5 research outputs found
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A prebiotic intervention study in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
Different dietary approaches, such as gluten and casein free diets, or the use of probiotics and prebiotics have been suggested in autistic spectrum disorders in order to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. GI symptoms are of particular interest in this population due to prevalence and correlation with the severity of behavioural traits. Nowadays, there is lack of strong evidence about the effect of dietary interventions on these problems, particularly prebiotics. Therefore, we assessed the impact of exclusion diets and a 6-week Bimuno® galactooligosaccharide (B-GOS®) prebiotic intervention in 30 autistic children.
RESULTS:
The results showed that children on exclusion diets reported significantly lower scores of abdominal pain and bowel movement, as well as lower abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Veillonellaceae family, but higher presence of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides spp. In addition, significant correlations were found between bacterial populations and faecal amino acids in this group, compared to children following an unrestricted diet. Following B-GOS® intervention, we observed improvements in anti-social behaviour, significant increase of Lachnospiraceae family, and significant changes in faecal and urine metabolites.
CONCLUSIONS:
To our knowledge, this is the first study where the effect of exclusion diets and prebiotics has been evaluated in autism, showing potential beneficial effects. A combined dietary approach resulted in significant changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolism suggesting that multiple interventions might be more relevant for the improvement of these aspects as well as psychological traits
Segmental zoster paresis
Herpes zoster is often associated with neurological manifestation but less frequently associated with motoric nerve involvement. The most common motoric involvement is paresis, seen only in 1-5% of all zoster cases. This case report a 39-year-old male, with recurrent abdominal liposarcoma under chemotherapy, presented with symptoms of fever, and painful and weak right leg for 2 weeks. Vesicles eruption was seen on his right leg nine days after these symptoms occurred. Physical examination revealed groups of haemorrhagic vesicles with erythematous base on the right lower leg. Lumbosacral spine x-ray showed spondylosis with radiculopathy. Electromyography (EMG) examination revealed lower motor neuron total denervation corresponding to right L5 radix. The patient was diagnosed as herpes zoster on right L5-S1 segment, herpetic neuralgia, and segmental zoster paresis with recurrent liposarcoma under chemotherapy. He was treated with oral acyclovir 800 mg five times a day and gabapentin 300 mg twice a day. Physical therapy and rehabilitation were started concurrently. Paresis is a rare complication of herpes zoster. Radicular pain and weakness preceded the skin lesion potentially lead to misdiagnoses. The most frequent diagnosis for patient suffering pain and weakness in the extremities is spinal disorder, such as stenosis and disc herniation. EMG can be helpful to recognise motoric involvement of herpes zoster, and preclude other diagnoses