NCT00811083

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

DMSA Treatment of Children With Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1 / Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (actual)
• Sponsor: Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 3 Years – 8 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Autism

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	DMSA - dimercaptosuccinic acid	dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight 3 doses/day, for 3 days, followed by 11 days off

Timeline

• Start date: 2005-05-01
• Primary completion: 2007-04-01
• Completion: 2007-04-01
• First posted: 2008-12-18
• Last updated: 2008-12-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States