Pre and perinatal predictors on autism spectrum disorders: a case-control study in the west of Iran
Ensiyeh Jenabi1,2, Amir Mohammad Salehi3, Erfan Ayubi4
1Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Insights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) predictors in Iran include male gender, small for gestational age, maternal diabetes, and family mental health history. Early screening is crucial for at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
- Genetics and Environmental Factors
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with numerous potential pre and perinatal predictors.
- Limited data exists on the specific direction and strength of these predictors within the Western Iranian population.
- Understanding regional predictors is vital for targeted early detection and intervention strategies for ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify significant pre and perinatal predictors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children residing in Western Iran.
- To provide region-specific data to inform clinical screening and diagnostic practices for ASD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Hamadan, Western Iran, involving 100 children diagnosed with ASD and 100 matched controls.
- Data on pre and perinatal factors were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through maternal interviews.
- Multivariable analysis was employed to determine the statistical significance of identified predictors.
Main Results:
- Male gender was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of ASD (OR: 3.51).
- Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) showed a higher risk (OR: 3.92).
- Maternal history of diabetes (OR: 3.51) and a family history of mental disorders (OR: 3.64) were also significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights key pre and perinatal factors, including male gender, SGA, maternal diabetes, and family mental health history, as significant ASD predictors in Western Iran.
- Recommendations include enhanced screening and monitoring for ASD in infants exhibiting these risk factors.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these findings and refine predictive models.
Introduction:
The constellation of pre and perinatal predictors are introduced as predictor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), however, the information about the direction and strength of these predictors are lacking in Western, Iran. The current study aimed to determine the pre and perinatal predictors of ASD among children in this region.
Methods:
This case-control study was conducted in Hamadan, Western Iran during January to March 2022. The study included 100 children with ASD who referred to the autism center as case group. Hundred children without ASD from registration system of health service centers were selected as control group and were matched (1:1) to cases by age and place of residency. A structured questionnaire about pre and perinatal predictors of ASD was developed by an expert panel. The questionnaire was administered by interviewing the mothers of children.
Results:
Boy gender (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.74-7.10, p-value < 0.001), small for gestational age (SGA) (3.92, 1.64-9.39, 0.002), maternal diabetes (3.51, 1.03-24.95, 0.04) and family history of mental disorders (3.64, 1.18-11.27, 0.04) were identified as significant predictors in a multivariable analysis.
Conclusion:
Our study emphasizes on the importance of screening and monitoring for ASD in the boys, those with history of SGA, from mothers with history of diabetes and with family history of mental disorders. Proposing the replication of findings emphasizes the necessity of conducting studies with larger sample sizes.
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