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Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors associated with autism spectrum disorder

Imen Hadjkacem1, Héla Ayadi1, Mariem Turki1

  • 1University of Sfax, Hédi Chaker Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sfax, Tunisia.

Jornal De Pediatria
|August 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors are more common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Factors like male gender, infections, fetal distress, difficult labor, and respiratory issues are linked to ASD development.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health
  • Genetics and Environmental Factors

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.
  • Sibling comparison studies help elucidate genetic and environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • To compare the prevalence of these factors in children with ASD versus their unaffected siblings.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, comparative study involving 101 children (50 with ASD, 51 unaffected siblings).
  • ASD diagnosis confirmed using DSM-5 criteria.
  • Autism severity assessed with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

Main Results:

  • Children with ASD exhibited a higher prevalence of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors compared to siblings.
  • Significant associations found between perinatal (p=0.03) and postnatal (p=0.042) factors and ASD.
  • Key risk factors identified: male gender, prenatal UTI, acute fetal distress, difficult labor, and respiratory infections.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms a high prevalence of environmental risk factors in children with ASD.
  • Acute fetal distress and difficult labor are suggested as potential determinants in ASD genesis.
  • Further research into these factors may inform preventative measures for autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderChildCriançaFatores de riscoPerinatalPostnatalPrenatalPré-natalPós-natalRisk factorsTranstorno do espectro do autismo

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