Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Treatment of Children With Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-04-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Many children with autism have a reduced level of glutathione and a reduced ability to
excrete mercury, resulting in elevated levels in their bodies as demonstrated by blood, hair,
provoked urine, and baby tooth testing. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that DMSA, an
FDA-approved medication for treating lead poisoning in children, is effective in increasing
excretion of mercury and other toxic metals. Based on many clinical reports, we hypothesize
that a 3-month treatment with glutathione and DMSA will result in a reduction of autistic
symptoms in some children with autism.