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High BP During Pregnancy can Likely Cause Autism in Children

by Anirudh on December 9, 2014 at 1:56 PM
 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 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.

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

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.

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.

"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
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