Maternal and neonatal risk factors for autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study from Egypt

Abstract

Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing steadily in Egypt and worldwide. Detecting risk factors for ASD could help initiate screening and risk prevention approaches. Herein, this study aimed to detect several maternal and neonatal risk factors for ASD in Egypt. Methods In this case-control study, mothers of children with ASD who were visiting Beni-Suef University Hospital in Egypt (n = 268) were compared to mothers of children without ASD attending one primary school with a kindergarten (n = 504) regarding their preconception, conception, and postconception characteristics. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the possible associations between the collected data and the odds of ASD. Results In the multivariable-adjusted models, urban residence: OR (95% CI) = 2.33 (1.60–3.38), relative father: 2.63 (1.74–3.96), history of diabetes: 5.98 (1.99–17.97), previous abortion: 2.47 (1.20–13.38), assisted fertility: 4.01 (1.20–13.38), family history of ASD: 7.24 (2.00–26.24), multiple pregnancy: 11.60 (2.54–53.07), exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy: 2.95 (1.86–4.68), vaginal bleeding during pregnancy: 3.10 (1.44–6.67), hypertension with pregnancy: 3.64 (1.06–12.51), preterm labor: 2.64 (1.26–5.57), neonatal convulsions: 14.88 (5.01–44.20), and admission to neonatal intensive care unit 2.13: (1.21–3.74) were associated with the increased odds of ASD. On the other hand, the intake of vitamins during pregnancy: 0.09 (0.06–0.16) and C-section: 0.44 (0.27–0.70) were associated with the decreased odds of ASD. Conclusion This study detected several maternal and neonatal risk factors for ASD in Egyptian children.

Perinatal Risk Factors in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dubai: A Case-Control Study

“…Multiparity has been positively correlated with ASD in the region [22]. Our study, however, showed no significant association even though there was a high incidence of multiparous women in the study.…”

“…Although there has been increasing interest in ASD research in these regions, the literature still remains limited, and local studies on perinatal risk factors are not prevalent [21]. According to Arafa et al [22], risk factors for ASD vary across races, and the majority of the studies are based on Western populations. Studies by Salhia et al [21], Arafa et al [22], and Oommen et al [23] provide some insights into ASD prevalence and risk factors in countries on the Arab peninsula, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, respectively.…”

“…According to Arafa et al [22], risk factors for ASD vary across races, and the majority of the studies are based on Western populations. Studies by Salhia et al [21], Arafa et al [22], and Oommen et al [23] provide some insights into ASD prevalence and risk factors in countries on the Arab peninsula, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Their findings suggest that the development of ASD in these countries may also be associated with consanguineous marriages, advanced maternal and paternal ages, medications taken by the mother, delivery via cesarean section, multiple pregnancy, and antenatal complications, among others [21][22][23][24].…”

“…Studies by Salhia et al [21], Arafa et al [22], and Oommen et al [23] provide some insights into ASD prevalence and risk factors in countries on the Arab peninsula, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Their findings suggest that the development of ASD in these countries may also be associated with consanguineous marriages, advanced maternal and paternal ages, medications taken by the mother, delivery via cesarean section, multiple pregnancy, and antenatal complications, among others [21][22][23][24]. These studies have methodological issues, with some focusing on data collection through recall questionnaires, thus underscoring the need for more substantive research on both the prevalence and perinatal risk factors for ASD in the UAE.…”

Autism Spectrum Disorders-A Review on The Preventive Aspects

“…Maternal factors-Age during conception, maternal infections, maternal stress and emotional condition, use of certain high-risk medications, obesity, smoking, 29,30 detection of gestational diabetes and other metabolic conditions. 31,32,33 Advanced maternal age ( 40 years) has been seen to be associated with development of autism in the child. 34,35 Along with this advanced paternal age (50 years) is also a risk factor for development of ASD.…”