Measles Vaccine and Autism Study
Author Information
Author(s): Mady Hornig, Thomas Briese, Timothy Buie, Margaret L. Bauman, Gregory Lauwers, Ulrike Siemetzki, Kimberly Hummel, Paul A. Rota, William J. Bellini, John J. O'Leary, Orla Sheils, Errol Alden, Larry Pickering, W. Ian Lipkin
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Are children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances more likely to have measles virus RNA in their bowel tissues compared to children with gastrointestinal disturbances alone?
Conclusion
The study found no association between autism and the presence of measles virus RNA in the gastrointestinal tract or the timing of the MMR vaccine.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included a well-defined control group of children with GI disturbances but no autism.
- Results were consistent across three independent laboratory sites.
- 88% of children with autism in the study experienced behavioral regression.
Takeaway
The study looked at kids with autism and tummy troubles to see if the measles vaccine was causing problems, but it found no link.
Methodology
The study used a case-control design, comparing children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances to controls with only gastrointestinal disturbances, analyzing bowel tissues for measles virus RNA.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the reliance on parental reports for vaccination history.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on children undergoing ileocolonoscopy.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 25 children with autism and GI disturbances and 13 controls, with a majority being male and Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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