High BP During Pregnancy can Likely Cause Autism in Children

Being born to women who suffer a high-blood pressure condition called pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, the children are twice likely to have autism.

Being born to women who suffer a high-blood pressure condition called pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, the children are twice likely to have autism or other developmental delays, say US researchers. The study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association, also found that the more severe the pre-eclampsia, the higher the likelihood of autism.

The study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association, also found that the more severe the pre-eclampsia, the higher the likelihood of autism.

Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

The research involved more than 1,000 children aged two to three in northern California. All of their mothers had confirmed diagnoses of pre-eclampsia, and scientists compared data about those developing normally to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays.

"We found significant associations between pre-eclampsia and ASD that increased with severity," said senior author Cheryl Walker, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Davis.

"We also observed a significant association between severe pre-eclampsia and developmental delay."

Rett Syndrome – Causes – Symptoms – Signs – Diagnosis - Treatment
Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects development. It mostly affects the girl child.

Autism spectrum disorder affects as many as 1 in 88 children in the United States.

The exact causes of the developmental disorder are unknown, with research pointing to genes, the environment, or both.

Non-Syndromic Autism: New Genetic Links Revealed Using Multiple Models
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. In medical terms, it is called as a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes harm to social interaction.

Autism leads to difficulties in social, emotional and communication skills, and has no known cure.

Some past research has suggested that pre-eclampsia -- which causes high blood pressure late in pregnancy and high levels of protein in the urine, as well as seizures in severe cases -- could be linked to autism, perhaps by depriving the fetus of nutrients and oxygen.

Pre-Eclampsia - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
In pre eclampsia a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and proteinuria during pregnancy.

"While single studies cannot establish causality, the cumulative evidence supports efforts to reduce pre-eclampsia and diminish severity, to improve neonatal outcomes," Walker said.

Source-AFP