SALT LAKE CITY — A 1998 study that first linked the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism is now labeled a "fraud," according a new report in a British medical journal.
In February 2010, the study led by Dr. Andrew Wakefield was renounced by 10 of its 13 authors, as well as the medical journal Lancet, where it was published. On Thursday, a new report by British journalist Brian Deer found that Wakefield essentially made up the data on the 12 children who were the focus of that study for financial gain.
Deer's report, published online by medical journal BMJ, claims that Wakefield deliberately faked data to prove his argument. Wakefield since has been stripped of his medical license in Britain.
Still, the reported connection between the MMR shot and autism has frightened some parents enough to stop having their children vaccinated.
P. Brent Petersen, medical director for the Carmen B. Pingree Center for Autism in Salt Lake City, says plenty of Utah parents of autistic kids accepted Wakefield's research — and many probably still will.
This delicate debate leaves parents with emotional questions unanswered.
"Some of these kids, in spite of all that we do, still don't learn to talk," Petersen said. "That's a terrible burden for parents. And when you don't have the cure, guess what happens? You look for all of the possibilities."
Jared Andes, whose 4-year-old son has been diagnosed with autism, said he's disappointed that a medical professional would fabricate such a study.
"You're looking for answers; you want the truth," Andes said. "You don't want somebody to trick you or to tell you something that's not true when you're trying desperately to find answers and help."
Andes said his wife is among those who believe there's a connection between autism and vaccinations. The lack of a cause or cure, however, combined with conflicting medical opinions, make it difficult for parents to know how best to help their children.
"A lot of parents feel guilty," he said. "They feel like (their child's disorder resulted from) something they did, something they give their child — like vaccines."
Petersen said more than 14 studies now show that vaccines aren't the real answer to the autism "epidemic."
However, more than half of the parents at the Salt Lake City facility at one time accepted the now-questioned study, he said.
"We've tried to be evidence-based and supportive of parental concern," Petersen said.
Many once-hopeful cures and causes over the years put parents of autistic children on an emotional roller coaster, he said.
"My fear is that rather than accept this, the hard-core believing parents will see this as another sequence in the conspiracy between government and drug companies who manufacture vaccines," Petersen said.
Contributing: Jared Page
e-mail: jboal@desnews.com