scholarly journals Assessing Risk of Bias in Randomized Controlled Trials for Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Matiko Martins Okuda ◽  
Cheryl Klaiman ◽  
Jessica Bradshaw ◽  
Morganne Reid ◽  
Hugo Cogo-Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

scholarly journals Parent-Mediated Interventions for Infants under 24 Months at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei L. Law ◽  
Jatinder Singh ◽  
Mathilde Mastroianni ◽  
Paramala Santosh
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled

AbstractProdromal symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been detected within the first year of life. This review evaluated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of parent-mediated interventions for infants under 24 months who are at risk for ASD. Electronic databases, including grey literature, were searched up till November 2019. Seven RCTs were identified. There was substantial heterogeneity in recruitment, outcome measures and effect size calculations. Interventions did not reduce the risk of later ASD diagnosis and post-intervention effects on infant outcomes were inconsistent, with five studies reporting significant improvements across both treatment and control groups. Moderate level of evidence of intervention effects on parental interaction skills and the small number of RCTs, and significant limitations restrict generalizability across studies.

Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020 ◽  
pp. 000486742095254
Author(s):  
Tsung-Min Lee ◽  
Kuan-Min Lee ◽  
Chuan-Ya Lee ◽  
Hsin-Chien Lee ◽  
Ka-Wai Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: Currently, pharmaceutical treatment options for autism spectrum disorder are limited. Brain glutaminergic dysregulation is observed in autism spectrum disorder. N-acetylcysteine, which can be converted to glutathione and subsequently release glutamate into the extracellular space, and thus reduce glutamatergic neurotransmission at synapses, is considered a potential drug for autism spectrum disorder treatment. Here, we analyzed the treatment effects of N-acetylcysteine on autism spectrum disorder in randomized controlled trials. Study design: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: By systematically searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, we obtained five randomized controlled trials. Study selection: Meta-analyses were performed to examine the improvement in autistic behaviors as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Social Responsiveness Scale and Repetitive Behavior Scale–Revised, using mean difference with a 95% confidence interval and a random-effects model. Data Synthesis: After 8–12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation, the pooled result of four trials revealed an improvement in Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score (mean difference = 1.31, 95% confidence interval = [0.42, 2.20]). When one trial was excluded, the sensitivity test result was stronger (mean difference = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = [0.92, 2.83]). The pooled results of three trials revealed significant improvements in hyperactivity (mean difference = 4.80, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 8.40]) and irritability (mean difference = 4.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 7.04]). Regarding Social Responsiveness Scale, the pooled result of two trials showed significant improvement in social awareness after 8–12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation (mean difference = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = [0.09, 2.59]). No differences were observed in the pooled results of two trials using Repetitive Behavior Scale, either in the total or the subscales. Conclusion: We concluded that N-acetylcysteine is safe and tolerable, reduces hyperactivity and irritability and enhances social awareness in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, further evidence should be sought before a general recommendation.

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