Autism Associated Enterocolitis: Unique pathologic features of diseased intestinal tissue -- CME program for medical professionals
This lecture will first present a clinical overview, from Dr. Arthur Krigsman, of autism-associated enterocolitis and then proceed to describe the unique clinical, histologic, immunostaining, architectural, immunologic, and molecular features that distinguish it from other inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. An approach to potential treatments will be discussed.
Dr. Krigsman will be followed by Dr. Stephen Walker presenting highlights from his lecture "Towards the Realization of a Blood-based Biomarker for Gastrointestinal Inflammation in ASD Children." Dr. Walker will explain that chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in ASD children have long been a topic of exceptional interest in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. Although many ASD children present with chronic GI complaints, diagnosis and effective treatment options for this population are still evolving. Dr. Walker will address the question: can we use a simple blood test to diagnose gastrointestinal inflammation in ASD children?
Learning objectives:
1) The attendee will define autism-associated enterocolitis.
2) The attendee will differentiate autism-associated enterocolitis from other conditions based upon uniquie clinical, histologic, immunostaining, architectural, immunologic, and molecular features.
3) The attendee will become familiar with treatment approaches for autism-associated enterocolitis
4) The attendee will explore theories about biomarker-directed diagnosis and treatment.
Arthur Krigsman, MD
Dr. Krigsman is a pediatrician and board certified pediatric gastroenterologist who has evaluated and treated over 1800 children suffering from autism and a variety of gastrointestinal problems. He maintains offices in both New York City and Austin, Texas, is actively involved in clinical research, and has presented his findings in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings, and at a congressional hearing dealing with autism and its possible causes. His primary interest is ASD-associated inflammatory bowel disease.
Stephen Walker, PhD
Stephen Walker, PhD, Associate Professor of Genomics and Systems Biology, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Walker is a molecular/developmental biologist working in the area of biomarker discovery. In partnership with Dr. Arthur Krigsman, one primary research focus has been the identification of the molecular basis for gastrointestinal inflammation in ASD children. Together they have begun to describe the molecular signature for ASD-associated GI inflammation and are working to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic tool.
