MMR doctor 'broke research rules'

[Guest guest]

MMR doctor 'broke research rules'

By Nick Triggle

Health reporter, BBC News

The doctor who first suggested a link between MMR vaccinations and autism acted

unethically, the official medical regulator has found.

Dr Wakefield's 1998 Lancet study caused vaccination rates to plummet,

resulting in a rise in measles - but the findings were later discredited.

The General Medical Council ruled he had acted " dishonestly and irresponsibly "

in doing his research.

Afterwards, Dr Wakefield said the claims were " unfounded and unjust " .

The GMC case did not investigate whether Dr Wakefield's findings were right or

wrong, instead it was focused on the methods of research.

During the two-and-a-half years of hearings - one of the longest in the

regulator's history - he was accused of a series of charges.

'Callous disregard'

It was alleged he carried out invasive tests on children which were against

their best clinical interests and paid children £5 for blood samples at his

son's birthday party.

The panel looking into the allegations said the case was proven on both counts.

In regards to the blood tests it ruled he had acted with " callous disregard for

the pain they might suffer " .

Dr Wakefield did not attend the hearing, but arrived afterwards to make a brief

statement outside the GMC headquarters, in which he said he was " extremely

disappointed " .

THE WAKEFIELD STORY

•MMR is the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine which was introduced in

the late 1980s

•In 1998 the Lancet published a study, led by Dr Wakefield, which linked

the jab with autism and bowel disease

•It has since been discredited and the Lancet has said it should not have run it

•A newspaper subsequently made allegations about the way the research was

carried out

•The GMC launched an investigation, which then led to a series of charges and

the two-and-a-half-year hearing

" The allegations against me and against my colleagues are both unfounded and

unjust, and I invite anyone to examine the contents these proceedings and come

to their own conclusions, " he said.

A small group of Dr Wakefield's supporters cheered as he spoke and he thanked

them for their " extraordinary commitment and loyalty " .

" I want to reassure them that the science will continue in earnest, " he added.

The GMC now has to consider whether Dr Wakefield's behaviour amounts to serious

professional misconduct and then if any sanctions should be imposed, such as

striking him off the medical register.

However, that ruling is not expected for some months.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8483865.stm

Published: 2010/01/28 16:43:58 GMT

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