Autism Therapy: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Oral immune therapy does not seem to improve digestive problems in children with autism.

People with autism may have digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation. One theory is that digestive trouble is due to inflammation (overactive immune system) in the gut. The authors tested whether oral immunoglobulin treatment might calm down the immune system in the gut and improve symptoms of autism. This study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Oral immunoglobulin or placebo was given to 125 children (2-17 years old) for 12 weeks. There was no significant (noticeable) difference in digestive troubles between treated children and controls. The authors also said that the possible link between autism and digestive problems is still controversial. They said that there are not enough scientific studies to know whether there is a link. While some children with autism have digestive trouble, there are also many children without autism who have digestive troubles.