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Prenatal and perinatal morbidity in children with Tourette syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Tamara Pringsheim1, Paul Sandor, Anthony Lang

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. tmprings@ucalgary.ca

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|March 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) and ADHD had higher odds of low birth weight and maternal smoking exposure. These factors may indicate shared neurobiology between TS and ADHD, suggesting preventative measures for expectant mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Tourette syndrome (TS) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur, but the reasons for this comorbidity are not fully understood.
  • Low birth weight is a recognized risk factor for ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pre- and perinatal risk factors and the presence of ADHD in children diagnosed with TS.
  • To identify specific maternal and infant morbidities that may contribute to the co-occurrence of TS and ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study design was employed, including children evaluated for TS at a specialized clinic.
  • Cases comprised children with both TS and ADHD, while controls had TS without ADHD.
  • Parent-completed questionnaires on pre- and perinatal exposures were used to gather data.

Main Results:

  • The study included 353 children (181 cases, 172 controls).
  • Children with TS and ADHD showed increased odds of low birth weight, prematurity, breathing issues, and maternal smoking exposure.
  • Multivariable analysis revealed significant adjusted odds ratios for low birth weight (2.74) and maternal smoking (2.43) in children with comorbid TS and ADHD.

Conclusions:

  • Low birth weight and maternal smoking are associated with a higher likelihood of comorbid ADHD in children with TS.
  • Shared risk factors suggest a potential common neurobiological basis for ADHD and tic-related disorders.
  • Recommendations include advising women with at-risk pregnancies to avoid smoking and preventable causes of low birth weight.
Abstract

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