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Preeclampsia: The silent catalyst for autism spectrum disorder in offspring

Zilin Mei1, Sha Yang1, Linjun Li1

  • 1Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.

Placenta
|July 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder, is linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Early-onset and severe cases may pose a greater risk, warranting further investigation into underlying biological mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition marked by hypertension and proteinuria.
  • A potential link between maternal preeclampsia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring has been hypothesized.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for maternal and child health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize epidemiological evidence on the association between preeclampsia and ASD.
  • To examine potential biological mechanisms linking preeclampsia to ASD.
  • To highlight areas for future research and inform clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of epidemiological studies.
  • Analysis of biological pathways implicated in fetal brain development.
  • Synthesis of existing literature on preeclampsia and neurodevelopment.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a significant association between maternal preeclampsia and an increased risk of ASD in offspring.
  • Early-onset and severe preeclampsia appear to confer a higher risk.
  • Biological mechanisms include inflammation, oxidative stress, and placental dysfunction affecting fetal brain development.

Conclusions:

  • Preeclampsia is a significant risk factor for ASD development in offspring.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate specific mechanisms and develop preventive strategies.
  • Optimizing pregnancy management for preeclampsia may have implications for ASD prevention.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderMaternal effectsPlacentaPreeclampsia

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