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Christensen D, Pazol K, Overwyk KJ, England LJ, Alexander AA, Croen LA, Dowling NF, Schieve LA, Tian LH, Tinker SC, Windham GC, Callaghan WM, Shapira SK. Prenatal ultrasound use and risk of autism spectrum disorder: Findings from the case-control Study to Explore Early Development. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:527-535. [PMID: 37483151 PMCID: PMC10527947 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the association between prenatal ultrasounds and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have largely produced negative results. Concern remains due to the rising identification of children with ASD and ultrasound use. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between prenatal ultrasound use and ASD. METHODS We used data from the Study to Explore Early Development, a multisite case-control study of preschool-aged children with ASD implemented during 2007-2012. We recruited cases from children receiving developmental disability services and randomly selected population controls from birth records. ASD case status was based on in-person standardised assessments. We stratified analyses by pre-existing maternal medical conditions and pregnancy complications associated with increased ultrasound use (ultrasound indications) and used logistic regression to model case status by increasing ultrasound counts. For pregnancies with medical record data on ultrasound timing, we conducted supplementary tests to model associations by trimester of exposure. RESULTS Among 1524 singleton pregnancies, ultrasound indications were more common for ASD cases than controls; respectively, for each group, no indications were reported for 45.1% and 54.2% of pregnancies, while ≥2 indications were reported for 26.1% and 18.4% of pregnancies. The percentage of pregnancies with multiple ultrasounds varied by case status and the presence of ultrasound indications. However, stratified regression models showed no association between increasing ultrasound counts and case status, either for pregnancies without (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92, 1.11) or with ultrasound indications (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95, 1.08). Trimester-specific analyses using medical record data showed no association in any individual trimester. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that prenatal ultrasound use increases ASD risk. Study strengths included gold-standard assessments for ASD case classification, comparison of cases with controls, and a stratified sample to account for conditions associated both with increased prenatal ultrasound use and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Christensen
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Pazol
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katherine J. Overwyk
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lucinda J. England
- National institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aimee A. Alexander
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Nicole F. Dowling
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura A. Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lin H. Tian
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah C. Tinker
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gayle C. Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, Richmond, California, USA
| | - William M. Callaghan
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stuart K. Shapira
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sande R, Jenderka KV, Moran CM, Marques S, Jimenez Diaz JF, Ter Haar G, Marsal K, Lees C, Abramowicz JS, Salvesen KÅ, Miloro P, Dall'Asta A, Brezinka C, Kollmann C. Safety Aspects of Perinatal Ultrasound. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2021; 42:580-598. [PMID: 34352910 DOI: 10.1055/a-1538-6295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound safety is of particular importance in fetal and neonatal scanning. Fetal tissues are vulnerable and often still developing, the scanning depth may be low, and potential biological effects have been insufficiently investigated. On the other hand, the clinical benefit may be considerable. The perinatal period is probably less vulnerable than the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, and ultrasound is often a safer alternative to other diagnostic imaging modalities. Here we present step-by-step procedures for obtaining clinically relevant images while maintaining ultrasound safety. We briefly discuss the current status of the field of ultrasound safety, with special attention to the safety of novel modalities, safety considerations when ultrasound is employed for research and education, and ultrasound of particularly vulnerable tissues, such as the neonatal lung. This CME is prepared by ECMUS, the safety committee of EFSUMB, with contributions from OB/GYN clinicians with a special interest in ultrasound safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnar Sande
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Carmel M Moran
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Susana Marques
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J F Jimenez Diaz
- Sport Sciences Faculty, Castilla La Mancha University Education Faculty of Toledo, Spain
- Sport Medicine Department, UCAM, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gail Ter Haar
- Physics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Karel Marsal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christoph Lees
- Center for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jacques S Abramowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago Medical Center, CHICAGO, United States
- Safety Committee, World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Chicago, United States
| | - Kjell Åsmund Salvesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Piero Miloro
- Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Andrea Dall'Asta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Universita degli Studi di Parma, Italy
| | - Christoph Brezinka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Innsbruck Department of Gynecology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Kollmann
- Center for Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, Austria
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3
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Blanken LME, Dass A, Alvares G, van der Ende J, Schoemaker NK, El Marroun H, Hickey M, Pennell C, White S, Maybery MT, Dissanayake C, Jaddoe VWV, Verhulst FC, Tiemeier H, McIntosh W, White T, Whitehouse A. A prospective study of fetal head growth, autistic traits and autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2018; 11:602-612. [PMID: 29356450 PMCID: PMC5947578 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Altered trajectories of brain growth are often reported in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly during the first year of life. However, less is known about prenatal head growth trajectories, and no study has examined the relation with postnatal autistic symptom severity. The current study prospectively examined the association between fetal head growth and the spectrum of autistic symptom severity in two large population-based cohorts, including a sample of individuals with clinically diagnosed ASD. This study included 3,820 children from two longitudinal prenatal cohorts in The Netherlands and Australia, comprising 60 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. Latent growth curve models were used to examine the relationship between fetal head circumference measured at three different time points and autistic traits measured in postnatal life using either the Social Responsiveness Scale or the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. While lower initial prenatal HC was weakly associated with increasing autistic traits in the Dutch cohort, this relationship was not observed in the Australian cohort, nor when the two cohorts were analysed together. No differences in prenatal head growth were found between individuals with ASD and controls. This large population-based study identified no consistent association across two cohorts between prenatal head growth and postnatal autistic traits. Our mixed findings suggest that further research in this area is needed. Autism Res 2018, 11: 602-612. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY It is not known whether different patterns of postnatal brain growth in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also occurs prenatally. We examined fetal head growth and autistic symptoms in two large groups from The Netherlands and Australia. Lower initial prenatal head circumference was associated with autistic traits in the Dutch, but not the Australian, group. No differences in head growth were found in individuals with ASD and controls when the data was combined. Our mixed findings suggest that more research in this area is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. E. Blanken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University, Medical Center, PO Box 20403000 CARotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Alena Dass
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Gail Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket CampusBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University, Medical Center, PO Box 20403000 CARotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne and the Royal Women's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Craig Pennell
- School of Women's and Infants' HealthUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Scott White
- School of Women's and Infants' HealthUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of PediatricsSophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Frank C. Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Will McIntosh
- School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of RadiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket CampusBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Hertz-Picciotto I, Schmidt RJ, Krakowiak P. Understanding environmental contributions to autism: Causal concepts and the state of science. Autism Res 2018; 11:554-586. [PMID: 29573218 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of neurodevelopment, the rapidity of early neurogenesis, and over 100 years of research identifying environmental influences on neurodevelopment serve as backdrop to understanding factors that influence risk and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This Keynote Lecture, delivered at the May 2016 annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, describes concepts of causation, outlines the trajectory of research on nongenetic factors beginning in the 1960s, and briefly reviews the current state of this science. Causal concepts are introduced, including root causes; pitfalls in interpreting time trends as clues to etiologic factors; susceptible time windows for exposure; and implications of a multi-factorial model of ASD. An historical background presents early research into the origins of ASD. The epidemiologic literature from the last fifteen years is briefly but critically reviewed for potential roles of, for example, air pollution, pesticides, plastics, prenatal vitamins, lifestyle and family factors, and maternal obstetric and metabolic conditions during her pregnancy. Three examples from the case-control CHildhood Autism Risks from Genes and the Environment Study are probed to illustrate methodological approaches to central challenges in observational studies: capturing environmental exposure; causal inference when a randomized controlled clinical trial is either unethical or infeasible; and the integration of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on development. We conclude with reflections on future directions, including exposomics, new technologies, the microbiome, gene-by-environment interaction in the era of -omics, and epigenetics as the interface of those two. As the environment is malleable, this research advances the goal of a productive and fulfilling life for all children, teen-agers and adults. Autism Res 2018, 11: 554-586. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY This Keynote Lecture, delivered at the 2016 meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, discusses evidence from human epidemiologic studies of prenatal factors contributing to autism, such as pesticides, maternal nutrition and her health. There is no single cause for autism. Examples highlight the features of a high-quality epidemiology study, and what comprises a compelling case for causation. Emergent research directions hold promise for identifying potential interventions to reduce disabilities, enhance giftedness, and improve lives of those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Paula Krakowiak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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5
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Ultrasound in Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the First Trimester: Is There a Risk? Clin Obstet Gynecol 2017; 60:121-132. [DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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6
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A Relationship Between Early Language Skills and Adult Autistic-Like Traits: Evidence from a Longitudinal Population-Based Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1478-1489. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-3014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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7
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McLennan A. Ultrasound and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Australas J Ultrasound Med 2016; 19:131-132. [DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McLennan
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology; University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Ultrasound for Women; Chatswood New South Wales Australia
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8
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Webb SJ, Garrison MM, Bernier R, McClintic AM, King BH, Mourad PD. Severity of ASD symptoms and their correlation with the presence of copy number variations and exposure to first trimester ultrasound. Autism Res 2016; 10:472-484. [PMID: 27582229 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Current research suggests that incidence and heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms may arise through a variety of exogenous and/or endogenous factors. While subject to routine clinical practice and generally considered safe, there exists speculation, though no human data, that diagnostic ultrasound may also contribute to ASD severity, supported by experimental evidence that exposure to ultrasound early in gestation could perturb brain development and alter behavior. Here we explored a modified triple hit hypothesis [Williams & Casanova, ] to assay for a possible relationship between the severity of ASD symptoms and (1) ultrasound exposure (2) during the first trimester of pregnancy in fetuses with a (3) genetic predisposition to ASD. We did so using retrospective analysis of data from the SSC (Simon's Simplex Collection) autism genetic repository funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. We found that male children with ASD, copy number variations (CNVs), and exposure to first trimester ultrasound had significantly decreased non-verbal IQ and increased repetitive behaviors relative to male children with ASD, with CNVs, and no ultrasound. These data suggest that heterogeneity in ASD symptoms may result, at least in part, from exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during early prenatal development of children with specific genetic vulnerabilities. These results also add weight to on-going concerns expressed by the FDA about non-medical use of diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy. Autism Res 2017, 10: 472-484. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jane Webb
- Center on Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michelle M Garrison
- Center on Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington
| | - Raphael Bernier
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington
| | - Abbi M McClintic
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bryan H King
- Center on Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Pierre D Mourad
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Engineering and Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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9
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Höglund Carlsson L, Saltvedt S, Anderlid BM, Westerlund J, Gillberg C, Westgren M, Fernell E. Prenatal ultrasound and childhood autism: long-term follow-up after a randomized controlled trial of first- vs second-trimester ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:285-288. [PMID: 27184020 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether the frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a cohort of Swedish children differs between those exposed to ultrasound in the 12(th) week and those exposed to ultrasound in the 18(th) week of gestation. METHODS The study cohort consisted of approximately 30 000 children born between 1999 and 2003 to mothers who had been randomized to a prenatal ultrasound examination at either 12 or 18 weeks' gestation as part of the framework for a study on nuchal translucency screening. The outcome measure in the present study was the rate of ASD diagnoses among the children. Information on ASD diagnoses was based on data from the Swedish social insurance agency concerning childcare allowance granted for ASD. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2003, a total of 14 726 children were born to women who underwent a 12-week ultrasound examination and 14 596 to women who underwent an 18-week ultrasound examination. Of these, 181 (1.2%) and 176 (1.2%) children, respectively, had been diagnosed with ASD. There was no difference in ASD frequency between the early and late ultrasound groups. CONCLUSIONS Women subjected to at least one prenatal ultrasound examination at either 12 or 18 weeks' gestation had children with similar rates of ASD. However, this result reflects routine care 10-15 years ago in Sweden. Today, higher intensity ultrasound scans are performed more frequently, at earlier stages during pregnancy and for non-medical purposes, implying longer exposure time for the fetus. This change in the use of ultrasound necessitates further follow-up study of the possible effects that high exposure to ultrasound during the gestational period has on the developing brain. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Höglund Carlsson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Saltvedt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B-M Anderlid
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Westerlund
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Westgren
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Division of Clintec, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Fernell
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Unwin LM, Maybery MT, Murphy A, Lilje W, Bellesini M, Hunt AM, Granich J, Jacoby P, Dissanayake C, Pennell CE, Hickey M, Whitehouse AJ. A Prospective Ultrasound Study of Prenatal Growth in Infant Siblings of Children With Autism. Autism Res 2015; 9:210-6. [PMID: 26148908 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Unwin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia; PO Box 855, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- School of Psychology; University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Anthony Murphy
- Western Ultrasound for Women, West Leederville; Western Australia 6007 Australia
| | - Wendy Lilje
- Western Ultrasound for Women, West Leederville; Western Australia 6007 Australia
| | - Michelle Bellesini
- Western Ultrasound for Women, West Leederville; Western Australia 6007 Australia
| | - Anna M. Hunt
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia; PO Box 855, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Australia
| | - Joanna Granich
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia; PO Box 855, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Australia
| | - Peter Jacoby
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia; PO Box 855, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Craig E. Pennell
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University of Melbourne; Royal Women's Hospital, Cnr of Flemington Road and Grattan Street Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Andrew J.O. Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia; PO Box 855, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Australia
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic ultrasound is used selectively in late pregnancy where there are specific clinical indications. However, the value of routine late pregnancy ultrasound screening in unselected populations is controversial. The rationale for such screening would be the detection of clinical conditions which place the fetus or mother at high risk, which would not necessarily have been detected by other means such as clinical examination, and for which subsequent management would improve perinatal outcome. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on obstetric practice and pregnancy outcome of routine late pregnancy ultrasound, defined as greater than 24 weeks' gestation, in women with either unselected or low-risk pregnancies. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA All acceptably controlled trials of routine ultrasound in late pregnancy (defined as after 24 weeks). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS Thirteen trials recruiting 34,980 women were included in the systematic review. Risk of bias was low for allocation concealment and selective reporting, unclear for random sequence generation and incomplete outcome data and high for blinding of both outcome assessment and participants and personnel. There was no difference in antenatal, obstetric and neonatal outcome or morbidity in screened versus control groups. Routine late pregnancy ultrasound was not associated with improvements in overall perinatal mortality. There is little information on long-term substantive outcomes such as neurodevelopment. There is a lack of data on maternal psychological effects.Overall, the evidence for the primary outcomes of perinatal mortality, preterm birth less than 37 weeks, induction of labour and caesarean section were assessed to be of moderate or high quality with GRADE software. There was no association between ultrasound in late pregnancy and perinatal mortality (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 1.54; participants = 30,675; studies = eight; I² = 29%), preterm birth less than 37 weeks (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.08; participants = 17,151; studies = two; I² = 0%), induction of labour (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07; participants = 22,663; studies = six; I² = 78%), or caesarean section (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.15; participants = 27,461; studies = six; I² = 54%). Three additional primary outcomes chosen for the 'Summary of findings' table were preterm birth less than 34 weeks, maternal psychological effects and neurodevelopment at age two. Because none of the included studies reported these outcomes, they were not assessed for quality with GRADE software. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on existing evidence, routine late pregnancy ultrasound in low-risk or unselected populations does not confer benefit on mother or baby. There was no difference in the primary outcomes of perinatal mortality, preterm birth less than 37 weeks, caesarean section rates, and induction of labour rates if ultrasound in late pregnancy was performed routinely versus not performed routinely. Meanwhile, data were lacking for the other primary outcomes: preterm birth less than 34 weeks, maternal psychological effects, and neurodevelopment at age two, reflecting a paucity of research covering these outcomes. These outcomes may warrant future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy Medley
- The University of LiverpoolCochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
| | - Jeremy J Pratt
- Bunbury Regional HospitalRobertson DriveBunburyAustraliaWA 6230
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12
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Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main aims of routine antenatal care is to identify the 'at risk' fetus in order to apply clinical interventions which could result in reduced perinatal morbidity and mortality. Doppler ultrasound study of umbilical artery waveforms helps to identify the compromised fetus in 'high-risk' pregnancies and, therefore, deserves assessment as a screening test in 'low-risk' pregnancies. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on obstetric practice and pregnancy outcome of routine fetal and umbilical Doppler ultrasound in unselected and low-risk pregnancies. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (28 February 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of Doppler ultrasound for the investigation of umbilical and fetal vessels waveforms in unselected pregnancies compared with no Doppler ultrasound. Studies where uterine vessels have been assessed together with fetal and umbilical vessels have been included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. In addition to standard meta-analysis, the two primary outcomes and five of the secondary outcomes were assessed using GRADE software and methodology. MAIN RESULTS We included five trials that recruited 14,624 women, with data analysed for 14,185 women. All trials had adequate allocation concealment, but none had adequate blinding of participants, staff or outcome assessors. Overall and apart from lack of blinding, the risk of bias for the included trials was considered to be low.Overall, routine fetal and umbilical Doppler ultrasound examination in low-risk or unselected populations did not result in increased antenatal, obstetric and neonatal interventions. There were no group differences noted for the review's primary outcomes of perinatal death and neonatal morbidity. Results for perinatal death were as follows: (average risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35 to 1.83; four studies, 11,183 participants). Only one included trial assessed serious neonatal morbidity and found no evidence of group differences (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.75; one study, 2016 participants).For the comparison of a single Doppler assessment versus no Doppler, evidence for group differences in perinatal death was detected (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.99; one study, 3891 participants). However, these results are based on a single trial, and we would recommend caution when interpreting this finding.There was no evidence of group differences for the outcomes of caesarean section, neonatal intensive care admissions or preterm birth less than 37 weeks.When the quality of the evidence for the main comparison of 'All Doppler versus no Doppler' was assessed with GRADE software, the outcomes of perinatal death and serious neonatal morbidity data were graded as of low quality. Evidence for the outcome of stillbirth was graded according to regimen subgroups - with a moderate quality rating for stillbirth (fetal/umbilical vessels only) and a low quality rating for stillbirth (fetal/umbilical vessels + uterine artery vessels). Evidence for admission to neonatal intensive care unit was assessed as of moderate quality, and evidence for the outcomes of caesarean section and preterm birth less than 37 weeks was graded as of high quality.There is no available evidence to assess the effect on substantive long-term outcomes such as childhood neurodevelopment and no data to assess maternal outcomes, particularly maternal satisfaction. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Existing evidence does not provide conclusive evidence that the use of routine umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound, or combination of umbilical and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound in low-risk or unselected populations benefits either mother or baby. Future studies should be designed to address small changes in perinatal outcome, and should focus on potentially preventable deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarko Alfirevic
- The University of LiverpoolDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo GarofoloUnit of Prenatal DiagnosisTriesteItaly
| | - Nancy Medley
- The University of LiverpoolCochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
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13
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Bradstreet JJ, Pacini S, Ruggiero M. A New Methodology of Viewing Extra-Axial Fluid and Cortical Abnormalities in Children with Autism via Transcranial Ultrasonography. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 7:934. [PMID: 24459462 PMCID: PMC3892177 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental conditions of uncertain etiology which have now affected more than 1% of the school-age population of children in many developed nations. Transcranial ultrasonography (TUS) via the temporal bone appeared to be a potential window of investigation to determine the presence of both cortical abnormalities and increased extra-axial fluid (EAF). Methods: TUS was accomplished using a linear probe (10–5 MHz). Parents volunteered ASD subjects (N = 23; males 18, females 5) for evaluations (mean = 7.46 years ± 3.97 years), and 15 neurotypical siblings were also examined (mean = 7.15 years ± 4.49 years). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2®) scores were obtained and the ASD score mean was 48.08 + 6.79 (Severe). Results: Comparisons of the extra-axial spaces indicated increases in the ASD subjects. For EAF we scored based on the gyral summit distances between the arachnoid membrane and the cortical pia layer (subarachnoid space): (1) <0.05 cm, (2) 0.05–0.07 cm, (3) 0.08–0.10 cm, (4) >0.10 cm. All of the neurotypical siblings scored 1, whereas the ASD mean score was 3.41 ± 0.67. We also defined cortical dysplasia as the following: hypoechoic lesions within the substance of the cortex, or disturbed layering within the gray matter. For cortical dysplasia we scored: (1) none observed, (2) rare hypoechogenic lesions and/or mildly atypical cortical layering patterns, (3) more common, but separated areas of cortical hypoechogenic lesions, (4) very common or confluent areas of cortical hypoechogenicity. Again all of the neurotypical siblings scored 1, while the ASD subjects’ mean score was 2.79 ± 0.93. Conclusion: TUS may be a useful screening technique for children at potential risk of ASDs which, if confirmed with repeated studies and high resolution MRI, provides rapid, non-invasive qualification of EAF, and cortical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Jeffrey Bradstreet
- Newport Brain Research Laboratory , Newport Beach, CA , USA ; Brain Treatment Center , Newport Beach, CA , USA ; Brain Treatment Center , Buford, GA , USA
| | - Stefania Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Marco Ruggiero
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy ; Immuno Biotech Ltd., Saint Peter Port , Guernsey
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14
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McClintic AM, King BH, Webb SJ, Mourad PD. Mice exposed to diagnostic ultrasound in utero are less social and more active in social situations relative to controls. Autism Res 2013; 7:295-304. [PMID: 24249575 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound imaging during pregnancy has a long history of safety and diagnostic utility, as supported by numerous human case reports and epidemiological studies. However, there exist in vivo studies linking large but clinically relevant doses of ultrasound applied to mouse fetuses in utero to altered learning, memory, and neuroanatomy of those mice. Also, there exists a well-documented significant increase in the likelihood of non-right-handedness in boys exposed to diagnostic ultrasound in utero, potentially relevant given the increased prevalence of autism in males, and reports of excess non-right-handedness in this population. Motivated by these observations, we applied 30 minutes of diagnostic ultrasound to pregnant mice at embryonic day 14.5 and assayed the social behavior of their male pups 3 weeks after their birth. The ultrasound-exposed pups were significantly (P < 0.01) less interested in social interaction than sham-exposed pups in a three-chamber sociability test. In addition, they demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) more activity relative to the sham-exposed pups, but only in the presence of an unfamiliar mouse. These results suggest that fetal exposure to diagnostic ultrasound applied in utero can alter typical social behaviors in young mice that may be relevant for autism. There exist meaningful differences between the exposure of diagnostic ultrasound to mice versus humans that require further exploration before this work can usefully inform clinical practice. Future work should address these differences as well as clarify the extent, mechanisms, and functional effects of diagnostic ultrasound's interaction with the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi M McClintic
- Department Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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