(18-04-12) Autism More Frequent in Kids Whose Mothers Have Metabolic Conditions

Autism spectrum disorder is more common among children of mothers with diabetes, hypertension, or obesity during pregnancy, according to a case-control study in Pediatrics.
Researchers studied some 1000 California children ages 2 to 5 years who were enrolled in a population-based study: 500 had autism spectrum disorder, 200 had developmental delay, and 300 with typical development served as controls. Their mothers were questioned about whether they had metabolic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, or obesity) during pregnancy.
Overall, children whose mothers had one of these metabolic conditions were at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (odds ratio, 1.61) or developmental delay (OR, 2.35). Although when assessed individually, only obesity was significantly associated with these developmental concerns after adjusting for confounders.
The authors conclude: "Our findings raise concerns that these maternal conditions may be associated with neurodevelopmental problems in children and therefore could have serious public health implications."

Source: Pediatrics April 9, 2012

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.