U.S. patent application number 10/041073 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for methods of treating pervasive development disorders.
Invention is credited to Fallon, Joan M..
Application Number | 20020090653 10/041073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23852223 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020090653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fallon, Joan M. |
July 11, 2002 |
Methods of treating pervasive development disorders
Abstract
A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as
a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and
peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals,
and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin,
other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration
for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related
disorders. In one aspect, a method for determining the efficacy of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for
the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive
developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces
from an individual, determining a quantitative level of
chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the
quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the
sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the
individual with secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or
digestive enzyme administration. In another aspect, a therapeutic
method for treating an individual diagnosed with a PDD pervasive
developmental disorder comprises determining the efficacy of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme
administration for the treatment of the individual based on a
measure of the individual's chymotrypsin level, and administering
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes to
the individual based on the determination of the measure of the
individual's chymotrypsin level.
Inventors: |
Fallon, Joan M.; (Yonkers,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Frank Chau
F. CHAU & ASSOCIATES, LLP
Suite 501
1900 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow
NY
11554
US
|
Family ID: |
23852223 |
Appl. No.: |
10/041073 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10041073 |
Dec 31, 2001 |
|
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|
09466559 |
Dec 17, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/7.1 ;
435/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 38/2235 20130101;
G01N 2333/976 20130101; C12Q 1/37 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/7.1 ;
435/23 |
International
Class: |
G01N 033/53; C12Q
001/37 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A prognosticative method for determining the effectiveness of
secretin administration for the treatment of an individual
diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder (PDD), comprising
the steps of: obtaining a sample of feces from an individual;
determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the
sample; and correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin
determined to be present in the sample with the PDD to determine
the efficacy of treating the individual with secretin
administration.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of correlating comprises
comparing the quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the
sample with at least one threshold chymotrypsin level to determine
the efficacy of secretin administration to the individual.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is based on a level of chymotrypsin associated
with individuals of the same approximate age that are not diagnosed
as having the PDD.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a
quantitative level of chymotrypsin is performed by an enzymatic
photospectrophotometry analysis.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the PDD is autism, ADD (attention
deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
or Aspergers.
6. A therapeutic method for treating an individual diagnosed with a
pervasive development disorder (PDD), comprising the steps of:
determining the efficacy of secretin administration for the
treatment of the individual based on a measure of the individual's
chymotrypsin level; and administering secretin therapy to the
individual based on the determination of the measure of the
individuals chymotrypsin level.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of determining the
efficacy of secretin administration comprises the steps of:
obtaining a sample of feces from the individual; determining a
quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample; and
correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be
present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of
treating the individual with secretin administration.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of correlating comprises
comparing the quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the
sample with at least one threshold chymotrypsin level to determine
the efficacy of secretin administration to the individual.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is based on a level of chymotrypsin associated
with individuals that are not diagnosed as having the PDD.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is 8.4 U/gm.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is 4.2 U/gm.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of determining a
quantitative level of chymotrypsin is performed by an enzymatic
photospectrophotometry analysis.
13. The method of claim 6, wherein the PDD is autism, ADD
(attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder) or Aspergers.
14. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of administering
secretin therapy to the individual comprises the steps of:
administering a therapeutic dose of secretin to the individual at
each of a first time interval; and measuring the individuals
chymotrypsin level at each of a predetermined second time
interval.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first time interval is 6
weeks and the therapeutic dose is 1 U/kg.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of testing
the individual pre-secretin administration and post secretin
administration to determine if the PDD has improved.
17. A therapeutic method of treating an individual diagnosed with a
pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), comprising of the steps of:
determining the efficacy of digestive enzyme administration for the
treatment of the individual based on a measure of the individual's
chymotrypsin level; and administering digestive enzyme therapy to
the individual based on the determination of the measure of the
individual's chymotrypsin level.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the PDD is autism, attention
deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) or aspergers.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of determining the
efficacy of digestive enzyme administration comprises the steps of:
obtaining a sample of feces from the individual; determining a
quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample; and
correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be
present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of
treating the individual with digestive enzymes.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of correlating
comprises comparing the quantitative level of chymotrypsin present
in the sample with at least one threshold chymotrypsin level to
determine the efficacy of digestive enzyme administration to the
individual.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is 8.4 U/gm.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one threshold
chymotrypsin level is 4.2 U/gm.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of administering
digestive enzymes to the individual comprises the steps of:
administering a therapeutic dose of digestive enzymes at each meal;
and measuring the individual's chymotrypsin level at each of a
predetermined first interval.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of testing
the individual pre-digestive enzyme administration and
post-digestive enzyme administration to determine if the PDD has
improved.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method for
treating individuals diagnosed with a form of PDD (pervasive
development disorder) and other disorders such as ADD (attention
deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder). More specifically, the present invention is directed to
therapeutic method for treating individuals with such disorders by
administering secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and/or
digestive enzymes, as well as a prognosticative method for
determining the potential effectiveness of the administration of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and/or digestive enzymes
for the treatment of such disorders.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] PDDs are a class of disorders defined by both American and
International diagnostic systems (i.e., the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) and
World Health Organization: International Classification of
Diseases, Tenth revision (ICD-10)). The spectrum of PDDs include
disorders such as Autism, Aspergers, ADD, and ADHD. PDDs are
typically characterized by multiple distortions in the development
of basic psychological functions that are involved in the
development of social skills and language, such as attention,
perception reality testing and motor movement. In addition, many
children diagnosed with Autism, for example, suffer from primary
diffuse gastrointestinal problems such as protracted diarrhea and
constipation. Although PDDs are currently of unknown etiology, many
conventional methods, such as dietary alteration, behavioral
modification, and medication, have been utilized for treating
individuals suffering from PDD related disorders. Unfortunately,
PDD related disorders have no known treatment beyond that which is
symptomatic, and these conventional methods have proven
unsuccessful in allowing such children and adults to become
symptom, or disorder free.
[0005] A child which displays signs of developmentally
inappropriate inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity is
typically diagnosed as having ADD and/or ADHD. With these
disorders, there can be marked disturbances of organization,
distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness, and other disturbances
of language and/or social behavior. A combination of psychiatric
care and medicine is typically used for treating children with ADD
and ADHD.
[0006] It was recently discovered that the administration of
secretin, a gastrointestinal peptide hormone, to children diagnosed
with Autism resulted in ameliorating the symptoms associated with
Autism. This finding was published in the article by Horvath et
al., entitled Improved Social and Language Skills After Secretin
Administration In Patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders,
Journal of the Association for Academic Minority Physician Vol.9
No.1, pp. 9-15, January, 1998. The secretin administration, as
described in Horvath, was performed as a diagnostic procedure,
i.e., to stimulate pancreaticaobiliary secretion during an upper
gastrointestinal endoscopy, rather than as a therapeutic procedure.
Although the specific mechanism by which the secretin improved the
autistic-related symptoms was not specifically identified, Horvath
postulated that secretin may have had a direct or indirect effect
on the central nervous system. What is important, however, is that
this was the first time that gastrointestinal problems of autistic
children were linked to a possible etiology in Autism.
[0007] Accordingly, in view of such findings, a method for
determining whether an individual suffering from a disorder in the
PDD spectrum will benefit from the administration of secretin,
other neuropeptides, peptides and/or digestive enzymes, as well as
a therapeutic method for treating such individuals with the
administration of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides and/or
digestive enzymes, are highly desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a method of analyzing
the chymotrypsin level of an individual to determined the potential
benefit of the administration of secretin, other neuropeptides, and
peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individual, and
in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other
neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for
individuals diagnosed as having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD
related disorders.
[0009] In one aspect, a method for determining the efficacy of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for
the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive
developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces
from an individual, determining a quantitative level of
chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the
quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the
sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the
individual with secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or
digestive enzyme administration.
[0010] In another aspect, a therapeutic method for treating an
individual diagnosed with a PDD pervasive developmental disorder
comprises determining the efficacy of the administration of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme for
the treatment of the individual based on a measure of the
individual's chymotrypsin level, and administering secretin, other
neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes to the individual
based on the determination of the measure of the individual's
chymotrypsin level.
[0011] The present invention involves determining the presence of
abnormal protein digestion of individuals, especially children, by
measuring the chymotrypsin levels so as to determine if the
individual is likely to benefit from the administration of
secretin, digestive enzymes, peptides and/or neuropeptides.
Although there have been methods to test fecal samples for
indications of cystic fibrosis and pancreatic diseases in infants,
none of the known methods have tested fecal samples in determining
the benefits of administering secretin, other neuropeptides,
peptides and/or digestive enzymes to individuals suffering from a
PDD. Indeed, in so far as an individual's fecal chymotrypsin level
is a broad measure of protein and fat digestion, such levels can be
applied to all those who may benefit from improvements in this mode
of digestion. Furthermore, as low measures of fecal chymotrypsin
expresses an abnormality of protein digestion, it is postulated
that an improvement of protein digestion to promote normal growth
and development of an individual suffering from a PDD by the
administration of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides and/or
digestive enzymes, can ameliorate the symptomatologies of PDDs.
[0012] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, a
therapeutic method is provided for treating an individual diagnosed
with a PDD including but not limited to Autism, Aspergers, ADD and
ADHD, comprising the steps of:
[0013] determining the effectiveness of secretin administration for
the treatment of the individual based on a measure of the
individual's chymotrypsin level; and
[0014] administering secretin therapy to the individual based on
the determination of the measure of the individuals chymotrypsin
level.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the therapeutic method involves
administering a fecal chymotrypsin test to measure an individual's
fecal chymotrypsin level. Preferably, an enzymatic
spectrophotometry method is used for measuring the fecal
chymotrypsin level of the individual. Upon determinating that an
individual has an abnormal level of chymotrypsin, the individual is
preferably administered 1 U/kg of body weight of porcine or human
secretin by means of an intravenous push method. This method can be
described as the administration of an IV push of saline solution
and secretin to equal 1 U/kg of body weight. The individual then
receives 1 unit test dose (absolute). A period of one minute is
allowed to pass to determine if the individual has any allergic
reactions to the secretin. After one minute has elapsed, if no
urticarial reaction or any other allergic reaction has occurred,
the remainder of the dose is administered. Subsequent fecal
chymotrypsin samples are then gathered at one week intervals post
administration to determine any changes in the chymotrypsin
levels.
[0016] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be described and become apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is
to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates the overall net change in results of a
CARS test (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) depicting behavior of 16
autistic children pre-secretin and post-secretin administration,
where the solid lines indicate pre-secretin scores and the dotted
lines indicate post-secretin scores;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates percentage change from pre-secretin to
post-secretin administration in the average scores of the
respective components of the CARS test of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Visual response from pre-secretin administration to three
weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Verbal Skills from pre-secretin administration to three
weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Touch/Taste/Smell from pre-secretin administration to
three weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines
indicate pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate
post-secretin scores;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Object Use from pre-secretin administration to three
weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Listening from pre-secretin administration to three weeks
post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Imitation from pre-secretin administration to three weeks
post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Body Use from pre-secretin administration to three weeks
post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Adaptation to Change from pre-secretin administration to
three weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines
indicate pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate
post-secretin scores;
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class Activity Level from pre-secretin administration to three
weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines indicate
pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate post-secretin
scores;
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates the change in CARS scores for the
sub-class General Impression from pre-secretin administration to
three weeks post-secretin administration, where the solid lines
indicate pre-secretin scores and the dotted lines indicate
post-secretin scores;
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels
of 16 autistic children pre-secretin administration;
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels
of the 16 autistic children approximately one week post-secretin
administration;
[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels
of 28 ADD children;
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels
of 34 ADHD children; and
[0033] FIG. 17 illustrates Ritalin levels administered before and
after secretin administration in five of the ADHD children in FIG.
16, where the shaded bars indication pre-secretin Ritalin levels
and the non-shaded bars indicate post-secretin Ritalin levels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention is directed to a method of analyzing
chymotrypsin levels in persons, especially children, as a measure
of the success of administering secretin, other neuropeptides,
peptides and/or digestive enzymes for the therapeutic treatment of
ADD, ADHD, Autism, Aspergers and other PDD related disorders. The
use of secretin for the treatment of Autism is presently in the
investigational stages. When the positive affects of the
neuropeptide secretin on childhood autism were first discovered and
published, research was conducted by the present inventor to
formulate a process that would enable one to definitively determine
if individuals, especially children, having a PDD could be tested
prior to the administration of secretin for its possible efficacy
for treating PDD. Tests were performed to measure the fecal
chymotrypsin levels (referred to herein as Fecal Chymotrypsin Test)
in children who span the entire PDD spectrum and whose
symptomotology place them in this DSM IV category. As demonstrated
below, such tests revealed that a majority of the children
diagnosed with autism, ADD and ADHD, for example, had abnormal
chymotrypsin levels. It is believed that such abnormal levels of
chymotrypsin have not heretofore been identified in the PDD
population of children and adults.
[0035] It is postulated that the abnormal levels of chymotrypsin
are due to the inability of the pancreas to release bicarbonate
ions, due to the lack of secretin mechanization in the small
intestines. The small intestine has a pH in the range of 1.0-1.5
when the bolus of food enters the small intestines. Normally,
plasma concentrations of secretin increase when the duodenal pH is
below 4.5, and typically doubles during the postprandial period.
The s cells in the proximal portion of the small intestines release
secretin in response to this low pH. The secretin is then released
into the bloodstream and ultimately reaches the pancreas. In
response, the pancreas releases bicarbonate ions, water and
electrolytes into the small intestines thus neutralizing the pH by
bringing it from a 1.0-1.5 to approximately 6.5.
[0036] Following this, the pancreas secretes the enzyme trypsin in
an inactive form trypsinogen. The trypsinogen is converted to
trypsin in the small intestines. In an environment where the pH is
6.5 or greater, the trypsin catalyzes the formation of
chymotrypsinogen to chymotrypsin. These enzymes are essential for
the digestion of protein. In the absence of protein digestion, the
amino acids necessary for the growth and development of individuals
are absent. Therefore, based on tests performed by the present
inventor, it is postulated that the increase of protein digestion
of an individual suffering from PDD can lead to the improvement of
such disorders. Accordingly, since secretin is responsible for
aiding in the protein digestion process, it has been determined
that the presence of abnormal protein digestion in individuals,
especially children, is indicative of which individuals are likely
to benefit from the administration of secretin.
[0037] Indeed, in accordance with the present invention,
experimental results have shown that the potential benefit of
administering secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides and/or
digestive enzymes to individuals diagnosed with developmental
disorders falling within the entire spectrum of PDD may be
predetermined by analyzing the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels
of such individuals. More specifically, as illustrated below, it
has been determined that sub-normal to abnormal levels of fecal
chymotrypsin in children/adults with PDD symptoms will benefit from
the administration of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides
and/or digestive enzymes. In addition, experimental tests by the
present inventor have revealed that the administration of secretin,
other neuropeptides, peptides and/or digestive enzymes to others
beyond those of who are autistic, especially those diagnosed with
ADD and ADHD will benefit from the administration of secretin,
other neuropeptides, peptides and/or digestive enzymes.
[0038] The following experiments describe exemplary diagnosis and
treatment procedures in accordance with the invention. It is to be
understood that these experiments and corresponding results are set
forth by way of illustration only, and nothing therein shall be
construed as a limitation on the overall scope of the
invention.
[0039] I. Experiment 1
[0040] In this experiment, 16 children diagnosed as having autism
were administered the following Fecal Chymotrypsin Test in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. First,
approximately 2 grams of stool were collected from each child and
placed in a sterile container (although it is to be understood that
any quantity of stool may be collected, as 2 grams of stool is not
a required amount). Each stool sample was then analyzed using,
e.g., an enzymatic photospectrometry analysis as is known by those
skilled in the art, to determine the level of fecal chymotrypsin in
the stool. Although the enzymatic photospectrophotometry process is
preferred, any suitable conventional method may be used for
measuring the fecal chymotrypsin levels. The measured chymotrypsin
levels of the 16 autistic children are illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0041] After determining the chymotrypsin levels of the stools,
each of these levels were compared with threshold chymotrypsin
levels to determine if the child was likely to benefit from
secretin administration. By way of example, with the fecal
chymotrypsin tests of the stool samples being performed at
30.degree. C., normal levels of chymotrypsin are deemed to lie
above 8.4 U/gram, whereas pathologically abnormal levels are deemed
to lie below 4.2 U/gram. In addition, chymotrypsin levels between
8.4 U/gram and 4.2 U/gram are considered equivocal, and further
testing of the individual's fecal chymotrypsin levels over a period
of time should be performed. It is to be noted that as shown in
FIG. 13, all of the 16 autistic children that were tested had
abnormal levels of fecal chymotrypsin pre-secretin
administration.
[0042] Another stool sample was then collected from each child two
days after the first test and analyzed to determine the
chymotrypsin levels. This second test is preferably performed to
obtain additional chymotrypsin measurements to make a more accurate
determination. Those children having abnormal levels of
chymotrypsin in their stools are considered candidates for secretin
administration. Other factors that may be considered in determining
which children are potential candidates for secretin administration
aside from the fecal chymotrypsin levels include a previously
diagnosed history of autism, a history of gastrointestinal (GI)
dysfunction, including any history of protracted diarrhea or
constipation lasting for a weeks or months, as well as a
self-limiting diet consisting primarily of carbohydrates.
[0043] Upon determining that a given child was likely to benefit
from secretin administration based on the results of the fecal
chymotrypsin test, the child was administered a CARS (Childhood
Autism Rating Scale) test prior to being scheduled for secretin
infusion.
[0044] For each of the 16 autistic children tested, a preferred
secretin infusion process according to the present invention was
performed involving the administering of 1 U/kg of body weight of
Secretin-Ferring for a period of nine months at intervals of
approximately 6 weeks. In addition, another CARS test was
administered to each of the 16 autistic children 3 weeks post
secretin administration to determine if their autism had changed
post infusion.
[0045] A preferred secretin infusion process includes the initial
step of prepping an arm of the candidate child with an IV injection
of saline. A test dose of 1 U of Secretin-Ferring is then
administered to the child. Approximately one minute after infusion,
the child is examined for signs of allergic reaction including
rash, increased heart rate, and increase of blood pressure. If the
child does not display any signs of allergic reaction, the
remaining units of Secretin-Ferring is administered to the child in
the manner of an IV push, which is then followed by a saline flush.
Subsequently, each child receives a 1 U/kg of body weight infusion
of Secretin-Ferring approximately every 6 weeks for 9 months. It is
to be understood that any commercially available form of secretin
may be used.
[0046] Results of Experiment 1
[0047] The results of Experiment 1 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-14.
For instance, approximately one week after the first secretin
infusion, the fecal chymotrypsin level of each of the 16 autistic
children was measured again. The results of this test are
illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown, the chymotrypsin level of each of
the 16 autistic children test increased post-secretin
administration (as compared with the levels shown in FIG. 13).
[0048] In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates the pre-secretin CARS test
results (solid line) and the post-secretin CARS test results
(dotted line) for each of the 16 autistic children tested
approximately 3 weeks after the first secretin administration. Most
notably, FIG. 1 illustrates an overall decrease in the CARS scores
indicating improvements in the PDD/autistic symptoms of the
children. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates respective percentage
decreases in components of CARS scores, wherein the numbers
represent percentage change in the average of the scores in each
component of the CARS test post-secretin administration. In
particular, FIGS. 3-12 illustrate the improved scores of each of
the 16 autistic children for the individual components of the CARS
scores. As shown, the component scores demonstrated improvement
except for the fear component which increased 3 weeks post
infusion.
[0049] II. Experiment 2
[0050] In this experiment, 37 autistic children with abnormal fecal
chymotrypsin levels were administered secretin over the course of 6
months using the secretin infusion process described above. Their
fecal chymotrypsin (FC) levels were measured weekly using the fecal
chymotrypsin test described above.
[0051] Results of Experiment 2
[0052] Out of the 37 autistic children tested, the fecal
chymotrypsin levels of 34 children had returned to normal after 6
months, the fecal chymotrypsin levels of 2 children moved to
equivocal, and the fecal chymotrypsin level of 1 child remained
abnormal. These results of this experiment are listed in the
following Table 1.
1TABLE 1 6 Months Post- Pre-Secretin Secretin Autistic Children
Tested Administration Administration # Autistic Children w/
Abnormal FC 37 1 levels # Autistic Children w/ Equivocal FC 0 2
levels # Autistic Children w/ normal FC 0 34 levels
[0053] III. Experiment 3
[0054] In this experiment, the fecal chymotrypsin levels of 28
children diagnosed with ADD were obtained using the fecal
chymotrypsin test described above in Experiment 1. FIG. 15
illustrates the measured fecal chymotrypsin levels of these 28
children. It is to be noted that, as shown in FIG. 15, all of the
28 ADD children were found to have sub-normal fecal chymotrypsin
levels since all of the values fell below 8.4 U/g. More
specifically, 8 out of 28 children were determined to have an
equivocal fecal chymotrypsin level and 20 out of the 28 children
were determined to have a pathologic level of fecal chymotrypsin.
As noted above, a chymotrypsin level of 8.4 U/g is considered a
reference value for normal levels of chymotrypsin.
[0055] Of these 28 children who were diagnosed with ADD and
abnormal fecal chymotrypsin levels, 10 were administered digestive
enzymes comprising amylase, proteases, lipases, sucrase, maltase,
and other digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes were
administered one tablet at each mealtime (i.e., three times a day),
adjusted for the age and weight of the child. More specifically,
for the ADD children ages 1-6, a quantity of digestive enzymes of
approximately 4,000-8,000 U.S.P. Units/tablet comprising lipase,
amylase and protease were administered. For the ADD children of
ages 7-12, a quantity of digestive enzymes of approximately
8,000-12,000 U.S.P. Units/tablet comprising lipase, amylase and
protease were administered. Other digestive enzymes that were
administered in smaller quantities included cellulase, sucrase and
maltase. These digestive enzymes were administered over a period of
6 months.
[0056] Results of Experiment 3
[0057] At the time of this experiment, 4 out of the 10 children who
were administered the digestive enzymes were taking Ritalin. As is
known in the art, Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat
children and adults with ADD and ADHD. More specifically, it is
used to treat hyperactivity and attention problems. As a result of
the administration of the digestive enzymes, all of the 4 children
who had been taking Ritalin were able to completely stop taking the
Ritalin. In addition, significant improvements in the behavior of
the other 6 children were noted. These results are shown in the
following Table 2:
2 TABLE 2 # ADD Children w/ Sub-normal FC levels 28 # of the 28 ADD
Children With Abnormal FC levels That 10 Were Administered
Digestive Enzymes # of the 10 ADD Children That Were Administered
Digestive 4 Enzymes Who Were Taking Ritalin # ADD Children
Requiring Ritalin Administration 6 months 0 Post Administration of
Digestive Enzymes
[0058] IV. Experiment 4
[0059] In this experiment, the fecal chymotrypsin levels of 34
children diagnosed with ADHD were obtained using the fecal
chymotrypsin test described above in Experiment 1, the levels of
which are illustrated in FIG. 16. As shown, 32 children out of 34
children tested were determined to have sub-normal fecal
chymotrypsin levels. It is to be further noted that 24 of the 34
children were found to have pathologic levels of fecal
chymotrypsin.
[0060] To determine the effect of secretin administration on ADHD
children, 5 of the 24 children having a pathologic fecal
chymotrypsin level were administered secretin using the secretin
infusion process described above.
[0061] Results of Experiment 4
[0062] The results of this experiment are set forth in FIG. 17,
which illustrates the required levels of Ritalin (in mg) of the 5
children tested both pre-secretin administration (as indicated by
the shaded bars) and 6 months post-secretin administration (as
indicated by the non-shaded bars). It is to be appreciated that as
shown in FIG. 17, each of the 5 children who were administered
secretin demonstrated significant changes post-secretin
administration with respect to the level of Ritalin (mg) that each
child needed to remain at the same functional level as their
functional level prior to secretin administration.
[0063] V. Experiment 5
[0064] In this experiment, to determine the effect of the
administration of digestive enzymes to ADHD children, 9 children of
the 34 children diagnosed with ADHD (in experiment 4 described
above) whose fecal chymotrypsin levels were determined to be
pathologic were administered digestive enzymes. Such digestive
enzymes included amylase, lipase, proteases, sucrases, maltase, and
other digestive enzymes. Each child was administered 1 tablet of
digestive enzymes at each mealtime (i.e., three times a day),
adjusted for age and weight of the child. More specifically, for
the ADHD children ages 1-6, a quantity of digestive enzymes of
approximately 4,000-8,000 U.S.P. Units/tablet comprising lipase,
amylase and protease were administered. For the ADHD children of
ages 7-12, a quantity of digestive enzymes of approximately
8,000-12,000 U.S.P. Units/tablet comprising lipase, amylase and
protease were administered. Other digestive enzymes that were
administered in smaller quantities included cellulase, sucrase and
maltase. The digestive enzymes were administered over a 6 month
period.
[0065] Results of Experiment 5
[0066] It is to be appreciated that as a result of the
administration of digestive enzymes over the 6 month period, all 9
children were able to reduce their required Ritalin levels. Most
notably, 2 of the 9 children were able to stop taking Ritalin after
6 months of digestive enzyme administration. The results of
experiment 5 are illustrated in the following Table 3:
3 TABLE 3 # ADHD Children w/ Abnormal FC levels Who Were 9
Administered Digestive Enzymes # Of The 9 ADHD Children Whose
Ritalin Levels Were 9 Reduced 6 months Post-Digestive Enzyme
Administration # Of The 9 ADHD Children Who Stopped Taking Ritalin
6 2 Months Post-Digestive Enzyme Administration
[0067] In summary, the results of the experiments described herein
demonstrate that the potential benefit of the administration of
secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides and/or digestive enzymes to
an individual diagnosed with developmental disorders falling within
the entire spectrum of PDD may be determined by analyzing the
measured fecal chymotrypsin level of the individual. Indeed, as
illustrated above, a child suffering from a disorder such as
autism, ADD and ADHD, for example, and having sub-normal to
abnormal levels of fecal chymotrypsin will benefit from the
administration of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides and/or
digestive enzymes. In addition, the experimental results have
indicated that the administration of secretin, other neuropeptides,
peptides and/or digestive enzymes to such individuals results in
significant amelioration of the symptomatologies of such
disorders.
[0068] Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood
that the present invention is not limited to those precise
embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may
be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changes and
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *