TITLE:
Possible Therapeutic Use of Bumetanide in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
AUTHORS:
Sara Kassem, Terry Oroszi
KEYWORDS:
Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bumetanide, Chloride, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Clinical Trial
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.12,
December
4,
2019
ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder is diagnosed early on in a child’s life, anywhere from eighteen to twenty-four months. The disorder is characterized by variable degrees, by difficulties in nonverbal communication, verbal communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and movement. The occurrence of ASD has been increasing globally, with the most recent prevalence studies indicating that they are present in six per one thousand children and one in every sixty-eight people of all ages, with a higher incidence among males, with a ratio of four to one. There is no specific target demographic for Autism Spectrum Disorder, nor is there a cure. Over the last few decades, there have been advancements in treating the symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Among the many different fields of research associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bumetanide has shown to be a promising drug therapy for children suffering from Autism, treating specifically the behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. Bumetanide is forty times more potent than furosemide and is a loop diuretic mainly acting in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. A clinical trial conducted found a decrease in the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score, showing improvement in Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, such as repetitive behavior and initiating or participating in the social interaction.