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"health affairs" added
One issue in the dispute was that only the combined vaccine is available via NHS. Parents rejecting this vaccine can either pay for single vaccinations out of their own pockets or not vaccinate at all. Although Prime Minister Tony Blair publically defended the MMR vaccine, he refused to comment the vaccination status of his youngest son Leo at the same time.
One issue in the dispute was that only the combined vaccine is available via NHS. Parents rejecting this vaccine can either pay for single vaccinations out of their own pockets or not vaccinate at all. Although Prime Minister Tony Blair publically defended the MMR vaccine, he refused to comment the vaccination status of his youngest son Leo at the same time.
The majority of pediatricians prefer the combined vaccine, as it is less strenuous for the child, and many parents rather have one vaccination done instead of three.
The majority of paediatricians prefer the combined vaccine, as it is less strenuous for the child, and many parents rather have one vaccination done instead of three.
Epidemiological research on hundreds of thousands of children in numerous studies failed to indicate a link between MMR vaccination and autism. Critics of these studies, like the retired intern John Walker-Smith, although a supporter of the triple vaccine, labelled epidemiology a 'blunt tool' which does not necessarily expose such connections.<ref>http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/February2002/AutBowMeas.htm</ref> As an example, it is difficult to find to populations differing in vaccination status only.
Epidemiological research on hundreds of thousands of children in numerous studies failed to indicate a link between MMR vaccination and autism. Critics of these studies, like the retired intern John Walker-Smith, although a supporter of the triple vaccine, labelled epidemiology a 'blunt tool' which does not necessarily expose such connections.<ref>http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/February2002/AutBowMeas.htm</ref> As an example, it is difficult to find to populations differing in vaccination status only.
Dr. Wakefield gave up his position at the Royal Free Hospital in 2001 and now works for a controversial private hospital in the USA. His continued studies include research on possible immunological, metabolical, and pathological changes caused by "Autistic Enterocolitis", as well as connections between bowel diseases and neurological disorders in children and a possible connection between these disorders and influences like vaccines<ref>[http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/bio_awakefield.htm A. Wakefield at his new employer]</ref>
Dr. Wakefield gave up his position at the Royal Free Hospital in 2001 and now works for a controversial private hospital in the USA. His continued studies include research on possible immunological, metabolical, and pathological changes caused by "Autistic Enterocolitis", as well as connections between bowel diseases and neurological disorders in children and a possible connection between these disorders and influences like vaccines<ref>[http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/bio_awakefield.htm A. Wakefield at his new employer]</ref>
In an article published 2011 in "health affairs" on the topic of vaccine opposition in the USA the authors (Kennedy et. al) come to the conclusion:
:''"Andrew Wakefield's report, which ran in the Lancet, may have been be "the flimsiest, most underpowered study supporting a conclusion of monumental importance to appear in a leading peer-reviewed journal in the past fifty years."''<ref>Kennedy A et al. ''Confidence about vaccines in the United States: understanding parents' perceptions''. Health Affairs 30:1151-1159, 2011. [http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/30/6/1151.abstract]</ref>
===Conflict of interest===
===Conflict of interest===
===Anti-Vaccination lawyers paid 3.5 million Pound===
===Anti-Vaccination lawyers paid 3.5 million Pound===
Further investigation by the English newspaper ''Sunday Times'' established that Wakefield and others, prior to the publication, received up to 3.5 million British Pound from a law firm which represented the parents of children allegedly affected. Andrew Wakefield apparently received 500,000 pound, with first payments already having been made two years prior to the publication. Five of Wakefield's co-authors and one reviewer who checked the publication for ''The Lancet'' had also received personal payments. <ref>H. Kaulen: [http://www.faz.net/s/Rub9D1EE68AC11C4C50AC3F3509F354677D/Doc~EC63B7196515B464D9C345BA3990C6991~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html Artikel in der FAZ], 8. Januar 2007</ref>
Further investigation by the English newspaper ''Sunday Times'' established that Wakefield and others, prior to the publication, received up to 3.5 million British Pound from a law firm which represented the parents of children allegedly affected. Andrew Wakefield apparently received 500,000 pound, with first payments already having been made two years prior to the controversial publication. Five of Wakefield's co-authors and one reviewer who checked the publication for ''The Lancet'' had also received personal payments. <ref>H. Kaulen: [http://www.faz.net/s/Rub9D1EE68AC11C4C50AC3F3509F354677D/Doc~EC63B7196515B464D9C345BA3990C6991~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html Artikel in der FAZ], 8. Januar 2007</ref>
As a consequence, the Gerneral Medical Council prepared legal steps to have Wakefield's medical licence revoked.<ref>Reiner Luyken: ''[http://www.zeit.de/2007/17/M-Anti-Impfkampagne?page=all Panik vor dem Piks]''. Die Zeit, 19. April 2007, Nr. 17</ref>
As a consequence, the Gerneral Medical Council prepared legal steps to have Wakefield's medical licence revoked.<ref>Reiner Luyken: ''[http://www.zeit.de/2007/17/M-Anti-Impfkampagne?page=all Panik vor dem Piks]''. Die Zeit, 19. April 2007, Nr. 17</ref>
==New studies on autism==
==New studies on autism==
Epidemiological research shows an upward trend for autism in recent years. The cause is uncertain; however, a change in diagnostics and census is more likely than an increase in actual numbers.<ref>B Taylor et al.: ''Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism: population study''. British Medical Journal, Vol 324, Feb. 16 2002, p. 393-396 [http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/324/7334/393?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=1&author1=taylor%2C+b&author2=miller%2C+e&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1113249908936_21240&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=1,2,3,4 PDF]</ref><ref>[http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/330/7483/112-d# BMJJournals.com] - 'Rapid Responses to: Increase in autism due to change in definition, not MMR vaccine' ''British Medical Journal'' (Meinungsaustausch der ''BMJ''-Website)</ref><ref name="Barbar">WJ Barbaresi et al.: ''The incidence of autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a population-based study''. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Jan. 2005, 159(1), p. 37-44 PMID 15630056</ref> Diagnosis of autism has intensified in recent years, with children being examined more efficiently and at an earlier age than before. A causal link between MMR and autism can be excluded with utmost probability, as is shown by later studies which also happen to be very comprehensive in comparison to Wakefield's. Science today assumes that the different forms of autism are very much controlled by genetic factors. The importance of genetics in this field is emphasized by studies including twins: Whereas identical twins show a correlation of 80% to 90%, this risk is much lower for fraternal twins.
Epidemiological research shows an upward trend for autism in recent years. The cause is uncertain; however, a change in diagnostics and census is more likely than an increase in actual numbers.<ref>B Taylor et al.: ''Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism: population study''. British Medical Journal, Vol 324, Feb. 16 2002, p. 393-396 [http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/324/7334/393?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=1&author1=taylor%2C+b&author2=miller%2C+e&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1113249908936_21240&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=1,2,3,4 PDF]</ref><ref>[http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/330/7483/112-d# BMJJournals.com] - 'Rapid Responses to: Increase in autism due to change in definition, not MMR vaccine' ''British Medical Journal'' (Meinungsaustausch der ''BMJ''-Website)</ref><ref name="Barbar">WJ Barbaresi et al.: ''The incidence of autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a population-based study''. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Jan. 2005, 159(1), p. 37-44 PMID 15630056</ref> Diagnosis of autism has intensified in recent years, with children being examined more efficiently and at an earlier age than before. A causal link between MMR and autism can be excluded with utmost probability, as is shown by the studies quoted below which also happen to be far more comprehensive than Wakefield's. Science today assumes that the different forms of autism are essentially coined by genetic factors. The importance of genetics in this field is emphasized by studies including twins: Whereas identical twins show a correlation of 80% to 90%, this risk is much lower for fraternal twins.
* After Wakefields publication, many studies on MMR and autism followed. <ref>List of 17 studies on a MMR-Autism link, Immunization Action Coalition [http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4026.pdf]</ref> In October 2003, a EU-funded meta-study was published, reviewing the results of 120 previous studies, summarizing and analyzing the adverse effects of MMR-vaccine<ref>T Jefferson: ''Unintended events following immunization with MMR: a systematic review''. Vaccine. 2003 Sep 8;21(25-26), p. 3954-60 PMID 12922131</ref>. The authors concluded:
* Following Wakefield's publication, many studies researched a connection between MMR and autism. <ref>List of 17 studies on a MMR-Autism link, Immunization Action Coalition [http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4026.pdf]</ref> In October 2003, a EU-funded meta-study was published, reviewing the results of 120 previous studies, summarizing and analyzing the adverse effects of MMR-vaccine<ref>T Jefferson: ''Unintended events following immunization with MMR: a systematic review''. Vaccine. 2003 Sep 8;21(25-26), p. 3954-60 PMID 12922131</ref>. The authors concluded:
**The vaccine has both positive and adverse effects
**The vaccine has both positive and adverse effects
**A connection between MMR and autism is ''highly unlikely''
**A connection between MMR and autism is ''highly unlikely''
**Design and report of results relevant for security in MMR vaccine studies are mostly inadequate
**Design and report of results relevant for security in MMR vaccine studies are mostly inadequate
* In January 2005, after intensive research in Minnesota, an eightfold increase in autism was observed. Research covered a time span from the early 1980ies to the late 1990ies. No connection to MMR was found. Authors suspect that a change in both diagnostics and definition is responsible for this increase.<ref name="Barbar"/>
* In January 2005, an intensive research in one county in Minnesota reported an eightfold increase in autism. Research covered a time span from the early 1980ies to the late 1990ies. No connection to MMR was established. Authors suspect that a change in both diagnostics and definitions is responsible for this increase.<ref name="Barbar"/>
* In March 2005, a study on 30,000 children born near Yokohama concluded that autism is on the rise (from 46-86 cases in 10,000 children to 97-161 cases in 10,000 children), despite the fact that MMR vaccines were no longer used in Japan since April 1993. The authors concluded ''"The relevance of these results is that MMR is most likely not a cause of ASD, as the rise in ASD cannot be explained, and a withdrawal of MMR in countries where it is still in use will not lead to a decline in ASD."''.<ref>H Honda, Y Shimizu, M Rutter: ''No effect of MMR withdrawal on the incidence of autism: a total population study''. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;46(6):572-9. PMID 15877763</ref> Wakefield claims, however, the rise in autism backed by data supported his hypothesis.<ref>''Japanese Study Is The Strongest Evidence Yet For A Link Between MMR And Autism''. The Red Flag, March 6, 2005 [http://www.redflagsweekly.com/articles/2005_mar06_2.html]</ref> His point of view was met with little support, however.<ref>I Sample: ''Lingering fears of MMR-autism link dispelled''. The Guardian, 3. März 2005 [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0%2C3604%2C1429115%2C00.html]</ref>
* In March 2005, a study on 30,000 children born in a district of Yokohama concluded that autism is on the rise (from 46-86 cases in 10,000 children to 97-161 cases in 10,000 children), despite the fact that MMR vaccines were no longer used in Japan since April 1993. The authors concluded ''"The relevance of these results is that MMR is most likely not a cause of ASD, as the rise in ASD cannot be explained, and a withdrawal of MMR in countries where it is still in use will not lead to a decline in ASD."''.<ref>H Honda, Y Shimizu, M Rutter: ''No effect of MMR withdrawal on the incidence of autism: a total population study''. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;46(6):572-9. PMID 15877763</ref> Wakefield claims, however, the rise in autism backed by data obtained supported his hypothesis.<ref>''Japanese Study Is The Strongest Evidence Yet For A Link Between MMR And Autism''. The Red Flag, March 6, 2005 [http://www.redflagsweekly.com/articles/2005_mar06_2.html]</ref> His point of view was met with little support, however.<ref>I Sample: ''Lingering fears of MMR-autism link dispelled''. The Guardian, 3. März 2005 [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0%2C3604%2C1429115%2C00.html]</ref>
* In October 2005, the ''Cochrane Library'' published a summary of scientific studies and concluded: ''"There is no plausible proof for the harmfullnes of MMR vaccine"''. On the other hand, these authors, too, criticized the design and the reporting of security-relevant results in MMR studies as mostly inadequate.<ref name= Demicheli2005>V Demicheli,T Jefferson, A Rivetti, D Price: ''Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children''. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004407. [http://www.cochrane.org/press/MMR_final.pdf PDF]</ref> Cochrane - situated in Oxford, England - is seen as the highest independent control for medical publications and as a guardian of evidence-based medicine by many scientists.
* In October 2005, the ''Cochrane Library'' published a summary of scientific studies and concluded: ''"There is no plausible proof for the harmfulness of MMR vaccine"''. On the other hand, these authors, too, criticized the design and the reporting of security-relevant results in MMR studies as largely inadequate.<ref name= Demicheli2005>V Demicheli,T Jefferson, A Rivetti, D Price: ''Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children''. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004407. [http://www.cochrane.org/press/MMR_final.pdf PDF]</ref> Cochrane - situated in Oxford, England - is seen as the highest independent control for medical publications and as a guardian of evidence-based medicine by many scientists.
* A case-control study dated 2008 renders a connection between MMR and autism highly improbable.<ref>Hornig M, Briese T, Buie T, Bauman ML, Lauwers G, et al. 2008 Lack of Association between Measles Virus Vaccine and Autism with Enteropathy: A Case-Control Study. PLoS ONE 3(9): e3140 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003140</ref>
* A case-control study dated 2008 renders a connection between MMR and autism highly improbable.<ref>Hornig M, Briese T, Buie T, Bauman ML, Lauwers G, et al. 2008 Lack of Association between Measles Virus Vaccine and Autism with Enteropathy: A Case-Control Study. PLoS ONE 3(9): e3140 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003140</ref>
==Revocation of medical licence==
==Revocation of medical licence==
In May 2010, Wakefield lost his medical licence for Great Britain due to inappropriate conduct. The General Medical Council did not review the scientific basis for his research, but its realization. One issue was that Wakefield e.g. included a blood sample obtained from a friend of his son's using his son's birth date, and Wakefield also made a payment for the sample. The Council stated this was not in accordance with an appropriate conduct and caused damage to the medical profession.
In May 2010, Wakefield lost his medical licence for Great Britain due to inappropriate conduct. The General Medical Council did not review the scientific basis for his research, but its realization. One issue was that Wakefield e.g. included a blood sample obtained from friends of his son's on the occasion of his son's birthday party, and of also having made payments for the samples. The Council stated this was not in accordance with an appropriate conduct and caused damage to the medical profession.
Wakefield migrated to the USA where he founded a non-profit autism center in 2005. Despite the occupational ban in Great Britain he can practise medicine legally in the USA.<ref name='NIH'/>.
Wakefield migrated to the USA where he founded a non-profit autism center in 2005. Despite the occupational ban in Great Britain he can practise medicine legally in the USA.<ref name='NIH'></ref>.
{{OtherLang|ge=Andrew Wakefield|en=Andrew Wakefield}}
==Literature==
==Literature==
*Parker, S.J., Schwartz, B., Todd, J., and L.K. Pickering. 2004. Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Review of Published Original Data. Pediatrics, 114(3): Seiten 793-804
*Parker, S.J., Schwartz, B., Todd, J., and L.K. Pickering. 2004. Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Review of Published Original Data. Pediatrics, 114(3): Seiten 793-804
*Gerber JS, Offit PA. ''Vaccines and autism: A tale of shifting hypotheses''. Clinical Infectious Diseases 48:456-461, 2009. http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/4/456.full
==Weblinks==
==Weblinks==
* http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2011/01/piltdown_medicine_andrew_wakefields_scie.php
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3513365.stm BBC Profile: Dr. Andrew Wakefield]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3513365.stm BBC Profile: Dr. Andrew Wakefield]
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5683671.ece
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5683671.ece
* http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/sep/22/autism-rate-mmr-vaccine
* http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/sep/22/autism-rate-mmr-vaccine
*[http://news.scotsman.com/news/Andrew-Wakefield--doctor-who.6024512.jp News.scotsman.com, 28. Januar 2010] Andrew Wakefield - doctor who linked MMR to autism - is damned by General Medical Council.
*[http://news.scotsman.com/news/Andrew-Wakefield--doctor-who.6024512.jp News.scotsman.com, 28. Januar 2010] Andrew Wakefield - doctor who linked MMR to autism - is damned by General Medical Council.
==Quellennachweise==
==Quellennachweise==
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{{Wikipedia|Wikititel=Andrew_Wakefield|Jahr=2008|Monat=7}}
{{Wikipedia|Wikititle=Andrew_Wakefield|Year=2008|Month=7}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wakefield, Andrew}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wakefield, Andrew}}
[[category:Surgeon]]
[[category:Surgeon]]
[[category:Pseudoscientist]]
[[category:Pseudoscientist]]