Food for Thought: Machine Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening of Infants.

Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are typically made after toddlerhood by examining behavioural patterns. Earlier identification of ASD enables earlier intervention and better outcomes. Machine learning provides a data-driven approach of diagnosing autism at an earlier age.

Intestinal permeability correlates with behavioural severity in very young children with ASD: A preliminary study.

Systemic inflammation is known to alter behaviour, and since it has been reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher levels of circulating cytokines, it has been hypothesized that systemic inflammation may exacerbate behaviours characteristic of ASD. The acute phase proteins α-2-macroglobulin, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, serum amyloid P, serum amyloid A, ferritin and tissue plasminogen activator, as well as markers of intestinal permeability (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lipopolysaccharide) were quantitated in the plasma of very young children with ASD. Behaviour severity was measured using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS).

A pilot dose finding study of pioglitazone in autistic children.

Background: Pioglitazone is a promising compound for treatment of core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms as it targets multiple relevant pathways, including immune system alterations.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to elucidate the maximum tolerated dose, safety, preliminary evidence of efficacy, and appropriate outcome measures in autistic children ages 5-12 years old.

Methods: We conducted a 16-week prospective cohort, single blind, single arm, 2-week placebo run-in, dose-finding study of pioglitazone.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin for the Treatment of Overweight Induced by Antipsychotic Medication in Young People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Open-Label Extension.

Objective: A previous study reported on a 16-week placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (RCT) of metformin for weight stabilization in 61 children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old with autism spectrum disorder who were prescribed atypical antipsychotics. The present study describes the results of a 16-week open-label extension.

Method: Fifty-two participants from the acute trial (85%) entered the extension; 22 had been on metformin during the initial RCT and 30 had been on placebo.

Metformin for Treatment of Overweight Induced by Atypical Antipsychotic Medication in Young People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Atypical antipsychotic medications are indicated for the treatment of irritability and agitation symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, these medications are associated with weight gain and metabolic complications that are especially troubling in children and with long-term use.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of metformin for weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotic medications in children and adolescents with ASD (defined in the protocol as DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified), aged 6 to 17 years.

Chronic Pain Assessment Tools for Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

Background And Objective: Chronic pain in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is underrecognized, leading to detriments in their physical, social, and mental well-being. Our objective was to identify, describe, and critique pediatric chronic pain assessment tools and make recommendations for clinical use for children with CP. Secondly, develop an evidence-informed toolbox to support clinicians in the assessment of chronic pain in children with disabilities.

A randomized, placebo controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of young children with autism.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting more than 1% of children. It is characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. In the absence of any medications known to improve core symptom domains, parents often use complementary alternative treatments, including omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: a review of literature and early safety and efficacy data in youth.

Background: There is a paucity of treatments targeting core symptom domains in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Several animal models and research in typically developing volunteers suggests that manipulation of the oxytocin system may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of social deficits. We review the literature for oxytocin and ASD and report on early dosing, safety and efficacy data of multi-dose oxytocin on aspects of social cognition/function, as well as repetitive behaviors and co-occurring anxiety within ASD.

Disease patterns of juvenile dermatomyositis from Western India.

A retrospective assessment of clinical characteristics, complications/ associations, laboratory investigations, treatment modalities and outcome in an inceptional cohort of 22 (male-13) children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) receiving treatment at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai during 1997- 2012 was performed . Mean age at diagnosis was 7.52 ± 3.