MMR library
MMR research timeline
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| 1999 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2000 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2001 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2002 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2003 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2004 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2006 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Feb, 1998
The Lancet
published a paper by Wakefield et al., which describes the findings of an investigation of 12 children with a 'novel' regressive autism condition with gastrointestinal features. The onset of behavioural symptoms in these children was claimed by their parents to be associated with measles or MMR vaccine. In the paper Wakefield et al. states that 'We did not prove an association between MMR and the syndrome described'.Wakefield A J et al. (1998) Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet 351: 637-41. [These findings differ from those of Fombonne & Chakrabarti, 2001 and Taylor et al, 2002].
The Lancet
published a research letter by Afzal et al., in response to Wakefield et al.'s earlier papers published in the Journal of Medical Virology (39:345-53, 1993 and 51:90-100, 1997) describing the presence of measles virus in Crohn's and ulcerative colitis tissues. They concluded that using the best available polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) technology, they were unable to find measles virus genome in gut mucosal biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.Afzal M A et al. (1998) Absence of measles-virus genome in inflammatory bowel disease. The Lancet, 351: 646-7.
Subsequent research by Wakefield et al. could not confirm their initial findings (see research letter by Afzal et al., above). The Journal of Medical Virology published a paper by Wakefield showing that the measles virus RNA could not be detected in samples taken from patients with bowel disease.
Chadwick N et al. (1998) Measles virus RNA is not detected in inflammatory bowel disease using hybrid capture and reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction. [see Davis et al., March 2001].
Begg N, Ramsey M, White J and Bozoky Z (Feb 1998) Media dents confidence in MMR vaccine BMJ Vol 316: 561
The media’s effect on confidence in MMR.
To view please go to the BMJ website and search/archive 1998:316:561
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/
Mar, 1998
Chen RT and Destefano F (Mar 1998) Vaccine adverse events: causal or coincidental? The Lancet Vol 351: 611-12
Commentary that highlights vaccines are given to millions of healthy people, usually infants, and that extremely high standards for vaccine safety are demanded. It important that the report by Wakefield of several children whose chronic bowel and behavioural abnormalities were linked by their parents and physicians to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination are examined, critically and with an open mind.
The commentary also highlights that vaccine-safety concerns such as that reported by Wakefield and colleagues; "may snowball into societal tragedies when the media and the public confuse association with causality and shun immunisation. This painful history was shared by the UK (among others) over pertussis in the 1970s after another similar case- series was widely publicised, and it is likely to be repeated all too easily over MMR. This would be tragic because passion would then conquer reason and the facts again in the UK."
To view this commentary please go to:
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Fombonne Eric (Mar 1998) Inflammatory bowel disease and autism, The Lancet- Research Letters Vol 351: 955(March 28 1998)
Research letter published in The Lancet on 28th March 1998, written by Eric Fombonne that suggests no particular association between Crohn’s disease and autism among children immunised with MMR.
To view letter please go to:
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Kiln MR (Mar 1998) Autism, inflammatory bowel disease, and MMR Vaccine, The Lancet- Research Correspondence Vol 351: 1358(March 28 1998)
Correspondence published in The Lancet, written by MR Kiln. Highlights that Wakefield and colleagues' report did not show an established link between MMR vaccine and autism, and that health professionals and parents should have even more, not less, confidence in the safety of present MMR vaccine and the benefits of vaccination.
To view letter please go to:
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May, 1998
Peltola H et al (May 1998) No evidence for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine associated inflammatory bowel disease or autism in a 14 –year prospective study The Lancet 351:9112
This study showed with over a decade's effort to detect all severe adverse events associated with MMR vaccine could find no data supporting the hypothesis that it would cause pervasive developmental disorder or inflammatory bowel disease.
To view study please go and use the search engine at:
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Jun, 1999
This population-based study investigated whether there was an association between the incidence of autism and MMR immunisation in the North-East Thames region. This study confirmed that there was an increase in the prevalence of autism but this increase was not related to the introduction of MMR or to vaccine coverage. This study did not identify any association between MMR vaccine and the age of diagnosis of autism. The results of this paper do not support a causal association between MMR and autism, either in its initiation or the onset of regression.
Taylor B et al. (1999) Autism and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine: no epidemiological evidence for a causal association. The Lancet; 353: 2026-9.
Aug, 1999
Fombonne E (August 1999) Are measles infections or measles immunizations linked to autism? Ask the Editor Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Vol 29:No 4:1999
Letter in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders that examines whether measles infections or measles immunisations are linked to autism. The letter concludes that no evidence exists to causally link exposures to measles virus or vaccination and autism.
To view letter please search at:
http://www.ingenta.com/journals/browse/klu/jadd
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Nov, 1999
Wakefield J and Montgomery S M (Nov 1999) Autism, Viral Infection and Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination, IMAJ 1999,1:183-187
View paper at:
Mar, 2000
The Journal of Medical Virology
published a paper by Afzal et al, providing further evidence to that published in February 1998 concluding that measles virus did not persist in the gut of patients with Crohn's disease.Afzal A et al. (2000). Further evidence of the absence of measles virus genome sequence in full thickness intestinal specimens from patients with Crohn's disease. Journal of Medical Virology, 62: 377-82.
Dec, 2000
Patja A et al (Dec 2000) Serious adverse events after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination during a fourteen-year prospective follow-up, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal 19(12):1127 - 34
This study concluded that causality between immunisation and a subsequent untoward event cannot be estimated solely on the basis of a temporal relation. Comprehensive analysis of the reported adverse reactions established that serious events causally related to MMR vaccine are rare and greatly outweighed by the risks of natural MMR diseases.
To view abstract please go to:
Jan, 2001
Adverse Drug Reactions and Toxicological Reviews
published a paper by Wakefield & Montgomery which looked at the possible adverse effects of the administration of the combined MMR vaccine.Wakefield AJ & Montgomery SM (2000). Mumps measles rubella vaccine: through a glass darkly. Adverse Drug Reactions and Toxicological Reviews 19:265-83.
The Medicines Control Agency and Department of Health carried out a systematic review of the Wakefield & Montgomery paper and found serious errors in it, such as incorrect analysis of trial results, incorrect reporting of the length and detail of studies and a failure to identify and analyse all the evidence.
Medicines Control Agency/Department of Health (2001) Combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccines: Response of the Medicines Control Agency and the Department of Health to issues raised in papers published in Adverse Drug Reactions and Toxicological Reviews 19(4): 2000
The Committee on Safety of Medicines reviewed the Wakefield & Montgomery paper and concluded: 'In those studies where MMR has been compared with the component vaccines there is no suggestion that MMR causes more adverse effects than measles vaccines alone.'
Committee on Safety of Medicines (2001). Summary of the Committee on Safety of Medicines meeting held 10 January 2001.
http://medicines.mhra.gov.uk/aboutagency/regframework/csm/csm10101.pdf
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its view of the evidence regarding the safety of the MMR vaccine. It stated: ‘WHO strongly endorses the use of MMR vaccine on the grounds of its convincing record of safety and efficacy. The combination vaccine is recommended rather than the monovalent presentation when available and the disease burden justifies its use. There has been no new scientific evidence that would suggest impaired safety of MMR. On the contrary, all results from vaccine trials published reaffirm the high safety of MMR vaccine.’
World Health Organization (2001). Statement on the use of MMR vaccine 24 January 2001 www.who.int/immunization_safety
Feb, 2001
Archives of Disease in Childhood
published a study by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) and Royal Free Hospital stating that 1 in every 22,300 children immunised are at risk of developing the blood disorder ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) confirming the existing estimates which were around 1 in 24,000. The study concluded that children whose illness was caused by MMR tended to have milder symptoms and spent less time in hospital than those whose ITP had nothing to do with vaccination.Miller E et al. (2001). Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and MMR vaccine. Archives of Disease in Childhood 84:227-9.
A study by Kaye et al. published in the British Medical Journal in February 2001 used the GP Research Database (a sample of records from UK GPs) to compare MMR vaccine coverage over time with reported rates of autism. The authors concluded that ‘the data provided evidence that no correlation exists between the prevalence of MMR vaccination and the rapid increase in the rise of autism over time.’
Kaye J, del Mare Melero-Montes M & Jick H (2001). Mumps, measles and rubella vaccine and the incidence of autism recorded by general practitioners: A time trend analysis. British Medical Journal 322:460-3
Mar, 2001
A study by DeWilde et al. was published in British Journal of General Practice. It looked at whether children who go on to be diagnosed as autistic consulted their GPs more frequently in the months after their MMR vaccination than a control group. It concluded: ‘Any dramatic effect of MMR on behaviour seems unlikely.’
DeWilde S et al. (2001). Do children who become autistic consult more often after MMR vaccination? British Journal of General Practice 51:226-7.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published an analysis of data comparing immunisation rates of young children in California with the number of children diagnosed with autism between 1980 and 1994. The authors report that although there was a 373 per cent relative increase in identified cases of autism per 100,000 live births over the period, MMR coverage rose only by 14 per cent. They concluded: ‘These data do not suggest an association between MMR immunisation and an increase in autism occurrence.’
Dales L, Hammer S & Smith N (2001). Time trends in autism and in MMR immunisation coverage in California. Journal of the American Medical Association 285 (9):1183-5.
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
published findings from the University of Washington in Seattle which showed that MMR, or other vaccines containing the measles virus, do not increase the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease.Davis R L et al. (2001). Measles-mumps-rubella and other measles-containing vaccines do not increase the risk for inflammatory bowel disease. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 155:354-9
Apr, 2001
The US Institute of Medicine Immunisation Safety Review Committee published a report which concluded: ‘The evidence favours rejection of a causal relationship at the population level between MMR vaccine and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).’ The chair of the committee warned of possible ‘devastating disease outbreaks’ if parents refrained from having their children vaccinated due to autism fears.
Institute of Medicine Immunisation Safety Review Committee (2001). Report of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism.
www.nap.edu/catalog/10101.html
May, 2001
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted a multidisciplinary international workshop to review the evidence regarding a possible association between MMR vaccine, inflammatory bowel disease and autism spectrum disorders, specifically autism with regression. It decided a considerable body of evidence did not support a causal relationship between MMR vaccine and autism or inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, it found no data to suggest the separate administration of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines would offer any potential benefit over the MMR vaccine. In fact, it voiced its concern that such an approach would result in many under-immunised children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (2001) Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autistic spectrum disorder: A report from the new challenges in childhood immunisation conference.
www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/mayautmmr.htm
Halsey et al (2001) Pediatrics 107 (5):e84.
Jun, 2001
Vaccine
published a study that re-examined previous research, published in The Lancet, which examined signs of autism in children shortly after they received the combined vaccine. Following criticism that the onset of autism may not necessarily be short, the new research looked at the data from the same 357 autistic children who had taken part in the first study but used an extended timescale. The results provided further evidence against a causal association between the MMR vaccine and autism.Farrington P et al. (2001). MMR and autism: Further evidence against a causal association Vaccine 19:3632-5.
Sep, 2001
Archives of Disease in Childhood
published a review of evidence on MMR to date by Elliman and Bedford. It concluded that there is neither experience nor research evidence for giving the triple vaccine separately anywhere in the world. There is no case for introducing single vaccines and worries over MMR are unjustified.Elliman D, Bedford H & Miller E (2001). MMR vaccine: Worries are not justified. Archives of Disease in Childhood 85:271-4.
Oct, 2001
A study was published in Pediatrics by Fombonne et al. comparing autistic children who have had MMR to those who have not. It failed to support an association between MMR and regressive autism and concluded that, when combined, current findings did not argue for changes in current immunisation programmes and recommendations.
Fombonne E & Chakrabarti S (2001). No evidence for a new variant of measles-mumps-rubella-induced autism. Pediatrics 108 (4): e58.
Adverse Drug Reaction Toxicological Review
published a paper by Spitzer, Aitken et al. reviewing children whose parents are taking legal action against drug manufacturers. It stated that the first symptoms of autism appear over a year after the MMR vaccine and claimed prior research is invalid. However, it provided no evidence to link MMR to autism and the authors failed to produce any scientific references.Spitzer W, Aitken K et al (2001). The natural history of autistic syndrome in British children exposed to MMR. Adverse Drug Reaction Toxicological Review 20 (3): 160-3.
Dec, 2001
The Medical Research Council published a review on autism, which stated that understanding and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has improved and called for more research in this area. It also stated that in relation to MMR, current evidence does not support the alleged link of MMR and ASDs.
The full Medical Research Council Review of autism research (December 2001) can be found on their website:
www.mrc.ac.uk
Jan, 2002
An article in Pediatrics examined whether vaccines overwhelm or weaken the infant's immune system. It concluded that current studies do not support this hypothesis. 'On the contrary, young infants have an enormous capacity to respond to multiple vaccines, as well as to the many other challenges present in the environment. By providing protection against a number of bacterial and viral pathogens, vaccines prevent the 'weakening' of the immune system and consequent secondary bacterial infections occasionally caused by natural infection.'
Offit P A et al. (2002). Addressing parents' concerns: Do multiple vaccines overwhelm or weaken the infant's immune system? Pediatrics 109 (1):124-9.
Feb, 2002
Dr Andrew Wakefield et al. published their most recent research 'Potential viral pathogenic mechanism for new variant inflammatory bowel disease' in the journal Molecular Pathology.
Uhlmann V et al. ( 2002 ) Original article: Potential viral pathogenic mechanism for new variant inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Clinical Pathology: Molecular pathology ( 2002 ) 55: 84-90.
The British Medical Journal published 'Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism; a population study by Dr B Taylor et al.
Taylor B et al. ( 2002 ). Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism: a population study. BMJ 324:393-6.
Apr, 2002
Scottish Executive - MMR Report
Report of the expert group established by the Scottish Executive in response to recommendations set out in the health and community care committee's report of the inquiry into issues surrounding the alleged relationship between the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism.
A PDF of this report is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/rmmr.pdf
May, 2002
The study by Uhlmann et al. (Potential viral pathogenic mechanism for new variant inflammatory bowel disease, see February 2002 above ) is reviewed by Fombonne and a number of facts are lacking. The study describes the presence of fragments of genetic material of measles virus in the gut of children with developmental disorders. They report strong evidence of genetic fragements of measles in the gut of 75 patients (out of 91) with enterocolitis.
Fombonne review of Uhlmann report:
mp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/55/2/84#7
Fombonne E ( 2002 ) A new syndrome requires essential clinical and developmental descriptive data.
Aug, 2002
This study, using the General Practice Research Database, looked at whether children with autism are more likely to have a history of gastrointestinal disorders than children without autism. All children born between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 1999 were reviewed. The study concluded that ‘Children with autism were more likely than children without autism to have had defined gastrointestinal disorders at any time before their diagnosis of autism.’
Black C, Kaye JA & Jick H (2002). Relation of childhood gastrointestinal disorders to autism: nested case-control study using data from the UK General Practice Research Database. British Medical Journal 325:419-21.
Oct, 2002
A comprehensive pilot study was undertaken to examine the factors associated with an increase in autism in California. A key finding of this study was that the observed increase in autism could not be explained by a change in the criteria for diagnosing autism. The increase seen in California represented a true increase in cases of autism.
Report to the legislature on the principal findings from the epidemiology of autism in California: A comprehensive pilot study. M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis. Oct 17 2002.
This report can be found at:
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/newsroom/study_final.pdf
Nov, 2002
A retrospective cohort study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reviewed over 500,000 children born in Denmark. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether there was an association between MMR vaccine and autism. This paper concluded ‘This study provides strong evidence against the hypothesis that MMR vaccination causes autism.’
Madsen KM et al. (2002). A population-based study of measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and autism. New England Journal of Medicine 347: 1477-82.
A further study was published in the journal Pediatrics. The aim of this study was to assess whether there was an association between MMR vaccination and encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and autism. This retrospective record linkage study in Finland looked at over 500,000 children aged between 1 and 7 years of age vaccinated during November 1982 and June 1986.This study did not identify any association between MMR vaccination and encephalitis, aseptic meningitis or autism.
Mäkëla et al. ( 2002 ) Neurologic disorders after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. Pediatrics 110:957-63.
A paper investigating whether MMR vaccination was associated with the development of ‘autistic enterocolitis’ in Iceland was published. Infants were reviewed before, and 2 and 4 weeks after immunisation with Pentavac for the presence of intestinal inflammation. This paper did not find any evidence of intestinal inflammation during the 4 weeks following MMR or Pentavac immunisation.
Thjodleifsson B et al. ( 2002 ) Inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease. Effect of Pentavac and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination on the intestine. Gut 51:816-17.
A paper by Ramsay was published that described the recent trends in MMR coverage and parental attitudes to MMR vaccine. The paper examined MMR uptake levels in England during April 1995 and June 2001 (quarterly data) and compared this with the proportion of mothers who believed that MMR vaccine was safe or carried only a slight risk, and the proportion who intended to fully vaccinate any future children (parental survey). This study concluded that ‘Despite adverse publicity the fall in MMR coverage had been relatively small, mothers’ attitudes to MMR remain positive, and most continue to seek advice from health professionals.’
Ramsay MR et al. (2002). Parental confidence in measles, mumps and rubella vaccine:
evidence from vaccine coverage and attitudinal surveys. British Journal of General Practice 52:912-16.
A paper by Andrews examined the effect of prior knowledge of a suggested causal link between MMR and autism on the parents’ perception of a temporal association between immunisation and onset of symptoms (particularly regression). This paper highlights that there is a significant degree of recall bias in parents of autistic children with regressive features who were diagnosed after the publicity alleging a link between MMR and autism.
Andrews N et al. (2002). Short Report. Recall bias, MMR and autism. Archives of Diseases in Children 87:493-4.
Jan, 2003
The possible causes of autism spectrum disorders are reviewed in a recent paper by Prof P. Szatmari. This review highlights the importance of genetic factors but points out that environmental factors cannot be excluded. In this review he states that ‘Despite recent publicity, there is good evidence that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is not an environmental risk fact for autism.’
Szatmari P. et al. ( 2003 ). The cause of autism spectrum disorders. British Medical Journal 326: 173-4.
A paper in the Journal of American Medical Association reported on the prevalence of autism in children aged between 3 to 10 years in 1996 in Atlanta. This paper concluded that the rate of autism in this age group was higher than the rate of autism in studies conducted in the US during the early 80s and 90s. The findings of this study were stated to be similar to more recent studies.
Yeargin-Allsopp M. et al. (2003). Original contribution. Prevalence of autism in a US metropolitan area. Journal of American Medical Association 289 (1): 49-55.
The above paper was accompanied by an editorial by Dr E Fombonne.
Fombonne E. (2003). Editorial. The prevalence of autism. Journal of American Medical Association 289 (1): 87-9.
A study examining the risk of developing aseptic meningitis following MMR vaccination in Korea was carried out. This case-crossover study was shown to be useful in confirming the risk of developing acute adverse events following vaccination. This study confirmed that there was no significant risk of developing aseptic meningitis following the Jeryl Lynn or Rubini strain of MMR. It also confirmed that the Urabe or Hoshino strain of MMR was associated with a risk increased in the third to sixth week following vaccination.
Ki M. et al. (2003). Risk analysis of aseptic meningitis after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination in Korean children by using a case-crossover design. American Journal of Epidemiology 157(2): 158-65.
A recent study using the General Practice Research Database was used to estimate the risk of developing a serious autoimmune condition called idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) following MMR vaccination. This study confirmed that there is an increased risk of developing ITP within 6 weeks after MMR vaccination, but showed that this risk was low.
Black C. et al. (2003). MMR vaccine and idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 55: 107-11.
Feb, 2003
C J Clements,
vaccine safety J Med Ethics 2003;29:22-26
Events surrounding the MMR vaccine in the United Kingdom have not only placed in jeopardy the use of this triple vaccine but have also spread concern to other parts of the world. This report examines the public’s worry about MMR vaccine and reveals they have been exposed to a range of conflicting views resulting in the feeling of having been misled about the safety of the vaccine.
To read a summary of this report and download the pdf:
Mar, 2003
This record-linkage study looked at whether MMR vaccine increased the risk of hospitalisation with invasive bacterial infections (such as bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, and pneumonia) in the three months following vaccination. Children aged between 12-23 months admitted to hospital in selected districts in the Thames region of southern England with a bacterial invasive disease between April 1995 and March 1995 were reviewed. This study excluded any children predisposed to developing bacterial infection such as those immunosuppressed. The results of this study showed that MMR did not increase the risk of developing bacterial infections within 90 days following vaccination. This study does not support the theory that MMR causes immunological overload in children.
E Miller, N Andrews, P Waight, B Taylor (2003). Bacterial infections, immune overload, and MMR vaccine. Arch Dis Child 2003;88:222–223
To view the report go to: www.archdischild.com/cgi/content/full/ar... (Long link)
Apr, 2003
MMR Vaccine - how effective and how safe? Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
This paper reviews the safety, efficacy and side effects of MMR vaccine. This paper concludes that:
- MMR is a highly effective vaccine
- There is no convincing evidence that MMR vaccine causes, or facilitates development of, either inflammatory bowel disease or autism.
- There is no good reason or scientific basis to adopt an alternative policy that allows substitution of single-antigen vaccines for the combined vaccine.
- The weight of published evidence argues overwhelmingly in favour of MMR vaccine as the most effective and safest way of protecting children from measles, mumps and rubella.
MMR vaccine – how effective and how safe? The independent review from Consumers’ Association. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin April 2003, 41 (4):25-30.
May, 2003
Clinical Article. Pediatric MMR Vaccination Safety. Geier M, Geier D. International Pediatrics 2003, Vol 18: 108-,113.
Summary of paper
This study analysed reports submitted to the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System from 1994 to 2000. This study compared the incidence of serious neurological disorders (cerebellar ataxia, autism, mental retardation and permanent brain damage) 30 days following immunisation in children who received MMR with those receiving diphtheria, tetanus and whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTwP). A statistically significant increase in the incidence of these conditions following MMR was found in comparison to DTwP.
Medical and scientific experts have reviewed this paper and consider the research to be seriously flawed. For more detailed information please refer to: http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/news/newsi... (Long link)
Jul, 2003
Wilson K et al. July 2003. Association of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 157: 628-34.
This article reviewed the available literature on measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). A total of 12 studies (from 5 countries) examining the hypotheses put forward by Dr Wakefield and colleagues were reviewed in detail. None of the studies examined provided evidence of an association between autistic spectrum disorders and MMR. The review did not find any evidence of an epidemic of ASD related to MMR, nor evidence of an association between a variant form of autism and the MMR vaccine. The authors state that ‘Given the real risks of not vaccinating and that the risks and existence of variant ASD remain theoretical, current policies should continue to advocate the use of MMR vaccine’.
The full review is published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine/ Vol.157, 2003Click here to access the report online (subscription required).
E.Courchesne et al (July 2003). published in JAMA, Vol.290, No.3
Evidence of brain overgrowth in the firs... (Long link) .
Follow the link below for the BBC news
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/306714... (Long link)
Aug, 2003
Taylor et al (2003) Prevalence of autism and parentally reported triggers in a north east London population. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2003:88: 666-670.
This study was a follow-up of a previous study done by this group, two and half years ago using the same methodology and population (see: http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/library/ti... (Long link) )
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autism and to look at whether parental perception regarding the onset or causes of autism had changed over that time. The results of this study showed a levelling in the prevalence of autism from 1992 to 1996, with a rate of 2.6 per 1000 live births. They also showed that the age at diagnosis had decreased over time.
These two findings suggest that the rise previously found was not a real rise and was likely to be due to factors such as an increased recognition, greater acceptance of the diagnostic label by educationalists and families, and also better recording systems. This paper also showed that there was an increase in the number of parents attributing their child's autism to MMR since August 1997.
Sep, 2003
Takahashi, et al. 2003 An epidemiological study on Japanese autism concerning routine childhood immunization history. Jpn. J. Infect. Dis.56:114-17.
This study of 21 autism cases and 42 matched controls showed no causal link, but trials containing such small numbers are always vulnerable to criticism and should not be given undue credibility. In this study, autistic children were more likely to have had single vaccines but the controls were not collected at the same time as the cases, and other important biases may not have been accounted for.
Feb, 2004
DeStefano F and Thompson W W
(Feb 2004) MMR Vaccine and Autism: An Update of the Scientific Evidence Expert Review of Vaccines 3(1):19-22(2004)Update of scientific evidence in published studies have continued not to find an increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder associated with MMR. MMR vaccine also has not been found to be associated with a unique syndrome of developmental regression and gastrointestinal disorders. There is convincing evidence that MMR does not cause autism or any particular subtypes of autistic spectrum disorder.
To read a summary of this report:
http://www.future-drugs.com/summery.asp?submit=txt1&articleid=1196&publicationid=6
For full report or pdf subscription is required.
Mar, 2004
Apr, 2004
W. CHEN, S. LANDAU, P. SHAM and
Paper examines whether, in the
The paper concludes no increased risk of autism (AD) following exposures to wild measles and vaccinations with monovalent measles, and Urabe or Jeryl–Lynn variants of MMR, were detected.
To view an abstract of this paper please go to:
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Sep, 2004
MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders: a case-control study
Liam Smeeth, Claire Cook, Eric Fombonne, Lisa Heavey, Laura C Rodrigues, Peter G Smith, Andrew J Hall Lancet 2004; 364: 963-69
Background Concern that measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination might cause autism has led to a fall in vaccine coverage. The authors investigated whether MMR vaccination is associated with an increased risk of autism or other pervasive developmental disorders.
Methods the authors did a matched case-control study using the
Findings 1294 cases and 4469 controls were included. 1010 cases (78·1%) had MMR vaccination recorded before diagnosis, compared with 3671 controls (82·1%) before the age at which their matched case was diagnosed. After adjustment for age at joining the database, the odds ratio for association between MMR and pervasive developmental disorder was 0·86 (95% CI 0·68-1·09). Findings were similar when restricted to children with a diagnosis of autism, to those vaccinated with MMR before the third birthday, or to the period before media coverage of the hypothesis linking MMR with autism.
Interpretation their findings suggest that MMR vaccination is not associated with an increased risk of pervasive developmental disorders.
To view this paper please visit:
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Dec, 2004
The epidemiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in England and Wales 1990 – 2002 Miller et al., Arch Dis Child 2004; 89: 1145 – 1148.
SSPE – or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis – is a devastating fatal but rare condition. The central nervous system degenerates causing progressive loss of brain function, paralysis, coma and death.
SSPE is caused by the measles virus. When SSPE occurs, it does so some years after the child was ill with measles.
This new study investigated whether the numbers of cases of SSPE had changed since the combined MMR vaccine was introduced. This study found that since the MMR vaccine was introduced into the
But the authors caution that if measles outbreaks occur again, then the children most at risk of developing SSPE are infants too young to be vaccinated.
Jan, 2005
Barbaresi et al. The Incidence of Autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescents Medicine. 2005; 159:37-44.
Recent studies suggest that the number of children diagnosed with autism has increased. The cause of this increase, as yet is unknown, but better recognition and changes in classification of autistic spectrum disorders and related conditions are thought to contribute to this increase. One suggestion has been that MMR immunisation has caused this increase. There is no scientific evidence to support this hypothesis.
The study looks at whether there was a change in the incidence (or occurrence) of autism in people under 21 years in
MMR vaccine was introduced in
To view an abstract of this paper please go to:
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/159/1/37
Feb, 2005
Mar, 2005
E miller, N Andrews, A Grant, J Stowe, B
Background: MMR vaccine has been reported to cause gait disturbance, and this possible association has been claimed to support the MMR-causes-autism theory.
Aims: To determine whether any association between gait disturbance and MMR vaccination exceeds the age related background rate of gait disturbance, using record linkage and self control case series analyses.
Methods: MMR vaccination records were linked to hospital admission and general practitioner attendance data. An increased rate of gait problems with onset in various intervals in the 60 day period after MMR vaccination was looked for in children aged 12 to <24months.
Results: No evidence of an increased rate of hospital admission or general practice consultations for gait disturbance was found in the putative post-vaccination risk periods.
Conclusion: This study provides no evidence for a causal association between MMR and gait disturbance.
Honda Hideo,
This study investigated whether the withdrawal of MMR vaccine in
If MMR vaccine was responsible for the increase in ASD, you would expect to see a fall in incidence of ASD following its withdrawal, but this was not the case. These results strengthen the findings of previously published studies showing a lack of association between MMR and autism.
The MMR vaccine used in
To read abstract of paper please visit:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01425.x/abs/
Registration maybe required
Oct, 2005
Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children (Review)Demicheli V, Jefferson T, Rivetti A, Price D
This review concludes, existing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of MMR vaccine supports current policies of mass immunisation aimed at global
measles eradication in order to reduce morbidity and mortality
associated with mumps and rubella.
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD004407/frame.html
Sep, 2006
Ray, Paula MPH et al (Sept 2006) Encephalopathy After Whole-Cell Pertussis or Measles Vaccination: Lack of Evidence for a Causal Association in a Retrospective Case-Control Study. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 25(9):768-773, September 2006
A study of more than 2 million children, that concludes DTP and MMR vaccines were not associated with an increased risk of encephalopathy after vaccination.
To view free abstract please go to: (subscription needed to view full article)
http://www.pidj.com/pt/re/pidj/abstract.00006454-200609000-00003.htm;jsessionid=Fd4WbwWcdvX02DfPfv30TfXTp1Jt0L4YsnnJ7HRTH07L1Jh1RG5c!1096339265!-949856144!8091!-1
Oct, 2006
11 Oct 2006D’Souza,Y; Fombonne, E; and Ward B.J, 2006 No Evidence of Persisting Measles Virus in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pediatrics 118; 1664-1675
www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/118/4/1664
- Glossary
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