Jon Poling

Last updated

Jon S. Poling
Born1970
Alma mater Georgetown University School of Medicine
SpouseTerry Poling
ChildrenHannah Poling
Scientific career
Thesis On the mechanism of potassium channel blockade by polyunsaturated fatty acids and cannabinoids  (1997)

Jon Poling is an American physician currently practicing in Athens, Georgia where he has worked at Athens Neurological Associates since 2001. He has also worked at Athens Regional Medical Center as the medical director of their apheresis unit since 2002. His area of expertise is autoimmune neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders such as neuropathy or Myasthenia Gravis. [1] He is the father of Hannah Poling, who received an injury compensation from the VICP in 2008 because Hannah manifested encephalopathy after being vaccinated by MMR. Hannah had underlying mitochondrial disease, which exacerbated her symptoms.

Contents

Education

Poling obtained his bachelor's degree from Boston University in 1991. In 1995, he was granted an NIH scholarship to attend the 1995 Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA to continue studying neurobiology. He obtained his MD and PhD both from Georgetown University School of Medicine, and both in 1997. He completed his residency in neurology at Johns Hopkins University's department of neurology in 2001.

Hannah Poling

Hannah, Jon's daughter, was born in 1999 and received five vaccines in one day in 2000 at the age of 19 months; this occurred because she had fallen behind on her vaccine schedule as a result of a series of ear infections. [2] According to Kathleen Seidel, the Poling family filed a case with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 25, 2002. [3] In 2006, Jon, along with three other researchers, all of whom were affiliated with Johns Hopkins at the time, published a case report and chart review retrospective series regarding the association of mitochondrial disease and autism in the Journal of Child Neurology . [4] In 2008, after the government conceded his daughter's vaccine injury case, Dr Poling said, “Many in the autism community and their champions believe that the result in this case may well signify a landmark decision as it pertains to children developing autism following vaccinations. This still remains to be seen, but currently there are almost 5,000 other cases pending.” [5] Hannah's case had originally been placed with the almost 5,000 Autism Omnibus cases pending hearing 5 years before her case was conceded administratively.

Others have speculated that in the Poling case, all that was really conceded was that "the vaccines, given to Hannah in 2000, aggravated a pre-existing condition [namely, mitochondrial disease] that then manifested as autism-like symptoms." [6] Similarly, Rahul K. Parikh contended that "...this was not a case of vaccines causing autism. Rather, this is a case where the court deemed it plausible that vaccines aggravated an underlying disease caused by bad mitochondria, and that some of the symptoms Hannah showed were similar to autism," [7] and Julie Gerberding said, "Let me be very clear that the government has made absolutely no statement indicating that vaccines are a cause of autism." [8] It has also been noted that Hannah's mitochondrial disease is very rare, [9] and that no evidence proves that it is possible for vaccines to cause or worsen mitochondrial diseases, with Chuck Mohan of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation noting that "there is very little scientific research in this area." [10] In addition, Paul Offit has argued that the VICP's concession to Hannah was "poorly reasoned" and contended that this program had "turned its back on science" in recent years. Offit also noted that "whereas it is clear that natural infections can exacerbate symptoms of encephalopathy in patients with mitochondrial enzyme deficiencies, no clear evidence exists that vaccines cause similar exacerbations." [11] Another unclear aspect of Hannah's case is whether she had a pre-existing mitochondrial disorder that vaccinations aggravated, or whether vaccinations caused that disorder. Hannah's mother, Terry Poling, has stated that "The government chose to believe the first theory," but added that "We don’t know that she had an underlying disorder." [8] However, the Polings' neurologist, Andrew Zimmerman, wrote in a letter to the Polings' attorneys that there was a pre-existing mitochondrial dysfunction. Dr. Zimmerman wrote, "The cause for regressive encephalopathy in Hannah at age 19 months was underlying mitochondrial dysfunction, exacerbated by vaccine-induced fever and immune stimulation that exceeded metabolic energy reserves."

On July 21, 2008, Steven Novella posted an article on Neurologica, his blog, in which he briefly mentioned the Poling case, saying, "The case was settled (not judged in Poling’s favor, but settled) because both sides realized it was a special case that could not be extrapolated to other vaccine-autism cases." [12] In response, Dr. Poling wrote a letter to Dr. Novella in which he states, among other things, that "The only thing unique about my little girl’s case is the level of medical documentation--5 to 20% of patients with ASDs have mitochondrial dysfunction." [13] Novella's response to this letter, posted on July 23, 2008, argued that "Hannah Poling’s history has many features that are not typical of autism – like a history of otitis media with frequent fevers, seizures, and what sounds like a rare encephalitis that probably did result from vaccines. Even if we put her mitochondrial mutation aside – this is not a typical case of autism." [14]

On September 3, 2010, autism blogger Matt Carey broke the story about the settlement deal including a $1.5M initial payment and an annuity to cover costs of the life care plan. [15]

Selected publications

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transverse myelitis</span> Medical condition of the spinal cord

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological condition wherein the spinal cord is inflamed. The adjective transverse implies that the spinal inflammation (myelitis) extends horizontally throughout the cross section of the spinal cord; the terms partial transverse myelitis and partial myelitis are sometimes used to specify inflammation that affects only part of the width of the spinal cord. TM is characterized by weakness and numbness of the limbs, deficits in sensation and motor skills, dysfunctional urethral and anal sphincter activities, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that can lead to episodes of high blood pressure. Signs and symptoms vary according to the affected level of the spinal cord. The underlying cause of TM is unknown. The spinal cord inflammation seen in TM has been associated with various infections, immune system disorders, or damage to nerve fibers, by loss of myelin. As opposed to leukomyelitis which affects only the white matter, it affects the entire cross-section of the spinal cord. Decreased electrical conductivity in the nervous system can result.

Encephalopathy means any disorder or disease of the brain, especially chronic degenerative conditions. In modern usage, encephalopathy does not refer to a single disease, but rather to a syndrome of overall brain dysfunction; this syndrome has many possible organic and inorganic causes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wernicke encephalopathy</span> Medical condition

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), also Wernicke's encephalopathy, or wet brain is the presence of neurological symptoms caused by biochemical lesions of the central nervous system after exhaustion of B-vitamin reserves, in particular thiamine (vitamin B1). The condition is part of a larger group of thiamine deficiency disorders that includes beriberi, in all its forms, and alcoholic Korsakoff syndrome. When it occurs simultaneously with alcoholic Korsakoff syndrome it is known as Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), also known as opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia (OMA), is a rare neurological disorder of unknown cause which appears to be the result of an autoimmune process involving the nervous system. It is an extremely rare condition, affecting as few as 1 in 10,000,000 people per year. It affects 2 to 3% of children with neuroblastoma and has been reported to occur with celiac disease and diseases of neurologic and autonomic dysfunction.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood, persist throughout adulthood, and affect three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction and restricted patterns of behavior. There are many conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy.

Hypotonia is a state of low muscle tone, often involving reduced muscle strength. Hypotonia is not a specific medical disorder, but a potential manifestation of many different diseases and disorders that affect motor nerve control by the brain or muscle strength. Hypotonia is a lack of resistance to passive movement, whereas muscle weakness results in impaired active movement. Central hypotonia originates from the central nervous system, while peripheral hypotonia is related to problems within the spinal cord, peripheral nerves and/or skeletal muscles. Severe hypotonia in infancy is commonly known as floppy baby syndrome. Recognizing hypotonia, even in early infancy, is usually relatively straightforward, but diagnosing the underlying cause can be difficult and often unsuccessful. The long-term effects of hypotonia on a child's development and later life depend primarily on the severity of the muscle weakness and the nature of the cause. Some disorders have a specific treatment but the principal treatment for most hypotonia of idiopathic or neurologic cause is physical therapy and/or occupational therapy for remediation.

Thiomersal is a mercury compound which is used as a preservative in some vaccines. Anti-vaccination activists promoting the incorrect claim that vaccination causes autism have asserted that the mercury in thiomersal is the cause. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The idea that thiomersal in vaccines might have detrimental effects originated with anti-vaccination activists and was sustained by them and especially through the action of plaintiffs' lawyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Causes of autism</span> Proposed causes of autism

The causes of autism are environmental or genetic factors that predispose an individual to develop autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many causes of autism have been proposed, but understanding of the theory of causation of autism is incomplete. Attempts have been made to incorporate the known genetic and environmental causes into a comprehensive causative framework. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impairments in communicative ability and social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities not suitable for the individual's developmental stage. The severity of symptoms and functional impairment vary between individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Offit</span> American pediatric immunologist

Paul Allan Offit is an American pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, vaccines, immunology, and virology. He is the co-inventor of a rotavirus vaccine. Offit is the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology, professor of pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, former chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases (1992–2014), and the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program</span> U.S. no-fault system for litigating vaccine injury claims

The Office of Special Masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, popularly known as "vaccine court", administers a no-fault system for litigating vaccine injury claims. These claims against vaccine manufacturers cannot normally be filed in state or federal civil courts, but instead must be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, sitting without a jury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steven Novella</span> American neurologist, skeptic (b. 1964)

Steven Paul Novella is an American clinical neurologist and associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine. Novella is best known for his involvement in the skeptical movement as a host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast and as the president of the New England Skeptical Society. He is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mady Hornig</span> American psychiatrist

Mady Hornig is an American psychiatrist and an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. A physician-scientist, her research involves clinical, epidemiological, and animal model research on autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. She directs the clinical core of an international investigation of the role of Borna disease virus in human mental illness and participates as a key investigator for the Autism Birth Cohort (ABC) project, a large prospective epidemiological study, based in Norway, that is identifying how genes and timing interact with environmental agents preceding the onset of autism spectrum diagnoses. In 2006, she was appointed as guest professor at the school of basic medical science of Beijing University in Beijing, China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy syndrome</span> Medical condition

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy syndrome (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease. It has been previously referred to as polyneuropathy, ophthalmoplegia, leukoencephalopathy, and POLIP syndrome. The disease presents in childhood, but often goes unnoticed for decades. Unlike typical mitochondrial diseases caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, MNGIE is caused by mutations in the TYMP gene, which encodes the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase. Mutations in this gene result in impaired mitochondrial function, leading to intestinal symptoms as well as neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities. A secondary form of MNGIE, called MNGIE without leukoencephalopathy, can be caused by mutations in the POLG gene.

<i>Autisms False Prophets</i> 2008 book by Paul Offit

Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure is a 2008 book by Paul Offit, a vaccine expert and chief of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The book focuses on the controversy surrounding the now discredited link between vaccines and autism. The scientific consensus is that no convincing scientific evidence supports these claims, and a 2011 journal article described the vaccine-autism connection as "the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classic autism</span> Neurodevelopmental condition

Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism,Kanner's syndrome, or just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.

<i>Cedillo v. Secretary of Health and Human Services</i> Legal case in United States Court of Federal Claims, decided February 12, 2009

Michelle Cedillo v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, also known as Cedillo, was a court case involving the family of Michelle Cedillo, an autistic girl whose parents sued the United States government because they believed that her autism was caused by her receipt of both the measles-mumps-and-rubella vaccine and thimerosal-containing vaccines. The case was a part of the Omnibus Autism Proceeding, where petitioners were required to present three test cases for each proposed mechanism by which vaccines had, according to them, caused their children's autism; Cedillo was the first such case for the MMR-and-thimerosal hypothesis.

Martha Herbert is an American physician and assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and pediatric neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Herbert is also director of the TRANSCEND program at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.

Daniel A. Rossignol, MD, FAAFP, is a family medicine doctor. Rossignol runs the Rossignol Medical Center, with offices in Melbourne, Florida and in Aliso Viejo, California. He also works at the Wisconsin Integrative Hyperbaric Center in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and is a member of the physician advisory board for The Autism Community in Action. Rossignol is known for his advocacy of certain autism therapies.

Richard Eugene Frye is an American autism researcher and associate professor at Arizona Children's Hospital in Phoenix, and formerly of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences's department of pediatrics, as well as the Director of the Autism Multispecialty Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Frye was formerly a faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's division of child and adolescent neurology.

Extensive investigation into vaccines and autism spectrum disorder has shown that there is no relationship between the two, causal or otherwise, and that the vaccine ingredients do not cause autism. Vaccinologist Peter Hotez researched the growth of the false claim and concluded that its spread originated with Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent 1998 paper, with no prior paper supporting a link.

References

  1. ↑ "Jon Poling". HANNAH Center Website. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Wallis, Claudia (10 March 2008). "Case Study: Autism and Vaccines". Time . Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  3. ↑ "Poling v. Secretary of Health and Human Services". Neurodiversity.com. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  4. ↑ Poling, J. S.; Frye, R. E.; Shoffner, J.; Zimmerman, A. W. (2006). "Developmental regression and mitochondrial dysfunction in a child with autism". Journal of Child Neurology. 21 (2): 170–172. doi:10.1177/08830738060210021401. PMC   2536523 . PMID   16566887.
  5. ↑ Poling, J. S. (2008). "Vaccines and Autism Revisited". New England Journal of Medicine. 359 (6): 655–656. doi:10.1056/NEJMc086269. PMID   18687652.
  6. ↑ Doheny, Kathleen (6 March 2008). "Dad in Autism-Vaccine Case Speaks Out". WebMD . Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  7. ↑ Parikh, Rahul K. (13 March 2008). "What the Poling Autism Case Means". Autism Watch . Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  8. 1 2 Harris, Gardiner (8 March 2008). "Deal in an Autism Case Fuels Debate on Vaccine". The New York Times . Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  9. ↑ Parker-Pope, Tara (12 April 2008). "Will a 9-Year-Old Change the Vaccine Debate?". The New York Times . Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  10. ↑ Stobbe, Mike (7 March 2008). "Analysis: Vaccine-autism link unproven". USA Today . Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  11. ↑ Offit, Paul A. (2008). "Vaccines and Autism Revisited — the Hannah Poling Case". New England Journal of Medicine. 358 (20): 2089–2091. doi: 10.1056/NEJMp0802904 . PMID   18480200.
  12. ↑ Novella, Steven (21 July 2008). "Celebrity Smackdown: Amanda Peet vs Jenny McCarthy". Neurologica Blog. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  13. ↑ "Dr. Jon Poling to Dr. Steven Novella: Don't Attack the Moms - AGE OF AUTISM".
  14. ↑ Novella, Steven (23 July 2008). "Autism and Vaccines: Responding to Poling and Kirby". Neurologica Blog. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  15. ↑ Carey, Matt (3 September 2010). "Damages awarded in the Poling case?". Left Brain Right Brain. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.