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DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597624
Association of Perinatal Risk Factors with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Publication History
02 August 2016
15 November 2016
Publication Date:
31 January 2017 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/ajp/201703/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0036-1597624_160361-1.jpg)
Abstract
Objective To examine the association between exposures to perinatal factors and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Study Design A retrospective cohort study of ASD among children born in Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals between 1991 and 2009 (n = 594,638). Medical records were used to determine exposure to perinatal (antepartum and intrapartum) complications. ASD was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).
Result Children with ASD were more likely to be exposed to perinatal complications (HR = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.21) than neurotypical children. Children exposed to antepartum (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.36) and intrapartum (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.17) complications were at increased risk of ASD. The risk was even greater when both antepartum and intrapartum conditions were present (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.26–1.63).
Conclusion Exposure to antepartum or intrapartum complications increases the risk of ASD in the offspring. Therefore, pregnancy complications may help identify children who could benefit from early screening and intervention for this common neurodevelopmental condition.
Note
This study is supported by Kaiser Permanente Direct Community Benefit Funds. The opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Funds.
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