However, Drug Exhibits Positive Results for Managing Repetitive Behaviors
Bumetanide is a potent diuretic typically used to treat edema. Recent research shows that the drug has been associated with positive behavioral outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry puts those findings into question. In this new research, a team of Dutch scientists conducted a randomized control trial of 92 participants with ASD ages 7 to 15 years and IQ >55. After putting both groups through a 91 day trial, the team concluded that bumetanide, just like the study’s placebo, had no effect on most behaviors associated with autism. However, the researchers did find a secondary improvement with the drug, a reduction in repetitive behavior symptoms. The authors noted that earlier research which found bumetanide to beneficial, included younger and more severely affected children with autism. They indicate that these differences in demographics may be the reason for the divergent results. An earlier SafeMinds Shares article reported on a derivative of bumetanide, molecule ARN23746, that reduced autism brain pathology in a mouse model of autism.
