The Importance of Detecting Folate Receptor Autoantibodies in Pregnancy
Detecting folate receptor autoantibodies (FRα-Ab) in pregnancy is key to preventing NTDs, miscarriage, and complications despite normal folate levels.
Early Detection - Early Intervention - Optimal Outcomes
The early detection of folate receptor autoantibodies is necessary because it can lead to timely diagnosis and appropriate management of conditions associated with these autoantibodies. Folate receptor autoantibodies have been found in Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia, Depression and Neural Tube Defects, among other neurodevelopmental disorders.
FRAT® - developed in the lab of Dr. Edward Quadros at the State University of NY (SUNY Downstate) is the only assay available that can screen for BOTH blocking and binding folate receptor autoantibodies. FRAT®, as published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and used in numerous clinical trials, is the world’s leading diagnostic to detect these specific autoantibodies.
The timely initiation of appropriate treatment, such as alternate reduced folates and/or dietary adjustments, may lead to optimal outcomes and improved overall prognosis for the individual.
As with any medical test, the interpretation of the results and the subsequent treatment plan should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Science
We continuously research the significance of folate receptor autoantibodies and their implications in various neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Lives Tranformed by FRAT®
I gave my child 2mg of folinic acid daily for two months and the recent switch to Leucovorin represents an increase in dose and pharmaceutical quality. However, since adding the Leucovorin (cutting and crushing the tablet) at 5 mg administered with a split dose daily (2.5mg each dose), My child has demonstrated observable improvement in the past 3 days alone. My wife cried yesterday, and I sobbed with tears of hope and joy.
In 5 1/2 years My child has only acquired one expressive word – “Yum”. Historically speech therapy has not helped whatsoever, and he won’t even mimic sounds. However Yesterday, he learned and appropriately repeated and initiated two new words!!!!!!.
He then woke me up in the middle of the night and wanted me to get on the floor and play with him. He has a ton of toys and never touches them. He has never before initiated play with toys and has never wanted me to get on the floor and play with him and, Yesterday, My child ran up to me with outstretched arms and wanted me to pick him up and hold him while maintaining eye contact during the entire approach.
He made more eye contact than I’ve ever seen him make. He smiled when I smiled at him. Thank you friend!
BTW, I’m a trained neuro and forensic psychologist. This is no placebo.
BERRY BECKMAN
"What does a central nervous system deprived of a key nutrient look like? In my case, it looked like bipolar disorder, psychosis, and a personality disorder. This presentation led to heavy-handed and wildly ineffective treatments. Fortunately, I found integrative clinicians like Dr. Mary and Dr. Steve Rondeau at the Wholeness Center. They saw my failure to respond to standard care as a clue that something benign might actually soothe my nervous system and reduce my aggressive, bipolar, and psychotic behaviors.
By running a FRAT® test, we discovered that my brain and body were unable to absorb folate-a B9 vitamin. Years of my life were spent on toxic treatments without symptom remission. With the right diagnostics, we found objective data showing what was beneath my neuropsychiatric symptoms. This restored my health and dignity.
The FRAT® test revealed a positive folate receptor autoantibody that inhibited folate binding at the receptor site, in addition to a homozygous MTHFR mutation. With deeper diagnostic testing, we could finally correct the course of treatment and provide a form of folate that crossed the blood-brain barrier to feed my hungry CNS.
I wish every clinician treating patients with mood and behavioral symptoms would screen for this antibody to ensure humane, dignified, and effective treatment."
CELESTE BRINKERHOFF
“FRAT® changed the course of my daughter’s life and our family’s. A simple blood test led our physician on the right path for treatment and today she is thriving! As a parent, you can’t ask for anything more. This would not have happened if we didn’t use FRAT® to screen for folate receptor autoantibodies. We are forever grateful!”
DEANNA H.
“Having a child with ASD is challenging. Even more challenging is navigating what programs, treatments, therapies, and diets will help them improve; this was overwhelming for us at first. We are so thankful for our knowledgeable doctor and for the FRAT® test because our child has improved in so many facets – his speech, his socialization, his attention span – it has been remarkable. Thank you, again.”
MAXWELL M.
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