Bumetanide for autism: Open-label trial in six children.

Abstract

AIM:

Bumetanide, a diuretic agent, that reduces intracellular chloride-thereby reinforcing GABAergic inhibition-has been reported to improve core symptoms of autism in children. Given the positive results reported from French trials of bumetanide in children with autism, we decided to evaluate its effects in a small-scale pilot study, in advance of a larger randomised controlled study (RCT).

METHODS:

This was an open-label three-month trial of bumetanide on six children (five boys), aged 3-14 years with autism. Ratings according to the Parental Satisfaction Survey (PASS) were used after four and twelve weeks to assess symptom change. Blood electrolyte status was monitored.

RESULTS:

Improvement in the PASS domain "Communicative and cognitive abilities" was marked or very marked in four children, and two had some improvements. Few negative side effects were reported.

CONCLUSION:

Our small cohort responded well to bumetanide, particularly with regard to "Communicative and cognitive abilities". Taken with the evidence from larger-scale RCTs, we suggest that bumetanide should be considered for inclusion in ethically approved treatment/management trials for children with autism, subject to rigorous follow-up in large-scale RCTs.

• Authors: Elisabeth Fernell, Peik Gustafsson, Christopher Gillberg
• Journal: Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) (Acta Paediatr) Vol. 110 Issue 5 Pg. 1548-1553 (05 2021) ISSN: 1651-2227 [Electronic] Norway
• PMID: 33336381 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: ©2020 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

Chemical References

• Bumetanide

Topics

• Adolescent
• Autistic Disorder (drug therapy)
• Bumetanide (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Humans
• Male
• Parents
• Pilot Projects