Microbiota Transfer Therapy for Autism Improvements
Scientific research reports a correlation between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and abnormal gut microbiota. In a clinical trial of Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT), 18 participants diagnosed with ASD underwent a comprehensive program including bowel cleanse, antibiotics, antacids, and fecal microbiota transplant. After the 18-week research trial scientists reported improvements in ASD symptoms and reduced gastrointestinal problems for all participants.
Even more exciting, Scientific Reports has published the follow-up study which examined long-term outcomes for these 18 participants. Two years after completion of the MTT trial all participants and their families returned for follow-up testing and evaluation. Results showed great promise for this innovative intervention. Participants reported a continuation of improved gastrointestinal symptoms, on par with the post-trial results. Family members of the participants reported ongoing and steady improvement of ASD symptoms from the original trial through the 2-year post-testing, as confirmed by clinical assessment with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
According to researchers, “At the beginning of the open-label trial, 83% of participants rated in the severe ASD diagnosis per the CARS. At the two-year follow-up, only 17% were rated as severe, 39% were in the mild to moderate range, and 44% of participants were below the ASD diagnostic cut-off scores.” Results from parent rating scales mimicked these outcomes, with several participants falling below the score range for diagnosis of ASD. This is encouraging science for ongoing trials of MTT as an intervention for ASD symptoms and complications!
MBJ
Check out the original research:
https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-016-0225-7
