Study of Glutathione, Vitamin C and Cysteine in Children With Autism and Severe Behavior Problems
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology, Psychiatric, Autism |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 5 - 16 |
| Updated: | 12/8/2016 |
| Start Date: | April 2009 |
| End Date: | September 2012 |
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of Glutathione, Vitamin C and Cysteine in Children With Autism and Severe Behavior Problems
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of glutathione alone or glutathione, vitamin C and NAC treatment in children with
autism who also have severe behavior problems. The investigators hypothesis is that children
with autism will show improvement in both learning capabilities and behavior with either
glutathione, or glutathione, vitamin C and NAC therapy.
efficacy of glutathione alone or glutathione, vitamin C and NAC treatment in children with
autism who also have severe behavior problems. The investigators hypothesis is that children
with autism will show improvement in both learning capabilities and behavior with either
glutathione, or glutathione, vitamin C and NAC therapy.
This is a prospective, single center, double-blind, randomized pilot study in children and
adolescents with autism and severe behavior disorders. All subjects will undergo initial
screening procedures to determine eligibility. They will then be randomized to either 8
weeks of placebo or 8 weeks of glutathione or glutathione, vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine.
They will receive intravenous treatment weekly and will have ongoing behavioral studies
during this period. Following 8 weeks of therapy, they will have a week without treatment
then will cross-over to the alternate therapy for weekly intravenous infusions and
behavioral testing. In addition to baseline hematology and chemistries, baseline oxidized
and reduced glutathione will be measured. These parameters will be repeated at the end of
each 8 week course of therapy.
adolescents with autism and severe behavior disorders. All subjects will undergo initial
screening procedures to determine eligibility. They will then be randomized to either 8
weeks of placebo or 8 weeks of glutathione or glutathione, vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine.
They will receive intravenous treatment weekly and will have ongoing behavioral studies
during this period. Following 8 weeks of therapy, they will have a week without treatment
then will cross-over to the alternate therapy for weekly intravenous infusions and
behavioral testing. In addition to baseline hematology and chemistries, baseline oxidized
and reduced glutathione will be measured. These parameters will be repeated at the end of
each 8 week course of therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 5 to 16 years, inclusive
- Diagnosed with autism using the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
- ABC Irritability/Agitation subscale score (Aberrant Behavior Checklist Subscale) ≥ 18
- CGI-S score (Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale) ≥ 4
- Must be drug naïve or on a stable dose of medication(s) and educational/behavioral
interventions for one month prior to participation
- Parent/legal guardian must provide written consent and required research
authorization (i.e. HIPAA) prior to the performance of any study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Presence of another disorder on the autism spectrum including PDD-NOS (Pervasive
Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's, and Rett's Syndrome
- Patient with a known cause of autism such as Fragile X
- Evidence of significant renal dysfunction (e.g. GFR estimated by the Schwartz formula
< 50 mL/min or serum creatinine > 2.5 X upper limit of normal for age)
- Evidence of significant hepatic dysfunction (serum transaminases > 2.5 X the upper
limit of normal)
- Known hypersensitivity to glutathione, vitamin C or NAC
- Pregnant or lactating female
- Inability of subject and parent to be able to comply with requirements for study
visits and procedures
- Presence of major mental illness
- History of antioxidant supplementation.
We found this trial at
1
site
Click here to add this to my saved trials
