MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders: a case-control study - Evidence

Jump To

Citation
Discussion
Conclusions

Topics

Sources

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
The Lancet

MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders: a case-control study

Citation	Evidence Type:	Research (Generic)
Smeeth L, Cook C, Fombonne E, Heavey L, Rodrigues LC, Smith PG, et al. MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders: a case-control study. Lancet. 2004;364(9438):963–9 - MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders: a case-control study. - PubMed - NCBI	Score:	0.0/0.0

Discussion

This study compares the rate of pervasive developmental disorders (including autism) in a group of 5,763 individuals in the UK against weather they had received the MMR vaccine or not. Of those with pervasive developmental disorders 78.1% had received the MMR vaccine, an of those without 82.1% had received the MMR vaccine. No association was found between MMR vaccine and pervasive developmental disorders, between MMR vaccine and autism, or between early MMR vaccination and pervasive developmental disorders.

Strengths/Weaknesses

Conclusions

Strength/Weakness 1

Mild strength: Adequate Sample Size

Over 5,000 people included in the study means it covers a lot of people.

Strength/Weakness 2

Mild strength: Industry Funding Independence

The research was funded by the UK Medical Research Council, a public body interested in determining public safety, and not in "sell more vaccines"

Strength/Weakness 3

Mild weakness: Industry Independence

Some of the researchers have ties or have had ties with companies with a vested interest in vaccine safety and production. There is not any indication that anything other than pure facts and figures representing reality are present in the results.

Strength/Weakness 4

Strong strength: Well Designed Research

The study was structured to include as many individuals as possible, while also excluding any whose data may be inaccurate or incompatible with the research. 4 to 5 controls were picked for each case with similar age, location, etc. to ensure that, as much as possible, apples were being compared with apples.

Conclusion 1

Demonstrated strongly for Early MMR Vaccination/Developmental Disorder Safety

The research showed no difference in developmental disorder prevalence between the regular vaccine schedule and a delayed vaccine schedule

Conclusion 2

Demonstrated strongly for MMR Vaccine/Developmental Disorder Safety

The research strongly demonstrates the safety of the vaccine

Conclusion 3

Demonstrated strongly for MMR Vaccine/Autism Safety