Perinatal and familial factors associated with intellectual disability/global developmental delay: A multicenter
Jia Gao1, Wenya Pang1, Lirong Qian1
1Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Ninth Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Medicine
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Familial history and perinatal complications like prolonged labor, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal hypertension increase the risk of intellectual disability (ID) and global developmental delay (GDD). Early risk assessment and intervention are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Intellectual disability (ID) and global developmental delay (GDD) are significant neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Modifiable perinatal risk factors for ID/GDD are underexplored in Chinese populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify independent familial and perinatal risk factors for ID/GDD in a multicenter Chinese cohort.
- Standardize terminology for language impairment comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, frequency-matched case-control study involving 412 children with ID/GDD and 824 controls.
- Diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria and developmental assessments.
- Unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Six independent risk factors identified: family history, gestational hypertension, cesarean delivery, prolonged labor, neonatal asphyxia, and postpartum hemorrhage.
- Prolonged labor, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal hypertension were significant modifiable perinatal risks.
- 62.6% of cases had at least one comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- Familial predisposition and modifiable perinatal complications are associated with increased ID/GDD risk.
- Enhanced obstetric surveillance, neonatal resuscitation, and family history assessment can aid in early risk stratification and prevention.
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