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A Study of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Children With Autism

NCT00627705 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: PHASE2 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 43

Last updated 2017-05-18

Study results available
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Summary

The purpose of the study is to test the tolerability and efficacy of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in children with Autism. NAC is a compound that increases the levels of Glutathione, the body's main antioxidant. Glutathione is a compound in the blood that is part of a natural defense system (the antioxidant system). Anti-oxidants protect the body from damage caused by internal toxins called "free radicals." It is possible that children with Autism tend to have lower levels of glutathione, an important compound in our bodies that helps combat the effects of toxic free radicals.

We hope that by studying the antioxidant system in more detail, we will increase our understanding of the reasons why people develop Autism so that we can design better ways to treat individuals with this condition. This study is meant to test the safety tolerability of NAC and its effectiveness in the treatment of behavioral difficulties in children with autism. It will also examine the possible benefit of this agent in improving the core deficits in autism such as social deficits.

Conditions

  • Autistic Disorder

Interventions

DRUG

N-Acetyl Cysteine

Phase 1: Oral, 900 mg daily for 4 weeks Phase 2: Oral, 900 mg twice daily 4 weeks Phase 3: Oral, 900 mg three times daily for 4 weeks Entire intervention lasts for 12 weeks (drug administration is continuous).

OTHER

Placebo - sugar pill

Phase 1: Oral, 900 mg daily for 4 weeks Phase 2: Oral, 900 mg twice daily 4 weeks Phase 3: Oral, 900 mg three times daily for 4 weeks Entire intervention lasts for 12 weeks (drug administration is continuous).

Sponsors & Collaborators

Principal Investigators

  • Antonio Hardan, MD · Stanford University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
3 Years
Max Age
12 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2008-02-29
Primary Completion
2010-09-30
Completion
2010-09-30

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Entities

Companies

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00627705 on ClinicalTrials.gov