I become sick to my stomach when I read reports such as this “DRAVET SYNDROME TREATMENT MARKET TO WITNESS A PRONOUNCE GROWTH DURING 2018 – 2026“. The doubling of Dravet Syndrome is extremely upsetting to read, because this suggests that there are epidemiological reasons that our children are being afflicted TWICE as much in incidence as the previous year. As many of you are aware, Dravet’s syndrome can include symptoms of infantile spasms and children diagnosed with the symptom face cognitive and developmental decline. Also, equally concerning is that the pharmaceutical companies identify this growth as an opportunity to increase their profitability.
The reporters of this article attributes the increase in Dravet Syndrom to the SCN1A genetic variance.
A recent U.S. epidemiology study concluded that Dravet syndrome incidence has increased to twice the previous year, affecting 1:15,700 infants, 80% of whom have an SCN1A mutation.
If you haven’t already, please read this article questioning the legitimacy of the SCN1A genetic variance causing Dravet Syndrome.
Is it the SCN1A mutation that’s causing infantile spasms, symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome? If so, how come not every child diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome has the SCN1A mutation? Furthermore, if it is entirely genetic then why has the ketogenic diet been effective for some children in stopping the symptoms associated with Dravet Syndrome? I ask this because I came across this insert for the Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis vaccine insert.
Per the insert, the Dtap (or DTP) is “INFANRIX® is indicated for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis as a 3 5-dose series in infants and children 6 weeks to 7 years of age (prior to seventh birthday).” The insert further states
4.3 Progressive Neurologic Disorder 53
Progressive neurologic disorder, including infantile spasms, uncontrolled epilepsy, or 54 progressive encephalopathy is a contraindication to administration of any pertussis-containing 55 vaccine, including INFANRIX. Pertussis vaccine should not be administered to individuals with 56 these conditions until a treatment regimen has been established and the condition has stabilized.
In other words, the DTap should not be administered to a child exhibiting symptoms with seizures/infantile spasms after the presence of symptoms. But could not using this vaccine prevent the onset of symptoms and an eventual diagnosis?
In this study “Vaccination and the Onset of Dravet Syndrome”, the researchers review existing studies and point the reader to this finding.
The present study expands the population reported on in 2006 and finds that of patients who eventually were diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, more than 27% had a seizure 1 to 3 days postvaccination, and for 58% of these, it was the first seizure and symptom of Dravet syndrome reported.
The researchers then argue that even though DTap (mainly the pertussis vaccine) may be a risk factor for children with the SCN1A genetic variance they conclude that the genetic variance predisposes children at risk to inevitably develop Dravet Syndrome. But does it? In Genomics,
Genes are the gun, environment pulls the trigger.
In other words, if the genetic variance can be turned on, it can be turned off. My focus is to address all potential risk factors with each child or adult I work with. Addressing infections, digestive imbalances, immune dysfunction and many other system imbalances have their challenges, but also evidence-based protocols. I’m working hard on identifying further supports to help relieve the stressful imbalances that arise from vaccinations.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
