DESCRIP OF GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN W/AUTISM COMPARED TO CONTROLS

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain are believed to be common in children with autism spectrum disorders. Many families consider nonstandard therapies due to these beliefs. There is very little data to describe the GI symptoms or to determine whether these symptoms are specific to autism. A better understanding of GI symptoms in autism is critical to appropriately treat children with autism and to move forward with research. This study was designed to examine the prevalence and specificity of GI symptoms in autism using four groups of children. Children with rigorously defined autism are being compared to groups with fragile X syndrome, developmental delay of mixed etiology and to children with typical development. A seven-day stool diary using the Bristol Stool Form Scale to evaluate consistency and a three-day diet diary are being collected in children who are between the ages of 30 and 60 months. Since there is some evidence that an abnormal diet can cause chronic non-specific diarrhea and children with autism frequently have highly restrictive diets, it is important to determine whether diet impacts their GI symptoms. In order to better understand the gastrointestinal phenotype, the relationship between GI symptoms and cognitive level or history of regression will be evaluated. This project is very important in the field of autism from both a research and a clinical standpoint. Phenotypic subtypes and endophenotypes are needed for linkage studies to look for genetic causes of autism. A better understanding of the brain/gut interaction has implications for a better understanding of the etiology of autism and may help with treatment as well. Also many families chose to try the gluten and casein free diet. This project will help design future projects so that information is available to counsel families about the diet. This data will serve as pilot data for a multi-center case-cohort study being conducted by the CDC. This protocol has been included in the larger population based CADDRE/CDC project which has been approved by an external review board and the CDC IRB. The study should begin October 2006.