Fever Plus Mitochondrial Disease Could Be Risk Factor for Autistic Regression

Children diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum present with a wide variety of genetic and environmental issues. Subgroups of these individuals have mitochondrial dysfunction. Very recent research was done to examine mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with autistic regression following a fever. In this research the investigators identified 28 patients who met diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders and mitochondrial disease. Autistic regression occurred in 60.7% (17 of 28), a statistically significant increase over the general autistic spectrum disorder population. Of the 17 individuals with autistic regression, 70.6% (12 of 17) regressed with fever and 29.4% (5 of 17) regressed without identifiable linkage to fever or vaccinations.

These researchers also noted that none of the subjects showed regression with vaccination unless a febrile response was present. The researchers concluded that although the study is small, a subgroup of patients with mitochondrial disease may be at risk of autistic regression with fever. In addition, although recommended vaccinations schedules are appropriate in mitochondrial dysfunction, fever management appears important for decreasing regression risk.