Clinical Report: Prescription Trends of Leucovorin for Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Overview
Revise to specify the timeline of the announcement and its correlation with prescription trends.
Background
Leucovorin, a form of folic acid, has been suggested as a potential treatment for speech-related deficits in children with ASD, although large-scale studies confirming its efficacy are lacking. The recent surge in interest and prescriptions following public endorsements raises concerns about the appropriateness of its use in this population. Understanding prescribing trends is crucial for ensuring safe and effective treatment practices.
Data Highlights
Time Period
Prescriptions per 100,000 Encounters
Jan 2023 - Jan 2025
34.1
Aug 2025
335.2
Nov 2025
835.4
Key Findings
Leucovorin prescription rates remained stable for two years before increasing sharply in early 2025.
After the September 2025 announcement, prescriptions rose over 24-fold compared to the previous two years.
Data included 838,801 patients with ASD contributing over 11 million outpatient encounters.
Prescription rates plateaued but remained elevated in late 2025 and early 2026.
Media coverage and public endorsements may have influenced prescribing behaviors significantly.
Clinical Implications
Highlight the importance of following clinical guidelines and the risks associated with off-label use.
Conclusion
Reinforce the need for further research and the impact of external factors on prescribing practices.
