Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy and Childhood Autism or Other Developmental Outcomes
Zoe B Kaplan1, Elizabeth N Pearce2, Meghan Miller3,4
1Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
Summary
Maternal hypothyroid conditions during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. This study found a link between maternal hypothyroidism and higher odds of ASD diagnosis in a high-risk cohort.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Endocrinology
- Pregnancy health
Background:
- Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy is linked to cognitive issues in offspring.
- The impact of subclinical hypothyroidism and other maternal thyroid conditions on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
- To examine the relationship between maternal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels and child neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed data from the high ASD likelihood pregnancy cohort (MARBLES).
- Maternal thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid vs. euthyroid) was assessed using blood samples per trimester.
- Child outcomes included ASD diagnosis, non-typical development (non-TD), and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores, analyzed using multinomial logistic and quintile regressions.
Main Results:
- Maternal hypothyroid conditions were associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis compared to typical development (adjusted RRR = 3.40).
- Significant associations were observed between maternal hypothyroid conditions and non-TD, and between first-trimester TSH and ASD.
- No significant relationship was found between TSH or FT4 and preschool SRS scores.
Conclusions:
- Maternal hypothyroid conditions during pregnancy are linked to a higher likelihood of children developing ASD.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring maternal thyroid function during pregnancy, particularly in high-risk populations.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.
Keywords:
T4 thyroid hormoneautismchild development disordersdevelopmental origins of health and diseaseepidemiologic methodsthyroid‐stimulating hormoneMore Related Videos
07:13Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
Published on: March 25, 2016
09:09Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
Published on: August 17, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism 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.
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.
01:07Teratogenicity
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...
01:30Attention-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.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...