Autistic enterocolitis

Autistic enterocolitis is a controversial term that refers to a proposed condition of the gastrointestinal tract associated with autism. The term was first used in a 1998 paper by British gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield, which suggested a link between a novel form of colitis and autism in children. However, the study was later retracted due to ethical and methodological issues, and the existence of autistic enterocolitis remains disputed within the medical community.

History

The term "autistic enterocolitis" was first used in a 1998 paper published in The Lancet by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues. The study involved 12 children with developmental disorders, including autism, who were reported to have gastrointestinal symptoms and signs of colitis. Wakefield proposed that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine caused a series of events including a chronic measles virus infection of the gut and resulting in this new syndrome.

Controversy

The 1998 study by Wakefield has been the subject of much controversy. In 2010, The Lancet fully retracted the paper, citing ethical breaches and scientific misrepresentation. Numerous subsequent studies have failed to find a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and the concept of autistic enterocolitis is not widely accepted within the medical community.

Clinical features

According to Wakefield's original study, children with autistic enterocolitis may present with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. However, these symptoms are common in many gastrointestinal disorders, and their presence does not necessarily indicate a specific condition.

Diagnosis and treatment

There are currently no specific diagnostic criteria or treatments for autistic enterocolitis, due to the lack of consensus on its existence. Management of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism is generally the same as for other children, and may include dietary modifications, medication, and behavioral interventions.

See also

• Autism
• Colitis
• MMR vaccine controversy