Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

11.5K

Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Individuals Born Preterm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of

Bo Yang1, Nina Zaks2, Eero Kajantie3,4,5,6

  • 1JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science
|July 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Preterm children face higher autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risks. Male sex is a confirmed risk factor, with low birth weight showing potential association. More research is needed to clarify ASD causes in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is linked to increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk.
  • Determinants of ASD in preterm infants are not well understood.
  • This study systematically reviews risk factors for ASD in preterm populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize population-based literature on ASD risk factors in preterm-born individuals.
  • To identify consistent risk factors through systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • To highlight knowledge gaps in ASD etiology for preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
  • Inclusion of 19 population-based studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional).
  • Meta-analysis of risk factors examined in at least two studies, following PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Male sex identified as a significant risk factor for ASD in preterm infants (RR 3.04).
  • Low birth weight suggested a potential association with ASD.
  • Neonatal jaundice showed no clear link; other factors examined in limited studies.

Conclusions:

  • Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding ASD risk factors in preterm infants.
  • Male sex is the only consistent risk factor identified.
  • Further research is crucial to understand ASD etiology differences between preterm and term-born individuals.
Abstract

Keywords:
ASDAutism spectrum disorderMeta-analysisPopulation-basedPreterm birthSystematic review

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

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

Published on: May 17, 2024

721
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.4K

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.
339
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....
294
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
117
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
149
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
190
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.8K