[lyni]

Hopefully I have put this in the right place...

I took my 4 wk old DD to the Drs today to get a script for Zantac, she has silent reflux and has been really unsettled due to the pain etc. I tried mylanta first but felt she needed a bit more help. I have two boys - a 13yo and 22mth old, they both had reflux and were both treated with zantac.

The Dr was VERY reluctant to give me the script and although he gave it to me he actually asked that I not use it. He said that recent studies have shown that ASD may be caused by bacteria (or lack of I think) in the gut - and that drugs such as Zantac and Losec may be the cause.

When I told him I had used it with my other 2 kids he said that "we thought Thylidamide was safe once..". When I asked what I should do with DD he said "carry her until you go crazy"! I felt compelled to point out that since we had not slept for more than 3 hours at a time for the last 4 weeks - that point is fast approaching! I know there are varying views from Drs as to whether reflux is actually real, normally I would have complete confidence in my GP's opinion. This however has left me scratching my head.

I was wondering whether you wonderful ladies here on EB had heard of this. Is it a new study or something that has been around for a while? Neither of my boys seem to show any side affects from using it - well none that I know of yet I suppose!

Tia

[Super Cat]

No. The only thing I have heard that has any small relationship to this is that children with ASD often have more gut issues than the general population. They might account for a higher portion of Zantac/Losec users, however the problems were already there.

[rosiebird]

Interestingly, I have heard of it. I was talking to a professor of microbiology who has a special interest in ASD and she was talking about a putative role of gut bacteria in developing various conditions - including diabetes and ASD - and the potential of gut bacteria "transplants" of specific bacterial strains to cure disease. I haven't looked into it further so I cannot give you any articles to read but the GP may be much more up to date than I am.

[FuzzyMum]

The doctor must have recently viewed the recent segment on the ABC which discussed theories surrounding specific types of bacteria in the gut and asd symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that no one has proven the cause of asd at this point. I would tend to find another dr. I think he has scared you unnecessarily. Did he provide you with links to any evidence?

[2-beautiful-boys]

I have heard it mentioned in relation to antibiotic use but not Zantac.

[CallMeProtart]

I had heard of an ABC program relating it to gut issues (there was a thread on it here AGES ago), but hadn't heard the antibiotic angle. That's scary!
That said, until there's more known, even IF the gut issues theory is confirmed, who is to know what causes it? Everything could mess with the gut - antibiotics, normal medicines, rotavirus etc vaccines, formula, food ingredients, anything a kid puts in their mouth - there's so little chance of being able to figure out what exactly it is to avoid, and you can't avoid it all!

[~Karla~]

We were told 5 years ago that Zantac/losec was not good for refluxy babies because they alkalise the stomach acid to the point of no longer being able to kill off germs, therefore leading to a much sicker child. We were also told that it can cause long term issues, but I don't remember if the gp was specific about them.

The paediatric gastros had no issue prescribing it though, and I was far more comfortable following the advice of the specialists than of a random GP.

[tribemama]

I have heard similar, and alot of ASD sufferers do have gut issues and food intollerences/allergies.
Apparently gut health is alot more important than we generally think. That said, I have had a reflux baby, and one that was medicated and I tell ya, its the lesser of two evils at that point. My daughter's personality changed so much after being medicated adn she became a happy baby who was able to feed, and play, and sleep.
I guess you have to weigh up the pros and cons and decide for yourself. Also, I kinda think, good on the doctor for questioning and discussing things with you rather than blindly medicating. That is actually the doctor I would stick with and appreciate, even if I didnt always agree with him/her.

[Silver Girl]

There was a 4 Corners program on ABC TV last year about Autism and probiotics/gut health.

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/201.../23/3574441.htm

I'm sure there was a thread here too at the time, I'll try to find it.

[Silver Girl]

Here is the EB discussion about the 4 Corners program.

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...owtopic=1008844