Reply to Immune issues, ivig, and Autism

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have three cousins who are ASD, so I donate and try to stay abreast of the research. I have not read anything in peer-reviewed research about IVIG and autism.

The latest research seems to point to a problem in the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which means that ASD children end up with too much testosterone rather than a healthy level of estrogen (which is neuroprotective). This causes damage to the brain from the earliest stages of development on (it's possible it can be detected in utero someday soon).  There's more information here: [url]http://gwtoday.gwu.edu/learningresearch/autismstestosteronequestion[/url]

So, to your point: I don't think that it's due to IVIG or an immune issue [i]per se[/i]...I think rather it's an endocrine issue that's possibly exacerbated by issues we don't yet understand (which could include immune issues). It's too early to determine what is causing this issues; anyone who tells you otherwise is practicing some non-evidence-based medicine. HOWEVER, I think it's wise to take common-sense steps to reduce endocrine disruptions for all pregnant or soon-to-be-pregnant women, such as avoiding all plastics (which are tremendous endocrine disruptors), reducing exposure to phytoestrogenic compounds (soy is everywhere now -- look at processed food labels -- in too high of levels, it's just not healthy), reducing chemical exposure to food additives, etc.

If you really need IVIG, you should do it...but, if there's any lower-intervention way to address your issues, you may want to start there first.

[b]Finally, to PPs mentioning IVIG lowers risk of autism: again, I haven't seen this in any peer-reviewed research. My nephew has Kawasaki's and needed IVIG to live (he would have had a heart attack at 2 years old without it). If IVIG is used "off-label" for non-evidence-based treatment, it might increase the risk of children dying from easily preventable causes like Kawasaki, due to IVIG's very limited supply.  So, I just ask that no one pursues IVIG treatment "just in case" in helps prevent autism. For those cases it's indicated, of course it should be pursued.[/b]

And finally, there is no evidence to support immediate PP's claim that ethyl mercury (i.e. thimerosal) causes ASD AT ALL. You get more mercury from a single can of tuna than you'd get in 1000 vaccines (and the mercury in fish is the more dangerous methyl mercury rather than ethyl, the kind in shots).

I wish you all the best in your TTC journey, OP!
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Trust me, no mother takes IVIG because she thinks it will prevent autism in her unborn child.  Do you have any idea how expensive IVIG is without insurance?  Not to mention, there isn't a doctor in the world who would give IVIG to a pregnant woman for that purpose alone.  As you and I have both said, no one really knows what causes autism.  Research has supported many plausible theories over the years but in the end we still just don't know.  I am the PP at 15:35 and I took IVIG because it keeps my immune system from killing my baby.  If treating my over-active immune system means I'm somehow also reducing the risk that my child develops autism down the road (as I believe it may) that's a great side benefit, but it most certainly isn't the reason that I--or any RI patient I know--have pursued treatment.  
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