Aim: Bumetanide, a diuretic, influences neuronal chloride homeostasis and potentially restores GABAergic inhibition and neuronal signalling balance. This mechanism may contribute to improvements in autism-related symptoms. The present study builds on the preclinical research and on previous clinical research on bumetanide treatment for children with autism.
Methods: Fifteen children (10 boys, 5 girls), aged 4-12 years with a clinically confirmed autism diagnosis, with and without intellectual disability and with and without ADHD were enrolled in this 9-month randomised waitlist-control study. Participants were randomly assigned to either begin bumetanide treatment immediately or wait 3 months before starting. Parents completed rating scales assessing symptoms, behaviours and functioning at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 months.
Results: Two children had to be excluded in the first treatment period with bumetanide due to emerging behavioural problems. Of the remaining 13, 4 discontinued after the 4-6 months period with bumetanide, and 9 completed the full 9-month study. According to parent reports, 4 of these 9 children experienced significant clinical improvements, leading parents to opt for continued bumetanide treatment for their child after study completion.
Conclusion: This small, waitlist-control study provides further support that bumetanide may have beneficial effects for some children with autism.
Keywords: autism; bumetanide; children; treatment study.
© 2025 The Author(s). Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.