Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the collective term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests. Many countries, including Australia, have reported a dramatic increase in the number of diagnoses over the past three decades, with current prevalence of ASD at 1 in every 110 individuals (~1%). The potential role for an immune-mediated mechanism in ASD has been implicated by several studies, and some evidence suggests a potential link between prenatal infection-driven inflammation and subsequent development of ASD. Furthermore, a modest number of contemporary studies have reported a markedly increased prevalence of ASD in children born preterm, who are at highest risk of exposure to perinatal inflammation. However, the mechanisms that underpin the susceptibility to infection-driven inflammation during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, and how these intersect with the subsequent development of ASD in the offspring, is not understood. This review aims to summarize and discuss the potential mechanisms and evidence for the role of prenatal infection on the central nervous system, and how it may increase the susceptibility for ASD pathogenesis in children born preterm.
Highlights
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the collective term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests (Association, 2000)
These same factors are associated with preterm birth, and it is important to note that a number of contemporary studies have reported an increased prevalence of ASD in preterm populations (Kolevzon et al, 2007)
We have summarized the extant research that preterm infants may be at increased risk of developing ASD, and how maternal infection/inflammation along with modifying gene-environment interactions may be a predisposing factor
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the collective term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests (Association, 2000). A range of perinatal exposures are associated with ASD, including heavy metal and pesticide exposure, stress, smoking, and use of anti-depressant medication during pregnancy and certain foods (Dietert et al, 2011). These same factors are associated with preterm birth, and it is important to note that a number of contemporary studies have reported an increased prevalence of ASD in preterm populations (Kolevzon et al, 2007). For children born between 34 and 36 weeks, all domains were affected (Movsas and Paneth, 2012)
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