I.R.I. v. HHS - MMR, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / mitochondrial disease / SCAD deficiency / encephalopathy (2015)

Petitioners alleged that the MMR, DTaP, Hib, and varicella vaccines administered on March 13, 2008, significantly aggravated a pre-existing mitochondrial disease and caused I.R.I. to suffer injuries, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mitochondrial disease, SCAD deficiency, and encephalopathy. The Special Master found that the petitioners failed to establish a definitive diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder or SCAD deficiency. The petitioners also failed to establish a Table encephalopathy claim, as the medical evidence did not support the onset of symptoms within the required timeframes and did not meet the severity criteria for a Table encephalopathy. For off-Table causation, the petitioners' theory was that the DTaP vaccine interacted with an underlying mitochondrial disorder, causing an immune reaction, which then interacted with the MMR vaccine, leading to brain hypoxia and subsequent encephalopathy and developmental disorders. This theory was not supported by any expert medical opinion, treating physician's opinion, or medical literature. The Special Master noted that the petitioners' causation theory confused timing with causation and failed to establish a logical sequence of cause and effect or a proximate temporal relationship between the vaccinations and the alleged injuries. The case was dismissed for failure to prosecute due to repeated non-compliance with court orders to provide medical records and evidence, and alternatively, the petition was denied on the merits for failure to establish entitlement to compensation. The decision date was April 14, 2015. Attorneys for the parties were not named in the public decision. No award was granted.