A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Tetrahydrobiopterin in the treatment of children with autistic disorder: A double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study




AuthorsDanfors T, von Knorring AL, Hartvig P, Langstrom B, Moulder R, Stromberg B, Torstenson R, Wester U, Watanabe Y, Eeg-Olofsson O:

Publication year2005

Journal acronymJ Clin Psychopharmacol

Article number16160627

Volume25

Issue5

First page 485

Last page489

Number of pages5

eISSN0271-0749

DOIhttps://doi.org/00004714-200510000-00015.

Web address http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16160627


Abstract

Twelve children, all boys, aged 4 to 7 years, with a diagnosis of autistic disorder and low concentrations of spinal 6R-l-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (tetrahydrobiopterin) were selected to participate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The children received a daily dose of 3 mg tetrahydrobiopterin per kilogram during 6 months alternating with placebo. Treatment-induced effects were assessed with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale every third month. The results showed small nonsignificant changes in the total scores of Childhood Autism Rating Scale after 3- and 6-month treatment. Post hoc analysis looking at the 3 core symptoms of autism, that is, social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behaviors, revealed a significant improvement of the social interaction score after 6 months of active treatment. In addition, a high positive correlation was found between response of the social interaction score and IQ. The results indicate a possible effect of tetrahydrobiopterin treatment.




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