Association of Autism with Maternal Infections, Perinatal and Other Risk Factors: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

This case-control study explores the association between pregnancy/birth complications and other factors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Lebanese subjects aged 2–18 years. Researchers interviewed 136 ASD cases from the American University of Beirut Medical Center Special Kids Clinic, and 178 controls selected by systematic digit dialing in the Greater-Beirut area. Male gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 3.9 [2.2–7.0]); postpartum feeding difficulties (2.5 [1.2–5.4]); maternal infections/complications during pregnancy (2.9 [1.5–5.5], 2.1 [1.1–3.9]); consanguinity (2.5 [1.0–6.0]); family history of psychiatric disorders (2.2 [1.1–4.4]) were risk factors for ASD. Being born first/second (0.52 [0.28–0.95]) and maternal psychological support during pregnancy (0.49 [0.27–0.89]) were negatively associated with ASD. Identifying ASD correlates is crucial for instigating timely screening and subsequent early intervention. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.