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Court Weighs Autism-Vaccine Link

Perspective: Parents Sue Federal Government, but Do They Have a Case?

By W. , MD

WebMD Medical NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDJune 11, 2007 --

Federal courts are now set to decide whether there is a link between

autism and childhood vaccines. But what do medical experts think?

Parents are suing the federal government, claiming that a

preservative in childhood vaccines led to autism in their children.

Typically, symptoms of autism are first noted by parents as their

child begins to have delays in speaking after age 1, around the same

time a child typically receives the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)

vaccine. This has led some to suggest a link between the vaccine and

autism.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a pervasive development disorder (PDD), a group of

illnesses that involve delays in the development of many basic

skills, most notably the ability to socialize or form relationships

with others as well as the ability to communicate and to use

imagination (including fantasy play). Children with these disorders

often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems

understanding the world around them.

In addition to problems with social interaction, imagination, and

communication, children with autism also have a limited range of

interests. Many children with autism (nearly 75%) also have mental

retardation. In many cases, children with autism are unable to

emotionally bond with their parents or other family members.

Is Thimerosal to Blame?

In years past, experts believed autism affected four to five out of

every 10,000 children. But a new CDC report released earlier this

year showed about one in 150 8-year-old children had autism. Since

that study involved just 14 states, it's unclear if those numbers

reflect national statistics.

If there is indeed a rise, what could be fueling this increase? The

question is whether this possible rise is due to doctors doing a

better job at identifying kids with autism or to some other reason.

What could that reason be? One theory is children's vaccines. The MMR

vaccine – measles, mumps, and rubella -- has gotten the most

attention, mainly linked to the mercury-based preservative thimerosal.

Experts Say 'No'

Several medical studies have shown no link between autism and the MMR

vaccine. And several premier medical organizations have concluded

that there is no link between autism and thimerosal.

The CDC says there is no evidence to suggest a link. The Institute of

Medicine, a nonprofit, nongovernment organization, takes it one step

further and says the MMR vaccine absolutely does not cause autism.

Since 1999, when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that

thimerosal be taken out of vaccines as a precautionary measure, kids'

exposure to the preservative has dropped significantly.

Thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all

vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and

younger. The exception is the flu vaccine. A preservative-free

version of the flu vaccine (contains trace amounts of thimerosal) is

available in limited supply for infants, children, and pregnant women.

Some vaccines, such as the tetanus-diphtheria booster for older

children and adults, are also available in formulations that are free

of thimerosal or contain only trace amounts.

If Not Thimerosal, Then What Causes Autism?

The exact cause of autism is not known, but research has pointed to

several possible factors, including genetics, certain types of

infections, and problems occurring at birth.

Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic

predisposition to autism, meaning that a susceptibility to develop

the condition may be passed on from parents to children.

Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to

this increased vulnerability. In some children, environmental factors

may also play a role. Studies of people with autism have found

abnormalities in several regions of the brain, which suggest that

autism results from a disruption of early brain development while

still in utero.

SOURCES: Wire reports. WebMD Medical Reference: " Autism. " WebMD

Medical News: " CDC: 1 in 150 Kids May Have Autism. " CDC. Institute of

Medicine.