Association between preeclampsia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a population-based and sibling-matched...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Child Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• The relationship between preeclampsia and ADHD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preeclampsia and the subsequent development of ADHD in offspring.
• To control for genetic and familial confounding factors in this association.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large Swedish registry cohort of over 2 million children.
• Defined preeclampsia using ICD codes and/or small for gestational age (SGA) status.
• Diagnosed ADHD via national patient or prescribed drug registers.
• Employed multivariate Cox regression and sibling-matched analyses.

Main Results:

• Preeclampsia exposure was associated with an increased likelihood of ADHD (HR: 1.15).
• The combination of preeclampsia and SGA showed a stronger association with ADHD (HR: 1.43).
• Sibling-matched analyses confirmed these associations, indicating independence from shared familial factors.

Conclusions:

• Preeclampsia and preeclampsia/SGA are associated with an increased risk of ADHD.
• The association persists independently of shared genetic and familial factors.
• Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors and at-risk infants.