Use of cholinomimetics in the treatment of endogenous autism in children
Twenty children with endogenous autism of mild and moderate severity (30-44.5 scores according to the CARS), aged 3-8 years, were treated with choline alfoscerate (CA), 400 mg/day, during 8 weeks in the presence of maintenance therapy with neuroleptics (17 cases). Positive therapeutic effect was observed in 89% of the patients: significant improvement--in 61% and minimal efficacy--in 28%. Statistically significant positive changes in the patient's state were observed in the general improvement of behavior (p<0.001), development of social and communicative skills, as well as self-service, reduction of marked speech disturbances (p<0.001) and motor sphere (p<0.001), enhancement of learning activity and productivity (p<0.05). Good tolerability to the therapy, without patient's state worsening was registered. Some patients exhibited strengthening of affective lability in the first weeks of the treatment which attenuated to the 4th week as the CA dosages decreased to 400 mg every other day. CA may be recommended for combined therapy with neuroleptics as an effective and safe medicine for the treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders in patients with children's autism.