We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Preterm Birth Linked to Increased Risk of Autism

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Aug 2021
Print article
Image: Pre-term birth can lead to higher risk of ASD (Photo courtesy of CanStockPhoto)
Image: Pre-term birth can lead to higher risk of ASD (Photo courtesy of CanStockPhoto)
Preterm and early birth is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), independent of genetic or environmental factors, according to a new study.

Researchers at Lund University (LU; Malmö, Sweden) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (MSSM; New York, NY, USA) conducted a national cohort study that included all 4,061,795 singleton infants born in Sweden during 1973–2013 who survived to age one year, and who were followed-up for ASD, as identified from nationwide outpatient and inpatient diagnoses through 2015. The study wished to examine whether gestational age at birth was associated with ASD. Co-sibling analyses were used to assess the influence of unmeasured shared familial (genetic and/or environmental) factors.

The results showed that ASD prevalence, as reflected by gestational age at birth, were 6.1% for extremely preterm (22–27 weeks), 2.6% for very to moderate preterm (28–33 weeks), 1.9% for late preterm (34–36 weeks), 2.1% for all preterm (lower than 37 weeks), 1.6% for early term (37–38 weeks), and 1.4% for term (39–41 weeks) births. Adjusted prevalence ratios comparing extremely preterm, all preterm, or early term (versus term) were 3.72, 1.35, and 1.11 in boys, and 4.19, 1.53, and 1.16, among girls, respectively. These associations were only slightly offset after controlling for shared familial factors. The study was published in the August 2021 issue of Pediatrics.

“Children born prematurely need early evaluation and long-term follow-up to facilitate timely detection and treatment of autism, especially those born at the earliest gestational ages,” said lead author Casey Crump, MD, PhD, of MSSM. “More research is needed to understand the biologic mechanisms linking preterm birth with higher risks of autism. In patients of all ages, gestational age at birth should be routinely included in history-taking and medical records to help identify in clinical practice those born preterm or early term.”

ASD affects six per 1,000 children, and occurs more often among boys than girls. ASD affect three different areas of a child's life - social interaction, communication (both verbal and non-verbal), and behaviors and interests. The three main types are Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and autistic disorder. The DSM -5 also included two rare but severe autistic-like conditions, called Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Related Links:
Lund University
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai


Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Gold Member
Solid State Kv/Dose Multi-Sensor
AGMS-DM+
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Thyroid Shield
Standard Thyroid Shield

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.