CDC Kerala 13: Antenatal, natal and postnatal factors among children (2-6 y) with autism--a case control study.

Abstract

To compare antenatal, natal and postnatal factors among children between 2-6 y of age with autism and a control group of normal children. 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. 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). 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.