What Researchers Did
Researchers used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and MRI to investigate brain mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and typically developing children.
What They Found
The study acquired 239 scans from 130 participants, including 54 children with ASD, 22 with developmental delay, and 54 typically developing children. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and MRI showed no evidence of brain mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder. These findings do not support a significant role for brain mitochondrial abnormalities in the cause or symptoms of ASD.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with autism spectrum disorder should be aware that this study found no evidence of brain mitochondrial dysfunction. This suggests that treatments, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advocated for this proposed link may not be beneficial for them.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are based on specific imaging techniques and a defined cohort of children, which may limit generalizability.