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Gestational Age, Perinatal Characteristics, and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Birth Cohort Study

Jane E Brumbaugh1, Amy L Weaver2, Scott M Myers3

  • 1Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 26, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth is linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD-R). This association is reduced when considering infant and maternal factors, suggesting a complex interplay of influences on ASD-R development.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal epidemiology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorder research

Background:

  • Gestational age is a critical factor in infant development.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD-R) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Understanding perinatal risk factors for ASD-R is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between gestational age and research-identified autism spectrum disorder (ASD-R).
  • To examine the influence of perinatal risk factors on this association.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based cohort study of the 1994-2000 Olmsted County Birth Cohort.
  • ASD-R status determined from medical and educational records.
  • Cox proportional hazards models used to analyze associations between perinatal characteristics and ASD-R.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation) occurred in 8.6% of 7876 children.
  • Cumulative incidence of ASD-R was 3.8% by age 21.
  • Unadjusted analysis showed increased ASD-R risk for preterm births; adjusted models attenuated these associations. Maternal psychiatric disorder was associated with ASD-R.

Conclusions:

  • The elevated risk of ASD-R in preterm infants compared to full-term infants was diminished after accounting for infant and maternal characteristics.
  • Perinatal factors and maternal health play a significant role in the development of ASD-R.
Abstract

Keywords:
late termperinatalpopulation-basedpost-termpretermpsychiatric

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