Fw: Exciting Research Opportunities at Thoughtful House

[Guest guest]

Exciting Research Opportunities at Thoughtful House

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

August 5, 2010

Thoughtful House Center for Children Announcement of New Research Participation Opportunities

In This Email

Elemental Diet Study

Bone Mineral Density Study

The mission of Thoughtful House is to advance the treatment and understanding of development disorders through medical care, education, and research.

In addition to treatment through our clinical collaborators, Thoughtful House has a renowned research program. In working toward our mission, we are making progress in understanding and treating developmental disorders. Clinical research helps make this progress possible.

We are excited to announce three opportunities for patients to participate in research studies.

The Use of an Elemental Diet in the Treatment of Children Diagnosed with Autism who Present with GI Symptoms

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ease and effectiveness of an elemental diet in the treatment of GI symptoms in children with GI dysfunctions and a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An elemental diet is a complete liquid diet that contains all of the necessary protein, carbohydrates, fat, and micronutrients that a child needs. The benefit of this formula is that it requires very little digestion, providing nutrition that is easier to absorb. Elemental diets like this are used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastritis. Extensive use of this formula by our investigators and clinical staff over the past 2 years in at least 60 children with significant GI symptoms indicates that it is well tolerated. Additionally, it appears to improve GI symptoms and provide a healthy increase in weight and height. All research-related procedures will be provided to the patients without cost and will include measurement of nutritional blood biomarkers, assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms, all elemental formula for the study period, and follow-up care at 3, 6 and 12 month visits. To find out more information on this study, check our website at http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/research/

Bone Mineral Density in Boys Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this investigation is to assess bone mineral density status for boys diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Severe GI symptoms in children compromise dietary intake and cause nutritional depletion. Children with an ASD may experience growth problems or other medical complications due to poor nutrition. Erratic eating behaviors that limit certain foods may cause nutrient deficiencies that affect bone health. All research-related procedures will be provided to the patients without cost and will include measurement of nutritional blood biomarkers, assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms and bone density scanning. To find out more information on this study, check our website at http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/research/

A Retrospective Analysis of Dietary and Nutrient Status of Children with Autism in an Outpatient Setting

This is a retrospective study in which we review and analyze the 2009 dietary records of children we served who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We'll be using the participants' information to investigate trends in nutrition status of children at the time of their dietary consult. Since this is a historical review, the only participation required is sending in signed consent forms. If your child received nutritional assessments at the Nutrition Clinic at Thoughtful House in 2009 and you would like them to be included in this study, please check our website http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/research/ for more information.

We are excited to bring these research opportunities to our community and look forward to announcing more. By publishing quality studies in peer-reviewed journals, we have the opportunity to inform other physicians, clinicians, and healthcare workers and ensure those in our community will receive the best possible care. Your participation is what makes this possible and we appreciate your assistance.

Sincerely,

The Staff at Thoughtful House Center for Children

Forward email

This email was sent to mmoyer@... by info@....

Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

Email Marketing by

Thoughtful House Center for Children | 3001 Bee Caves Road | Suite 120 | Austin | TX | 78746