Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

This review included data from only one study, which had methodological limitations. As such, no clinical trial evidence was found to suggest that pharmaceutical chelation is an effective intervention for ASD. Given prior reports of serious adverse events, such as hypocalcaemia, renal impairment and reported death, the risks of using chelation for ASD currently outweigh proven benefits. Before further trials are conducted, evidence that supports a causal link between heavy metals and autism and methods that ensure the safety of participants are needed.

Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

“…We did not conduct a meta-analysis, given that only one study was included in this review. Analysis methods that we will use in updates of this review can be found in Table 2 and in our protocol (James 2013).…”

Parents’ Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…First, improving understanding of parental use of CHA for children with ASD is important because it is common (Hofer, Hoffman, & Bachman, 2017). Second, many CHA modalities have limited evidence of efficacy and safety for treating ASD symptoms (Anagnostou & Hansen, 2011; Cheuk, Wong, & Chen, 2011; Ghanizadeh, 2012; Hendren, 2013; Huffman, Sutcliffe, Tanner, & Feldman, 2011; James, Montgomery, & Williams, 2011; James, Stevenson, Silove, & Williams, 2015; Levy & Hyman, 2015; Nye & Brice, 2005; Whitehouse, 2013; Williams, Wray, & Wheeler, 2012). Third, parental use of CHA for children with ASD often incurs even greater out-of-pocket costs for families belonging to a subgroup that is already likely to experience high financial burden (Gupta, 2010; Nahin, Barnes, & Stussman, 2016).…”

Question 2: Does heavy metal chelation therapy improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder

“…This is supported by the recent systemic review by James et al 1 for Cochrane, who only retrieved one randomised control trial (RCT). This RCT had very small number, and the results are difficult to interpret as the control and placebo group had one round of chelation therapy prior to randomisation.…”