Abstract
Objectives
To compare antenatal, natal and postnatal factors among children between 2–6 y of age with autism and a control group of normal children.
Methods
One hundred and forty three confirmed cases of 2–6 y-old children with autism, attending autism clinic of Child Development Centre, who had a CARS score of ≥ 30 were included in the study. Two hundred normal children in the same age group were recruited from the well-baby/immunization clinic of SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Data was collected using a structured pre-piloted questionnaire consisting of 21 antenatal, 8 natal and 6 postnatal risk factors.
Results
The multivariate analysis on antenatal, natal and postnatal possible risk factors for autism showed statistically significant high odds ratios for (i) excess fetal movement (OR = 11.44; 95 % CI: 2.85 – 45.98); (ii) maternal respiratory infection/asthma (OR = 6.11; 95 % CI: 1.56–24.02; (iii) maternal vaginal infection (OR = 5.20; 95 % CI: 1.72 – 15.73); (iv) maternal hypothyroidism (OR = 4.25; 95 % CI: 1.38–13.07) and (v) family history of neuro-developmental disorders (OR = 2.90; 95 % CI: 1.72 – 4.88).
Conclusions
This case control study involving 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children has shown that excess fetal movement, maternal respiratory infection/asthma, maternal vaginal infection, maternal hypothyroidism and family history of neuro-developmental disorders are possible risk factors for autism.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and support received from staff of Child Development Centre, Kerala, specially Dr. G. Suresh Kumar, Registrar; Ms. Prasanna G.L, Developmental Therapist; Ms. Deepa N.R, PS to Director; Mr. Asokan N, PA to Director; Ms. Suja S, Junior Programmer; CDC, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, in conduction of this study.
Conflict of Interest
None.
Source of Funding
This study is supported by Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
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George, B., Padmam, M.S.R., Nair, M.K.C. et al. CDC Kerala 13: Antenatal, Natal and Postnatal Factors Among Children (2–6 y) with Autism – A Case Control Study. Indian J Pediatr 81 (Suppl 2), 133–137 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1594-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1594-1