Children and the Marshall Protocol

Children with a range of diseases and conditions can be treated with the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP). There are more than a dozen in the study cohort who are doing well, and many others who are being treated by family physicians, not part of the formal study.

Diagonostic tests used to confirm presence of Th1 inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. in children are the same as those used for an adult: the D-metabolites. 1,25-DPrimary biologically active vitamin D hormone. Activates the vitamin D nuclear receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of 25-D. Also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitirol. is helpful to estimate the bacterial load. The MP may also be used as a therapeutic probe to confirm Th1 inflammation.

Physicians readily prescribe minocyclineBacteriostatic antibiotic used by Marshall Protocol patients. for teenage acne, so it may be helpful to suggest mention this, and suggest that the child's physician try a therapeutic probeA brief trial of the Marshall Protocol to see if it will generate an immunopathological response. The "gold standard" for testing whether a patient is a good candidate for the MP. with pulsed minocycline. After the physician understands that immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed. comes from the Th1 inflammation, future strategies for healing can be discussed in more detail.

When considering any treatment plan, physician (and the patient) should weigh the risks versus the benefits. When compared to other protocols or medications that sick children are customarily given for Th1 inflammatory disease, the decision to go with the MP is usually self-evident. physicians can find support for managing a child by posting in the MP Health Professionals Forum. Physicians may also directly contact Trevor Marshall by phone.

If a child is only mildly symptomatic and the parent is more concerned about preventing future health problems, it may be more difficult to find a supportive physician. On the other hand, children whose health problems are caught early seem to respond well enough to minocycline alone, with a Phase 2 antibiotic administered intermittently. But multiple antibiotics alone do not have enough power to deal with clinically-symptomatic patients. As the infection gets worse, olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. becomes essential, and the children need the full MP.

…..kids who are showing only early symptoms will probably not suffer as much from photosensitivityAbnormal sensitivity to sunlight and bright lights. Also referred to as "sun flare" or "light flare.", and most will not generate enough immunopathology for the symptoms to become a major issue.

Trevor Marshall, PhD

Olmesartan (Benicar) is a critical part of the MP. It both activates the immune system and it protects the body's organs. It is not optional if a patient is symptomatic.

The olmesartan (Benicar) dosage for a child should be considered on an individual basis, case by case. The amount of olmesartan (Benicar) needed to provide a satisfactory inflammatory blockade may vary slightly depending on the bacterial load, the rate at which 1,25-D is manufactured in the macrophages, the rate of metabolism by the liver or location of the inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.. The physician will consider symptoms, lab work and the level of 1,25-D when deciding the correct dose for a child. The more seriously ill children will most probably need the same dose of Benicar as do the seriously-ill adults.

Minocycline is the backbone of the MP antibiotic protocol. Children should begin taking 25mg of minocycline every other day as per the Phase One Guidelines, just as adults do. Our study determined that this is the optimum starting dose for both children and adults.

Minocycline can discolor developing teeth in children.

Minocycline is safely being used in a study of autistic children.

I have contacted the researchers doing the minocycline NIMH study with ASD children in America and they advise the following methods are being used to give mino to the study children:

Capsules for children that can swallow; and for those that can't:

• an oral suspension - a compounded syrup of 50 mg of mino in 5 ml of syrup; or
• mino powder emptied from the capsule and sprinkled on food.

The children will be given mino at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg and no more than 100 mg per day. This is one-half of the dose considered to be safe in the long-term treatment of acne in adolescents and young adults. The mino will be given for 6 months with a further 3 months for responders.

Parent of MP patient

Minocycline alone is inadequate to induce recovery from the more serious Th1 inflammatory diseases (including ASD). The VDRThe Vitamin D Receptor. A nuclear receptor located throughout the body that plays a key role in the innate immune response. must be made do its job properly by using the agonist olmesartan (Benicar).

The child's physician will probably want to monitor a child MP patient closely.

A child will need to take the same light avoidance precautions as an adult. This may be problematic for the school-aged child who is not home-schooled. Teenagers who are concerned about appearance can now purchase attractive sunglasses from the recommended manufacturers. Opportunities for socialization and family fun will need to be scheduled indoors or between dusk and dawn.

It will be important to reduce 25-DThe vitamin D metabolite widely (and erroneously) considered best indicator of vitamin D "deficiency." Inactivates the Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of vitamin D3 in the liver. in a child on the MP to a therapeutic 12ng/ml while ensuring an adequate intake of calcium for growing bones. Parents of a child on the MP must carefully supervise the child's diet to ensure compliance with MP dietary restrictions. Lack of dietary vitamin D does not cause rickets.

• Checklist for starting MP
• Familial aggregation of chronic diseases

Doreen V. (patient's mother)

autism, ADHD, depression, severe anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Read the interview

Robyn Russell (patient's mother)

Lyme, myoclonus

Read the interview

Interviews of patients with other diseases are also available.