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Intravenous secretin for autism spectrum disorder
K W Williams1, J J Wray, D M Wheeler
1Clinical Epidemiology, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia, 2145. katrinaw@chw.edu.au
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 22, 2005
Summary
Intravenous secretin is not an effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Current research shows no improvement in core autism features, and it should not be recommended.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Secretin, a gastro-intestinal hormone, has been anecdotally suggested as an effective autism treatment.
- This study evaluates the efficacy of intravenous secretin for autism spectrum disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if intravenous secretin improves core autism features (social interaction, communication, behavior).
- To assess effects on non-core behaviors, quality of life, and short/long-term outcomes.
- To evaluate potential harm associated with secretin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1998-2005.
- Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, etc.) and contacted experts.
- Included 14 studies comparing intravenous secretin to placebo in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, analyzing standardized outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies reported outcomes using 25 standardized measures.
- No study showed significant improvement in core autism features with secretin treatment.
- Outcomes were assessed between three and six weeks post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- There is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of intravenous secretin for autism.
- Secretin should not be recommended or administered as an autism treatment.
- Further research is warranted only if methodological limitations of existing studies are addressed.