Lack of association between measles-mumps-rubella vaccination and autism in children: a case-control study

Sunday, 3rd of January 2016

• Abstract

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2010 May;29(5):397-400. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181c40a8a.

Lack of association between measles-mumps-rubella vaccination and autism in children: a case-control study.

Mrozek-Budzyn D¹ Kiełtyka A Majewska R.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The first objective of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination and autism in children. The second objective was to examine whether the risk of autism differs between use of MMR and the single measles vaccine.

DESIGN:

Case-control study.

STUDY POPULATION:

The 96 cases with childhood or atypical autism aged 2 to 15 were included into the study group. Controls consisted of 192 children individually matched to cases by year of birth sex and general practitioners.

METHODS:

Data on autism diagnosis and vaccination history were from physicians. Data on the other probable autism risk factors were collected from mothers. Logistic conditional regression was used to assess the risk of autism resulting from vaccination. Assessment was made for children vaccinated (1) Before diagnosis of autism and (2) Before first symptoms of autism onset. Odds ratios were adjusted to mothers age medication during pregnancy gestation time perinatal injury and Apgar score.

RESULTS:

For children vaccinated before diagnosis autism risk was lower in children vaccinated with MMR than in the non vaccinated (OR: 0.17 95% CI: 0.06-0.52) as well as to vaccinated with single measles vaccine (OR: 0.44 95% CI: 0.22-0.91). The risk for vaccinated versus non vaccinated (independent of vaccine type) was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10-0.76). The risk connected with being vaccinated before onset of first symptoms was significantly lower only for MMR versus single vaccine (OR: 0.47 95% CI: 0.22-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study provides evidence against the association of autism with either MMR or a single measles vaccine.