ASSOCIATION OF PERINATAL RISK FACTORS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE, MUMBAI

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and social dysfunction. Their onset occurs in early childhood and during this period, there are various factors associated with autism risk. Hence,the present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of various perinatal risk factors and its association with ASD in children. Methods: This was a retrospective study, included 200 cases of ASD over 5 years registered in pediatric neurodevelopment clinic at TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai. Study population divided in two groups- cases of ASD with perinatal risk factor and cases of ASD without perinatal risk factor. The prevalence of various perinatal risk factors in children with different grades of ASD calculated. Results: Based on ISAA score 149(74.5%) cases had mild autism and 51(25.5%) cases had moderate autism. The prevalence of various perinatal risk factors in children with different grades of ASD was found to be 79.5%(159/200). Pregnancy induced hypertension, bad obstetric history in mother were signicant risk factor for ASD. Lower segment caesarian section as mode of delivery was risk factor found to be associated more with mild form of autism, but statistically signicant association was found with vacuum delivery. We observed prematurity, low birth weight (LBW) and neonatal seizures as signicant risk factor, which may have contribution towards pathogenesis of ASD. Conclusion: The awareness between pediatrician and obstetrician about association of perinatal risk factors and ASD will denitely add to prevention and timely intervention of high risk patients.