'MMR shows no link to autism'
A new study of almost 500 autistic children has found no link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
In the latest twist in the controversy over the combined MMR jab, researchers at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead claim to have found no evidence of a link after studying 473 autistic children from north London born between 1979 and 1998.
The study was led by Professor Brent Taylor, a former colleague of Dr Andy Wakefield, the doctor who first raised concerns about MMR.
The research, published on the British Medical Journal website today, concludes there has been no increase in the proportion of children with bowel disease or autism over the 19-year period, which covered the introduction of the vaccine in 1988.
There was also no difference in rates of bowel problems or regression in development among children who received MMR before their parents expressed concern, and children where symptoms were spotted before the jab was given.
Professor Brent concluded: "These findings provide no support for an MMR associated "new variant" form of autism with developmental regression and bowel problems, and further evidence against involvementof MMR vaccine in the initiation of autism." Researchers did find a "possible association" between bowel problems and regression in development, but said there was no evidence this was triggered by MMR.
The findings come a day after the Government fiercely defended MMR and attacked Dr Wakefield's claim the measles virus may remain in the gut of vulnerable children long after the jab is given, acting as a trigger for brain disorders.
Today Dr Jane Collins, chief executive of the Institute of Child Health at Great Ormond Street, backed MMR as "safe and highly effective", saying: "There is simply no credible evidence MMR causes bowel disease or autism. The Department of Health
has been under increasing pressure to reintroduce single vaccines after uptake of MMR fell to dangerously low levels, particularly in London.
Up to 29 children have been affected by a measles outbreak in south London and six cases are being investigated in Edgware. A quarter of parents in the capital have chosen to pay privately for single jabs, or leave children not immunised.
Sir Liam Donaldson, the Government's chief medical officer, said yesterday reintroducing single jabs would be like "playing Russian roulette" with children's lives as fears of an epidemic grow.
Dr Wakefield said he would continue his search for a proved link in the US, and added the issue may be tested in the courts.
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