Perinatal factors associated with autistic spectrum disorder

• Main Authors: Asri Yuniastuti, Tunjung Wibowo, Djauhar Ismail
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indonesian Pediatric Society Publishing House 2014-06-01
• Series: Paediatrica Indonesiana
• Subjects: autistic spectrum disorder, prognostic factor, prematurity, asphyxia, Caesarean section
• Online Access: https://paediatricaindonesiana.org/index.php/paediatrica-indonesiana/article/view/513
• ISSN: 0030-9311; 2338-476X

Background The prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased in recent decades. The definitive causes of ASD have yet to be recognized. Howevei; it is believed that both genetic and non-genetic, as well as perinatal and post natal factors influence ASD. Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings. Objectives To assess for prematurity, birth weight, asphyxia, mode of delivery, bleeding during pregnancy, parental age and education, as prognostic factors for ASD. Methods We conducted a cross sectional study at schools for autistic children in Yogyakarta between February 2011 to October 2012. The inclusion criteria were children with and without ASD, whose parents consented to participate in this study. Children with genetic abnormalities or who planned to move away during the study period were excluded. A total of 48 subjects with ASD and 96 subjects without ASD were involved in this study. Data were obtained by direct interview using questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the hypoth esis. Results Multivariate analysis showed that prematurity was not a significant prognostic factor (RR 2.73; 95%CI 0.3 to 15.7) for ASD. Howevei; children born by Caesarean section were 5.4 times more likely to have ASD (RR 5.4; 95%CI 1.3 to 22.8) compared to those who were delivered vaginally or by vacuum extraction. Moreovet; asphyxia was also a significant prognostic factor for ASD (RR 8.7; 95%CI 1.9 to 38.6) . Conclusion Prematurity is not a risk factor for ASD. Asphyxia and Caesarean birth should be considered as potential confounders in this study.