SchaferAutismReport: Journal Retracts 1998 Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines

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Journal Retracts 1998

Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines

By Gardiner , NY Times. is.gd/7DrNx

A prominent British medical

journal on Tuesday retracted a 1998 research paper that set off a sharp

decline in vaccinations in Britain after the

paper’s lead author

suggested that vaccines could cause autism.

The retraction by The Lancet is part of a

reassessment that has lasted for years of the scientific methods and

financial conflicts of Dr. Wakefield, who contended that his

research showed that the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine may be

unsafe.

But the retraction may do little to tarnish

Dr. Wakefield’s reputation among parents’ groups in the United States.

Despite a wealth of scientific studies that have failed to find any link

between vaccines and autism, the parents fervently believe that their

children’s mental problems resulted from vaccinations.

Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, called the retraction of Dr. Wakefield’s study

“significant. "

“It builds on the overwhelming body of

research by the world’s leading scientists that concludes there is no link

between M.M.R. vaccine and autism,†Mr. Skinner wrote in an e-mail message.

A British medical panel concluded last week

that Dr. Wakefield had been dishonest, violated basic research ethics rules

and showed a “callous disregard†for the suffering of children involved in

his research. Dr. Horton, editor in chief of The Lancet, said that

until that decision, he had no proof that Dr. Wakefield’s 1998 paper was

deceptive.

“That was a damning indictment of

Wakefield and his research,†Dr. Horton said.

With that decision, Dr. Horton said he could

retract the 1998 paper. Dr. Wakefield could not be reached for comment.

Jim Moody, a director of SafeMinds, a

parents’ group that advances the notion the vaccines cause autism, said the

retraction would strengthen Dr. Wakefield’s credibility with many parents.

“Attacking scientists and attacking doctors

is dangerous,†he said. “This is about suppressing research, and it will

fuel the controversy by bringing it all up again. "

Dr. Wakefield is part of a small but fervent

group of doctors who discourage vaccinations because of a seeming link with

autism.

Dr. Wakefield’s paper reported on his

examinations of 12 children with chronic intestinal disorders who had a

history of normal development followed by severe mental regressions. He

speculated that the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine may have

caused some sort of chronic intestinal measles infection that in turn

damaged the children’s brains. He suggested that the combined vaccine

should be split into three separate shots and given over a longer period of

time.

But an investigation by a British journalist

found

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In This Issue:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

NEWS

Journal Retracts 1998 Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines

Kim Stagliano of Age of Autism Talks Vaccines on CNN

PUBLIC HEALTH

The Autism Puzzle in Wisconsin

L.A. Confidential: Seeking Reasons for Autism's Rise

FINANCES

Autism Insurance Bill Stalls in Missouri Legislature Amid Worries Over Cost

EVENTS

Anaheim Autism/Asperger Conference - Anaheim

Autism Speaks Announces Baker Summer Camp Program

COMMENTARY

How A Zealot’s Word Led Us Astray On Autism

The Lancet Retraction Changes Nothing

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Vol. 14 No. 12

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