Protocol Number: 07-M-0024

Title:

Treatment of Childhood Regressive Autism with Minocycline: an Anti-Inflammatory Agent Active within the CNS

Number:

07-M-0024

Summary:

There is a subgroup of children with autism that appears to develop typically for a period of time, and then loses social or language skills, or regresses. A recent study by Vargas and co-workers at Johns Hopkins has demonstrated that this regressive type of autism is associated with chronic brain inflammation as shown by an abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines among other abnormalities.

This present study will test the effectiveness of minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, in treating regressive autism. Although behavioral therapies have improved some symptoms of autism, there are no medical treatments for the disorder, and many children have ongoing behavioral difficulties. A medicine with anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for children with regressive autism.

This will be an open-label trial, meaning all children in this study will receive minocycline. They will also receive vitamin B6 to reduce the possible chance of side effects of the minocycline.

Children ages 3 to 12 with regressive autism may be eligible for this study. The children will take minocycline and vitamin B6 daily for 6 months. Prior to starting the medication and vitamin B6, children will receive a comprehensive diagnostic assessment for autism as well as a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Children will then receive ongoing assessments to monitor their behavior, communication, language skills, and medical issues at 2 weeks, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. Children who respond to the treatment will receive an additional 3 months of minocycline and vitamin B6.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Recruitment Detail

Type: No longer recruiting/follow-up only

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Special Instructions:

Must live within a 3 hour drive of Bethesda

Keyword(s):

Immunology

Microglia

NF-Kappa-B

Antibiotic

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Autism

Minocycline

Regressive Autism

Condition(s):

Autism

Minocycline

Regressive Autism

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Interventions:

Drug: Minocycline Capsule

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Mental Health

Contact(s):

This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):

Auld DS, Robitaille R. Glial cells and neurotransmission: an inclusive view of synaptic function. Neuron. 2003 Oct 9;40(2):389-400.

Aman MG, Singh NN, Stewart AW, Field CJ. The aberrant behavior checklist: a behavior rating scale for the assessment of treatment effects. Am J Ment Defic. 1985 Mar;89(5):485-91.

Barger SW, Moerman AM, Mao X. Molecular mechanisms of cytokine-induced neuroprotection: NFkappaB and neuroplasticity. Curr Pharm Des. 2005;11(8):985-98.

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department Clinical Research Informatics, CC.

Search The Studies | Help | Questions |
Clinical Center Home | NIH Home

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 11/24/2009