Author Interviews, Autism, JAMA, OBGYNE, UC Davis / 10.12.2014
Preeclampsia Raises Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Cheryl K. Walker, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Faculty, The MIND Institute
School of Medicine, University of California, Davis
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Walker: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobehavioral condition identified in 1 in 68 U.S. children and is part of a broader group of developmental disabilities that affects 1 in 6 children. Growing evidence suggests that Autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay originate during fetal life. Preeclampsia is a complicated and frequently dangerous pregnancy condition that appears to arise from a shallow placental connection and may increase the risk of abnormal neurodevelopment through several pathways.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Dr. Walker: Children with Autism spectrum disorder were more than twice as likely to have been exposed to preeclampsia compared with children with typical development. Risk for ASD was increased further in children born to mothers with more severe presentations of preeclampsia. Mothers of children with developmental delay were more than 5 times more likely to have had severe forms preeclampsia – often with evidence of reduced placental function – compared with mothers of children with typical development.
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