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Improvement in Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children With the Use of Gastrin-Releasing Peptide: An Open
Michele Michelin Becker1, Rudimar S Riesgo, Rafael Roesler
1*Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre; and †Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine; ‡Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA); §Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology; and ∥Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Insights
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) shows promise for treating autism spectrum disorder core symptoms. Most children in a small study improved, with notable benefits in irritability, hyperactivity, and social interaction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents complex challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
- Current treatments for core ASD symptoms have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- To assess GRP's impact on core ASD symptomatology, including behavioral and social deficits.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, open-label study involving 10 children with autism receiving GRP at a dosage of 160 pmol/kg.
- Standardized assessments including the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised were utilized.
Main Results:
- 60% of participants demonstrated a positive response to GRP treatment.
- Significant improvements were observed in ABC irritability, hyperactivity, and social withdrawal subscales.
- Reductions in scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised indicated improvements in social interaction.
Conclusions:
- Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) was found to be safe and well-tolerated in the studied pediatric population.
- Preliminary findings suggest GRP may be an effective therapeutic option for core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Methods:
This is a prospective, open-label study with 160 pmol/kg of GRP tested in 10 children with autism. Outcome measures used were the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Positive response was defined as a score of 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved) on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale and an improvement of 25% or greater on at least 1 subscale of ABC.
Results:
Six (60%) of the 10 subjects responded to GRP. Improvements were observed on the ABC irritability and hyperactivity subscales in 80% of patients, and 70% exhibited improvement on the social withdrawal subscale. On the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, there was a mean reduction of 4 points (4.3 ± 2.9). Analysis of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised results detected significant improvements in the domain that assesses social interaction, with a mean reduction of 2.4 points (2.4 ± 2.83). Adverse effects occurred in 3 patients.
Conclusions:
Gastrin-releasing peptide was safe and well tolerated by most subjects and may be effective for core symptoms of autism.
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