Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Treatment of Children With Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine80 enrolled

Overview

Many children with autism have a reduced level of glutathione and a reduced ability to excrete mercury, resulting in elevated levels in their bodies as demonstrated by blood, hair, provoked urine, and baby tooth testing. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that DMSA, an FDA-approved medication for treating lead poisoning in children, is effective in increasing excretion of mercury and other toxic metals. Based on many clinical reports, we hypothesize that a 3-month treatment with glutathione and DMSA will result in a reduction of autistic symptoms in some children with autism.

This study will assess the safety and efficacy of the use of DMSA (an FDA-approved medication for treating lead poisoning in children) for the off-label treatment of symptoms of autism in children with autism and significant body burden of toxic metals.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 3 YearsMax age: 8 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Phase One 1. Children with autism spectrum disorder 2. Age 3-8 years (up to the day before the ninth birthday). 3. At least a two-month history of taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement with at least the RDA of zinc, and continuing to take that during Phase One and Two. Phase Two: 1. Excretion of high amounts of toxic metals in phase one 2. Normal kidney/liver function, serum transaminases, and Complete Blood Count (CBC) (based on a blood test which will be conducted as part of Phase Two) 3. No changes in medication, supplements, diet, or behavioral interventions during the study Exclusion Criteria: Phase One and Two: * No mercury amalgam dental fillings. * No previous use of DMSA or other prescription chelators (except for 1-time challenges). * No anemia or currently being treated for anemia due to low iron. * No known allergies to DMSA * No liver or kidney disease

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Determine the effect of DMSA therapy on the symptoms of autism

Time frame: 4 month

Determine the safety of DMSA therapy by pre/post assessment of complete blood count, standard chem panel including liver/kidney function, and excretion of essential minerals

Time frame: 4 months

Secondary Outcomes

Determine if the initial severity of autism correlates with the excretion of toxic metals

Time frame: 1 month