Association of Prenatal Ultrasonography and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is rising, coinciding with increased prenatal ultrasound use.
• Limited research exists on the safety and developmental effects of prenatal ultrasonography.
• Animal studies suggest prenatal ultrasound may negatively impact neuronal migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify prenatal ultrasound exposure in children with ASD, developmental delay, and typical development.
• To investigate the relationship between ultrasound exposure parameters (frequency, timing, duration, strength) and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 107 children with ASD, 104 with developmental delay, and 209 with typical development.
• Retrospective analysis of medical records for prenatal care and delivery at Boston Medical Center.
• Quantification of ultrasound exposure included scan number, timing, duration, depth, and imaging types (Doppler, 3D/4D).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the number of ultrasound scans between ASD and control groups.
• Children with ASD had shorter ultrasound exposure durations in the first and second trimesters compared to typical development controls.
• The ASD group exhibited greater mean ultrasonographic penetration depth in the first and second trimesters compared to typical development controls.

Conclusions:

• Increased mean depth of prenatal ultrasonographic penetration was observed in children with ASD.
• Further investigation is warranted to determine if other ultrasound exposure variables impact fetal development and contribute to ASD risk.