MMR and autistic enterocolitis: consistent epidemiological failure to find an association

Diagnosis of autism

“…Most recently, public anxiety about autism has been raised as a result of reports linking the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism and inflammatory bowel disorder and a rise in the prevalence of autism 1 2. This has resulted in a serious fall in immunisation rates,3 despite the epidemiological evidence of a lack of association,4 and strong reassurance from the Department of Health and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health about the safety of the MMR vaccine. Parents of children with autism continue to express the view that the medical profession does not take their concerns about possible causes of autism seriously.…”

No evidence for links between autism, MMR and measles virus

“…Though Urabe strain of mumps virus in MMR might increase the risk of aseptic meningitis (Miller et al 1993 ;Dourado et al 2000), it was replaced by the Jeryl-Lynn strain in the MMR vaccine in the UK in 1992 (Balraj & Miller, 1995). While the debates on the validity of published evidence (Edwardes & Baltzan, 2001;Heller, D. 2001;Heller, T. 2001 ;Yazbak, 2001;Fombonne & Cook, 2003) and MMR safety (Edwardes & Baltzan, 2001 ;Heller, T. 2001 ;Yazbak, 2001) continue, uncertainty still exists among health professionals and parents (Evans et al 2001;Petrovic et al 2001), adversely affecting vaccine uptake. Nonetheless, both vaccine coverage and vaccine safety are serious public health concerns.…”

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developing a Research Agenda

“…This likely reflects several factors, including variability in reported rates of GI disorders, controversies regarding the relationship between GI symptoms and the putative causes of autism, the limited verbal capacity of many ASD patients, and the lack of recognition by clinicians that certain behavioral manifestations in children with ASDs are indicators of GI problems (eg, pain, discomfort, or nausea). [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Whether GI issues in this population are directly related to the pathophysiology of autism, or are strictly a comorbid condition of ASD remains to be determined, but clinical practice and research to date indicate the important role of GI conditions in ASDs and their impact on children as well as their parents and clinicians. 9 On November 15, 2009, a symposium addressing these issues was organized as an adjunct to the annual meeting of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.…”