Posted on 05/21/2005 7:26:39 PM PDT by Coleus
| Can a Blood Test Predict Your Child's Autism Risk? |
| Autism is an epidemic brain disorder that affects an estimated two to five out of every 1,000 children. Usually seen as children become toddlers, telltale symptoms include difficulty with social interaction and repetitive behaviors. While no one knows exactly what causes autism -- though some studies have linked its occurrence with childhood vaccines -- determining autism with a blood test may be a possibility. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, reported children with autism show different immune system responses from children without the disorder, and these might be measured in blood for a potential screening test. A pair of studies helped support other research that has suggested subtle differences in the immune function of children with autism. The Studies One study compared blood samples from 56 children (ages 2-5) -- of which more than half suffered from autism -- mixed with toxins and bacteria:
The second study compared blood samples from 70 autistic children (ages 4-6) with those of 35 other children:
The studies' results indicated the possibility that differences detected in blood samples could be predictive of autism -- though researchers admit a blood test that determines autism will be difficult, and take a long time, to develop. However, studying the biological signs of autism could result in new preventative methods for the disorder. So even if autism cannot be prevented, intervening early in life could significantly improve the lifetime outlook for children who have it, researchers explained. Timesonline.co.uk May 5, 2005 MSNBC May 5, 2005 |
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