Statin Drugs for
Our Children?
By: Dr. Julie A. Wilczynski, ND, and CNC
I admit that watching the evening news rarely
leaves you or me with a sense of joy or wellbeing. On June 7th a study was released by the American Association
of Pediatricians (AAP) calling for the medication of overweight American children with statins – cholesterol lowering
medications, in an attempt to decrease long-term heart related risk factors. I found this very disturbing, as did many members
of an online support group (AutismLink) out of the Pittsburgh, PA area.
I don’t want to sound as though
I am anti-medication or even anti-doctor, for that matter. I do believe that there is a place within the autism community
and our lives for both. But to blanket statement medicate children with statins when there is no long term research or evidence
to indicate medicinal safety or benefit is pure insanity, in my opinion.
There are indicators to show a connection
between low cholesterol levels with our children on the autism spectrum. According to the research it is not a food connection
causing the low cholesterol levels with these children on the spectrum, but a genetic pre-disposition lowering their ability
to manufacture and manage their own cholesterol. The study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part
B (Neuropsychiatric Genetics) found that a small subgroup of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have abnormally
low cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolema). SLOS (Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome) a genetic disorder involving impaired cholesterol
synthesis has been associated with some children on the autism spectrum. A clinical diagnosis of SLOS can be confirmed by
laboratory testing with an elevated plasma 7DHC (7-dehydrocholesterol a precursor of cholesterol) level relative to the cholesterol
level and is treatable by dietary cholesterol supplementation. Individuals with SLOS who have dietary cholesterol treatment
display fewer autistic behaviors, infections and symptoms of irritability and hyperactivity, with improvements in physical
growth, sleep and social interactions. Other behaviors shown to improve with cholesterol supplementation include aggressive
behaviors, self-injury, temper outbursts and trichotillomania (TTM, or “trich” as it is commonly known, is an
impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair). Cholesterol ought to be considered as
a helpful treatment approach while awaiting an improved understanding of cholesterol metabolism and ASD. There is an increasing
recognition that this single-gene disorder of abnormal cholesterol synthesis may be a model for understanding genetic causes
of autism and the role of cholesterol in ASD.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) held their 39th National
Convention on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Orlando, Florida, July 9-12, 2008. During a presentation given by William
Shaw, Ph.D., “Low Cholesterol: A Major New Factor in Autism” several key facts were shared.
Importance
of cholesterol in the brain:
- In the central nervous system, essentially
all (99.5%) of cholesterol is unesterified, and the majority of cholesterol present in the central nervous system is believed
to reside in 2 different pools – one represented by the myelin sheaths and the other by the plasma membranes of astrocytes
and neurons.
- The brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ in the body.
Risks from low total cholesterol:
- Increased cancer
- Increased violent behavior, aggression
- Increased
infection susceptibility such as tuberculosis and gastrointestinal infections
- Increased anxiety, suicide
- Increased
depression, bipolar disorder
- Double the death rate in older adults
- Increased stroke
rate
- Increased cataracts
Every day supplementation with high cholesterol foods, such as egg yolks,
might prove to be a useful therapy to try for a few months for children with autism who have cholesterol values that are low
(<160 mg/dL). Unfortunately egg allergy is common in autism and may increase with a steady egg diet and compliance
may be difficult for children who dislike eggs.
The Great Plains Laboratory has developed a special cholesterol related
panel that will help to determine whether cholesterol deficiency or abnormalities in cholesterol transport are present.
This panel includes the following markers: Total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B, Lipoprotein (a), and homocysteine.
Lipoproteins are involved in cholesterol, lipid, and vitamin E transport.
New Beginnings Nutritionals
offers a new and unique product called Sonic Cholesterol - a pure and potent nutritional supplement designed to correct cholesterol
deficiency. Sonic Cholesterol is an ideal supplement solution for children and adults who have both low to low normal
cholesterol levels along with a strong dislike for - or allergy to - eggs.
Dr. John LaRosa, who studies
statins, stated his surprise with the new AAP guidelines. “We have very little evidence that it does any good to start
lowering cholesterol with drugs in children to prevent something that might not happen for 20 or 30 years down the line,”
Dr. LaRosa said.
Statins are not without risks; in adults, in rare cases, they can cause muscle weakness
and kidney problems, and there is limited data on how statins affect children.
A statement from Dr.
David Ludwig, of Children’s Hospital Boston sums it up for me, “We can add statins to help overweight children,
but what about the next problem that comes up – insulin resistance and fatty liver. Are we going to keep adding drug
after drug? That possibility just makes me want to cry.”
As with all therapy and new research we
should take a long look at our personal needs. One treatment may work for one child, but that does not mean that it will work
for all children. Some key points we should all keep in mind:
· Get Informed – read, listen, and research
· Be persistent in your approach
· Develop an open mind
· Be open to all possibilities
· Have a plan