The UCLA-University of Utah epidemiologic survey of autism: recurrence risk estimates and genetic counseling

Article Abstract:

Autism is a syndrome causing developmental irregularities in language, response to sensory stimuli, and in forming relationships with others. Autism was recently examined in a survey that focused upon epidemiologic aspects of the disease. Based upon the results of the survey, the risk of recurrence was estimated and recommendations for genetic counseling were made. Criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition (DSM-III) were used in defining a group of 207 families having an incidence of autism. Autism formerly was thought to be the result of environmental factors but is currently believed to be a consequence of central nervous system dysfunction. It is probable that autism is a result of a number of interacting factors. Analysis of the data showed that 20 of the families had more than one autistic child, and the chance of autism in a sibling of an autistic child was 215 times greater than in the general population. The overall risk rate of a second autistic child was 8.6 percent, and this figure fluctuated by the sex of the first autistic child. If the first autistic child was a girl, the chance that the second child would be autistic was 14.5 percent; if a boy, the chance of recurrence was 7 percent. Individuals having two autistic children had a 35 percent change of having yet a third one. Because of the seriousness of the disorder and the generally poor prognosis, genetic counseling may be advisable for those who have one autistic child and are interested in family planning.

Demographic aspects, Surveys, Genetic aspects, Genetic disorders, Utah, Autistic children

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Nuclear magnetic resonance study of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Article Abstract:

Thirty-two patients classified as obsessive-compulsive were examined to determine whether any significant brain differences or abnormalities could be detected as indicators of this condition. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed on this experimental group and 14 normal control subjects. Several neurological abnormalities became evident in both groups but none were specific for obsessive-compulsive disorder. MRI involves the detection of hydrogen protons in the brain and is very sensitive to any abnormalities not visible by routine imaging techniques. Although no distinctive trait or marker was detected, a pattern or tendency was revealed. Patients exhibiting the most severe symptoms, along with patients with family histories of the disorder, indicated a pattern of differences in the orbital frontal cortex. These right frontal tissue abnormalities observed using the MRI indicated that orbital frontal cortex and white matter are areas associated with the occurrence of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The causes of these abnormalities are not clear and further investigation in this area is recommended.

Physiological aspects, Brain, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder

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A magnetic resonance imaging study of autism: normal fourth ventricle size and absence of pathology

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) failed to diagnose autism in 15 patients with the neurological disease. MRI is a non-invasive technique for taking "three-dimensional pictures" of internal organs. Measurements of the brain blood vessels (midsagittal area) and volume of the fourth ventricle did not differ between the autistic patients and normal subjects. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Diagnosis

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