Mumbai: Gut Bacteria Trial for Autism Seeks Child Participants
ICMR-approved trial explores gut microbe tweaks for children with autism.
Top Summary
- What happened: An ICMR-approved clinical trial in Mumbai is seeking children with autism to study the impact of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on their condition.
- Why it matters: Autism affects a significant number of children in India, and this trial could provide a new avenue for treatment by addressing gut health issues often associated with the disorder.
- What changes for people: The trial offers a potential alternative or complementary therapy for autism, focusing on improving gut health through FMT.
- Who is affected: Children diagnosed with autism, their families in Mumbai, and the broader autism research community are affected.
Autism & Gut Health: A Mumbai Trial
A new clinical trial, approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is underway in Mumbai. It examines the effects of modifying gut bacteria in children with autism.
The Hyderabad-based Resplice Autism Research Foundation is conducting the trial. They're looking for participants in Mumbai. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 68 to 1 in 100 children in India, according to parental support groups.
What is FMT?
The trial focuses on faecal microbiota transplant (FMT). It involves transferring healthy gut bacteria from a donor's stool to a patient. The goal is to restore a balanced gut microbiome.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Thodupunuri, chairman of Resplice, explains:
"FMT is a medical procedure in which healthy gut bacteria from a donor's stool are transferred into a patient's digestive system to restore a balanced gut microbiome."
Many autistic children experience digestive problems.
The Clinical Trial Details
The trial is designed for 100 participants. The foundation also offers FMT on compassionate grounds.
Dr. Thodupunuri said that over 400 FMT trials are currently underway globally. He claims that autism can be triggered by exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy. This exposure disrupts the foetus's early gut microbiota development.
Parent Testimonials
S. Hameed, a parent, shared a positive experience with FMT. Her son, Dariyaan Hameed, was diagnosed with autism at 19 months.
She said,
"He was hyperactive, non-communicative, still in diapers till age 8. We tried all sorts of treatments, but there were no results."
After starting FMT, Dariyaan showed significant improvements in the third week.
Future of FMT & Autism
Dr. Thodupunuri estimates that FMT treatment will take a minimum of five years before it is approved for widespread use.
A free gut health assessment and microbiome testing camp will be hosted this Sunday at Mysore Auditorium, Matunga. The foundation is organizing this event to diagnose gut health issues in children with autism.
What to Watch Next
The progress of the ICMR-approved clinical trial in Mumbai will be closely monitored, as it could provide valuable insights into the potential of FMT as a treatment for autism. Further studies and long-term data will be crucial in determining the efficacy and safety of this approach.