title: Improvement in Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children With the Use of Gastrin-Releasing Peptide: An Open Trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a prospective, open-label study with 160 pmol/kg of GRP tested in 10 children with autism. Outcome measures used were the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Positive response was defined as a score of 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved) on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale and an improvement of 25% or greater on at least 1 subscale of ABC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six (60%) of the 10 subjects responded to GRP. Improvements were observed on the ABC irritability and hyperactivity subscales in 80% of patients, and 70% exhibited improvement on the social withdrawal subscale. On the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, there was a mean reduction of 4 points (4.3 ± 2.9). Analysis of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised results detected significant improvements in the domain that assesses social interaction, with a mean reduction of 2.4 points (2.4 ± 2.83). Adverse effects occurred in 3 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gastrin-releasing peptide was safe and well tolerated by most subjects and may be effective for core symptoms of autism.
authors.affiliation: *Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre; and †Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine; ‡Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA); §Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology; and ∥Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Michele Michelin
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Rudimar S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Riesgo
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roesler
authors.forename: Cleonice
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bosa
authors.forename: Lygia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ohlweiler
authors.forename: Bárbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Backes
authors.forename: Renata G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Endres
authors.forename: Regina B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Zanon
authors.forename: Josemar
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marchezan
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schwartsmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019886:Gastrin-Releasing Peptide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D019886:Gastrin-Releasing Peptide