Dad
12-06-2001, 07:26 AM
From FEAT
December 4, 2001
http://www.feat.org
Harvard Clinic Scientist Finds Gut/Autism Link, Like Wakefield Findings
Dr. Timothy Buie, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Harvard/Mass General Hospital has performed over 400 gastrointestinal endoscopies with biopsies, as well as evaluation of digestive enzyme function in children diagnosed with autism and finding a connection. The results of his testing are similar to the observations made by Dr. Andrew Wakefield regarding the presence of chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, although the incidence was noted to be less frequent in his group.
Dr. Buie announced his findings last Saturday at the Oasis 2001 Conference for Autism in Portland, Oregon, the day before the announcement of Wakefield's forced departure from Royal Free in the UK.
The biopsy results indicated the presence of chronic inflammation of the digestive tract including esophagitis, gastritis and enterocolitis along with the presence of Iymphoid nodular hyperplasia in 15 of 89 children. Additionally the results of the enzyme testing of Dr. Buie’s patients paralleled that of Dr. Karoly Horvath and colleagues at the University ofMaryland School of Medicine. Dr. Buie found that the autistic children he examined showed disaccbaride/glucoamylase enzyme levels below normal. Some55% of these children had lactase deficiencies (which breaks down lactose in milk) as well as deficiencies of the enzyme sucrase (responsible for digestion of table sugar).
The findings also lend support to anecdotal reports of improvement of some autistic children on wheat and dairy (gluten, casein) free diets. Buiesays that Harvard wants to do research into the use of protein enzyme supplements, which aid in the digestion of wheat and milk products for treatment.
Buie echoed the opinion of other a growing number of clinical researchers and practitioners treating autistic patients, "these children are ill, in distress and pain, and not just mentally, neurologically dysfunctional."
[The FEAT Newsletter will provide more details of Dr. Buie's research shortly. For more information on enzyme supplements, contact http://www.gfcfdiet.com/Enzymes.htm#* This is a non-commercial, parent-run website. –LS]
December 4, 2001
http://www.feat.org
Harvard Clinic Scientist Finds Gut/Autism Link, Like Wakefield Findings
Dr. Timothy Buie, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Harvard/Mass General Hospital has performed over 400 gastrointestinal endoscopies with biopsies, as well as evaluation of digestive enzyme function in children diagnosed with autism and finding a connection. The results of his testing are similar to the observations made by Dr. Andrew Wakefield regarding the presence of chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, although the incidence was noted to be less frequent in his group.
Dr. Buie announced his findings last Saturday at the Oasis 2001 Conference for Autism in Portland, Oregon, the day before the announcement of Wakefield's forced departure from Royal Free in the UK.
The biopsy results indicated the presence of chronic inflammation of the digestive tract including esophagitis, gastritis and enterocolitis along with the presence of Iymphoid nodular hyperplasia in 15 of 89 children. Additionally the results of the enzyme testing of Dr. Buie’s patients paralleled that of Dr. Karoly Horvath and colleagues at the University ofMaryland School of Medicine. Dr. Buie found that the autistic children he examined showed disaccbaride/glucoamylase enzyme levels below normal. Some55% of these children had lactase deficiencies (which breaks down lactose in milk) as well as deficiencies of the enzyme sucrase (responsible for digestion of table sugar).
The findings also lend support to anecdotal reports of improvement of some autistic children on wheat and dairy (gluten, casein) free diets. Buiesays that Harvard wants to do research into the use of protein enzyme supplements, which aid in the digestion of wheat and milk products for treatment.
Buie echoed the opinion of other a growing number of clinical researchers and practitioners treating autistic patients, "these children are ill, in distress and pain, and not just mentally, neurologically dysfunctional."
[The FEAT Newsletter will provide more details of Dr. Buie's research shortly. For more information on enzyme supplements, contact http://www.gfcfdiet.com/Enzymes.htm#* This is a non-commercial, parent-run website. –LS]