Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent developmental disorder affecting individuals worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that one in 100 children has autism, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a higher prevalence of one in 36 children in the United States. A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology by Ellouk et al., analyzing data from nearly 115,000 deliveries over 12 years in Israel, found no significant link between preterm birth and autism in childhood.
The researchers examined the occurrence of ASD diagnoses in offspring based on their delivery period, categorizing births into three groups: early preterm (<34 weeks), late preterm (34-37 weeks), and term (37-42 weeks). The study utilized records from hospital and community clinics spanning from 2005 to 2017. Out of the 114,975 pregnancies analyzed, 0.3% were extremely preterm (< 28 weeks), 0.6% were very preterm (28 to just under 32 weeks), 6% were moderate to late preterm (32 to just under 37 weeks), and the remaining 93% were delivered at term (37 to 42 weeks). Initially, the analysis revealed a seemingly significant association between preterm delivery and the occurrence of autism (1.6% for extreme preterm, 0.3% for very preterm, 0.8% for moderate to late preterm, and 0.7% for term deliveries).
The researchers conducted a detailed analysis by considering various factors that could have influenced the results, such as ethnicity, small for gestational age, maternal age, and the gender of the infant. Upon adjusting for these confounding variables, the research team concluded that there is no significant link between preterm delivery and autism. The refined results suggest that the initial association between preterm delivery and autism was possibly influenced by these confounding factors. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough statistical adjustments to draw accurate conclusions from such studies.
The study challenges previous hypotheses linking gestational age at birth with the likelihood of developing ASD. However, while this study provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for continued research in this area. Further investigations should explore additional factors that may influence the development of ASD, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and prenatal complications. Such efforts are crucial for developing targeted interventions and support strategies for individuals and families affected by ASD.
Reference
Ellouk S, Zamstein O, Wainstock T, Sheiner E. 23 Investigating the Association between Preterm Delivery and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Childhood. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2024 Jan 1;230(1):S18.