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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Potential Risk Factors for Autism in Children Requiring Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Marília Barbosa de Matos1,2,3, Tiago S Bara2,3, Érico P G Felden4
1Department of Neuropediatrics, Children's Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Waldemar Monastier Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil.
Insights
This study identified seven risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children with neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) histories. These findings aid in understanding ASD etiology and developing interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology is complex, involving genetic and environmental interactions.
- Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for understanding ASD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors for ASD in infants with perinatal complications requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care.
- To analyze risk factors in a unique Brazilian cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 73 infants discharged from a NICU.
- Comparison of risk factors between 44 children with ASD and 29 without.
- Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Seven factors were associated with ASD: family history of neuropsychiatric disorders, maternal distress during pregnancy, prolonged NICU stay (≥26 days), extended feeding tube use (≥15 days), retinopathy of prematurity, multiple antibiotic courses (≥3), and co-sleeping until age 2.
- Significant p-values highlight these associations.
Conclusions:
- Specific risk factors during critical neurodevelopmental periods are associated with ASD diagnosis.
- Understanding these etiologic factors is vital for developing effective ASD intervention strategies and improving patient prognoses.
Background:
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and involves the interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Aim:
We sought to identify potential prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors for ASD in a unique population of children who had perinatal complications and required care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study included 73 patients discharged from a NICU who received long-term follow-up at the largest children's hospital in Brazil. Potential risk factors were compared between 44 children with a diagnosis of ASD and 29 children without using the Mann-Whitney U test. Proportions were analyzed using the chi-square test. Simple and multiple logistic regression tests were performed.
Results:
Of 38 factors analyzed, the following 7 were associated with ASD: family history of neuropsychiatric disorders (p = 0.049); maternal psychological distress during pregnancy (p = 0.007); ≥ 26 days in the NICU (p = 0.001); feeding tube for ≥ 15 days (p = 0.014); retinopathy of prematurity (p = 0.022); use of three or more antibiotics (p = 0.008); and co-sleeping until up to 2 years of age (p = 0.004).
Conclusion:
This study found associations between specific risk factors during critical neurodevelopmental periods and a subsequent diagnosis of ASD. Knowledge of the etiologic factors that may influence the development for ASD is paramount for the development of intervention strategies and improvement of prognoses.
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