Research Article
Melinda Vanya, Szili Karoly, S
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social, communication impairments and stereotyped patterns of behaviour. Recent studies to suggest that parental age and obstetric conditions are associated with an increased risk of ASD. Although not proven as independent risk factors for ASD, precise assessments of exposures and potential confounders scarcely have been investigated. Methods: The present retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to assess the effects of maternal age, medical conditions, pregnancy outcomes and prenatal exposure on the risk of ASD. A total of 43 children with ASD clinically diagnosed according to the DSM IV criteria between 2010 and 2012 were recruited. The following data were collected: clinical psychiatric data, data of cognitiv tests, obstetric history of the mother including age, medical conditions, drug use during pregnancy, ultrasonographic measurements each trimester of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Statistical comparisons of different parameters on the case group (n=43) and the neurologically healthy control group (n=182) were assessed. Results: The average age of the case and control group were 29.53 ± 5.1 years and 29.67 ± 8.54. Ultrasonographic parameters (NT:1.35 ± 0.42; CRL:53.64 ± 11.48; thorax: 23.38 ± 7.39; length of humerus: 13.56 ± 7.57; length of femur:13.76 ± 7.1) were in the normal range. Pre-existing hypertension and diabetes mellitus were more prevalent among the case group than among the healthy women p=0.007; p<0.001. The rate of miscarriages, per vias naturales delivery and pre-eclampsia were significantly higher among the case group than among the control group (p=0.001; p=0.023; p=0.021). There was no significant difference between the two groups from the aspects of the low birth weight, caesarean section. Conclusion: In contrast with recent publications, there were no significant differences in maternal age, low birth weight and pre-existing hypertension between the two groups. Our results are in accordance with those of previous studies from the aspect of the risk of diabetes mellitus, the elevated risk of miscarriages and caesarean section.