorder. Data on autistic symptoms and urinary peptide levels were collected in
the subjects' homes over the 12 weeks that they were on the diet. Group data
indicated no statistically significant findings even though several parents reported
improvement in their children. Although preliminary, this study demonstrates
how a controlled clinical trial of the GFCF diet can be conducted, and suggests
directions for future research.
Fayad, M. N., R. Choueiri, et al. (1997). "Landau-Kleffner syndrome: consistent
response to repeated intravenous gamma-globulin doses: a case report." Epilepsia
38(4): 489-94.
PURPOSE: Although several treatments have been tried for Landau-Kleffner
syndrome (LKS) too many patients are refractory to known therapies. We report
an 8-year-old girl who failed other therapies but who had a consistent response
after treatment with intravenous (i.v.) gamma-globulin. METHODS: We
monitored the girl from the age of 6 years, when she presented with a 6-month
history of loss of language with normal hearing, normal brain magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG index, and an
EEG showing almost continuous, predominantly left-sided spike- and slow-wave
complexes. She had no clinical seizures and did not respond to consecutive trials
of valproate (VPA), clonazepam (CZP), prednisone, and carbamazepine (CBZ).
She received three courses of intravenous (i.v.) gamma-globulin; after each
course, clinical and electrographic improvement lasted a few months. After each
of the initial two courses, clinical improvement lasted 3-4 months but was
followed by recurrence of the spikes on the EEG and by speech deterioration.
RESULTS: However, her last remission has been continuous for the past 16
months. Her CSF IgG index became normal after the first i.v. gamma-globulin
infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience with this patient and on other
investigators' experience, we believe that further research into immunologic
mechanisms and therapies of this syndrome are warranted.
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