Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

574

Correlation analysis of maternal condition during pregnancy with head circumference and autism spectrum disorder: A

Lei Liu1, Shichun Zhao2

  • 1Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.

Medicine
|February 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy was linked to a lower risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and abnormal head circumference (HC) in offspring. This suggests FA may play a protective role in neurodevelopment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric health
  • Maternal health

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Abnormal head circumference (HC), including macrocephaly and microcephaly, is observed in some children with ASD.
  • Maternal health status and prenatal factors are increasingly recognized as potential influences on ASD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal health status during pregnancy and the risk of ASD and abnormal HC in offspring.
  • To examine the specific role of folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy in relation to ASD and HC outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Observational case-control study design.
  • Inclusion of Han children diagnosed with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls.
  • Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for confounding factors.
  • Data collection via physical measurements and maternal questionnaires on risk factors and FA supplementation.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher incidence of macrocephaly (22.0% vs 1.8%) and microcephaly (17.1% vs 1.8%) in children with ASD compared to TD controls.
  • Maternal FA supplementation during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of ASD (OR=3.69) and abnormal HC (macrocephaly: OR=8.13; microcephaly: OR=4.16).
  • Overall incidence of abnormal HC was higher in the ASD group than in the TD group.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormal head circumference is more prevalent in children with ASD.
  • Maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may have a protective effect against the development of ASD and abnormal HC in offspring.
  • Further research into maternal health status and its impact on ASD etiology is warranted.

More Related Videos

A Novel Experimental and Analytical Approach to the Multimodal Neural Decoding of Intent During Social Interaction in Freely-behaving Human Infants11:14

A Novel Experimental and Analytical Approach to the Multimodal Neural Decoding of Intent During Social Interaction in Freely-behaving Human Infants

Published on: October 4, 2015

10.9K
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.5K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
93
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.3K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
68