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Yu Y, Yang X, Wu J, Hu G, Bai S, Yu R. A Mendelian randomization study of the effect of mental disorders on cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1329463. [PMID: 38887450 PMCID: PMC11180800 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1329463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The effect of mental disorders (MD) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial, and this study aims to analyze the causal relationship between eight MD and CVD by Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anorexia nervosa (AN), anxiety disorder (ANX), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BD), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and CVD were obtained from UK Biobank and FinnGen. Exposure-outcome causality was tested using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were assessed by MR-Egger intercept and Cochran's Q, respectively, while stability of results was assessed by leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Results MR analysis showed that ANX (IVW [odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.07-1.15, p < 0.001]; MR-Egger [OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92-1.14, p = 0.652]; weighted median [OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.14, p = 0.001]), ASD (IVW [OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09, p = 0.039]; MR-Egger [OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84-1.07, p = 0.411]; weighted median [OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96-1.06, p = 0.805]), depression (IVW [OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.19, p < 0.001]; MR-Egger [OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.96-1.26, p = 0.169]; weighted median [OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.19, p < 0.001]) were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD, whereas ADHD, AN, BD, OCD, and SCZ were not significantly associated with CVD (p > 0.05). Intercept analysis showed no horizontal pleiotropy (p > 0.05). Cochran's Q showed no heterogeneity except for BD (p = 0.035). Sensitivity analysis suggested that these results were robust. Conclusions ANX, ASD, and depression are associated with an increased risk of CVD, whereas AN, ADHD, BD, OCD, and SCZ are not causally associated with CVD. Active prevention and treatment of ANX, ASD, and depression may help reduce the risk of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Hu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyang Bai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Kalfiřt L, Su CT, Fu CP, Lee SD, Yang AL. Motor Skills, Heart Rate Variability, and Arterial Stiffness in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1898. [PMID: 37444732 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children has been recently increasing. The severity of symptoms greatly varies between individuals with ASD, ranging from relatively mild to extremely severe. It is important to have a clearer understanding of the possible adverse consequences resulting from this disorder, such as delayed motor development, autonomic dysregulation, and arterial stiffness. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate differences in motor skills, heart rate variability (HRV), and arterial stiffness between children with ASD and typically developing children. In this study, the school-aged children with mild symptoms of ASD (n = 17, 11.1 ± 1.0 years old) and typically developing peers (n = 15, 11.0 ± 0.5 years old) were recruited. Motor skills, HRV, and arterial stiffness were measured in these two groups. Motor skills were evaluated by the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition. Moreover, HRV was measured through a short-term recording using the Polar heart rate monitor, and arterial stiffness was assessed by non-invasive computerized oscillometry. Compared with the typically developing group, children with ASD displayed significant deficits in some areas of motor skills, including manual coordination, strength and agility, and total motor composite. Moreover, children with ASD exhibited significantly reduced HRV, including time- and frequency-domain measures. However, the results did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in arterial stiffness between the groups. Our findings demonstrated the presence of motor skill deficits and autonomic dysregulation in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Kalfiřt
- Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei 11153, Taiwan
- School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Na Celně 281, 29301 Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
| | - Chia-Ting Su
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Pei Fu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- PhD Program in Healthcare Science, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Ai-Lun Yang
- Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei 11153, Taiwan
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Zwack CC, McDonald R, Tursunalieva A, Vasan S, Lambert GW, Lambert EA. Stress and social isolation, and its relationship to cardiovascular risk in young adults with intellectual disability. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:974-985. [PMID: 35311428 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2046186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Stress produces many physiological changes, some of which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are exposed to multiple and stressful challenges everyday which may put them at increased cardiovascular risk. This current study aimed to establish whether adults with ID experience higher levels of subjective stress and encounter different stressors (including social isolation) than the general population, and whether there is a relationship between stress and cardiometabolic profile in this population. METHODS Adults with ID (n = 35) aged 18-45 years completed the Subjective Stress Survey, and underwent a physiological assessment to measure blood pressure, metabolic profile and subclinical CVD risk factors, and were compared to a control group (n = 29). Multiple regression was used to investigate whether cardiometabolic parameters were predicative of SSS scores. RESULTS Findings showed adults with ID have higher perceived stress levels (total score ID: 21.3 ± 11.4 vs control: 13.9 ± 9.0, p = 0.006), which is elicited by unique stressors, when compared to people without ID. Stress was strongly associated with increased social isolation (r = -0.38, p = 0.002) and with obesity in females with mild ID (r = 0.72). Regression showed that arterial stiffness was predictive of total SSS score (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS Adults with ID aged 18-45 years report higher levels of perceived stress when compared to people without ID.Implications for RehabilitationReducing stress in this young population may prevent development of arterial stiffness, and consequently lower the risk of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality.There are unique targets for stress management in young adults with intellectual disability, including supporting decision-making and improving self-efficacy.Improving community integration and reducing social isolation may decrease perceived stress in young adults with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara C Zwack
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Rachael McDonald
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Ainura Tursunalieva
- Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Shradha Vasan
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Gavin W Lambert
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Elisabeth A Lambert
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
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Holloway JM, Gray HL, Buro AW, Thomas J, Sauls R, Howard AM. Measurement Tools to Assess Usual Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Şahin B, Akşan İO, Önal BS, Hoşoğlu E, Karabekiroğlu K. Evaluation of carotid intima media thickness as an early marker of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 69:825-834. [PMID: 37885850 PMCID: PMC10599169 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.2024954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
There are studies reporting different results on whether there is an increased incidence of cardiovascular problems in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to examine carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), an early marker of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with ASD. This single-center case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Eighty-five children (36 children with autism and 49 healthy controls) aged 6-18 were enrolled. After a clinical interview, Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) were filled out and laboratory measures were collected for ASD group. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist and hip) of each participant were assessed. The cIMT was measured with an ultrasound probe on both sides of the neck. Age, gender, body mass index percentile and waist/hip ratio adjusted right/left common carotid arteries IMT and right/left bulb IMT were statistically significantly higher in the autism group than controls (0.45 ± 0.01 mm and 0.55 ± 0.01 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). We performed multiple linear regression analysis to determine statistically significant related factors of the cIMT in ASD. Early onset of autism symptoms were related with high carotid IMT (β = -0.496, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that atherosclerosis may begin earlier in children with ASD, which is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The cIMT measurement, which is an easy and noninvasive method in the cardiovascular assessment and follow-up can be recommended for clinical use for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berkan Şahin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - İlknur Okur Akşan
- Department of Radiology, Giresun University Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Bedia Sultan Önal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Giresun University Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Esra Hoşoğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Giresun University Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Koray Karabekiroğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Spent 30 Min Less Daily Time in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity than Typically Developing Peers: a Meta-Analysis of Cross-sectional Data. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIt remains unclear if participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) differs between children with ASD and typically developing children (TDC). We compared daily MVPA, time spent in MVPA during physical education (PE) and recess, and odds of not meeting MVPA recommendation (60 min/day) between children with ASD and TDC. Nine studies reporting accelerometer-measured MVPA were included in the meta-analyses. MVPA was 30 min lower/day, 12% and 8% lower during PE and recess, respectively, in children with ASD, and they had 4 times higher odds of not meeting MVPA recommendation when compared to TDC. Children with ASD engage in daily MVPA less than TDC and below the guidelines. Tailored interventions to increase MVPA in children with ASD are warranted.
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Zoccante L, Ciceri ML, Gozzi LA, Gennaro GD, Zerman N. The "Connectivome Theory": A New Model to Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:794516. [PMID: 35250650 PMCID: PMC8892379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.794516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical approach to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is often limited to considering their neuro-functional aspects. However, recent scientific literature has shown that ASDs also affect many body systems and apparatuses such as the immune system, the sensory-motor system, and the gut-brain axis. The connective tissue, a common thread linking all these structures, may have a pathogenetic role in the multisystem involvement of ASD. Depending on its different anatomical sites, the connective tissue performs functions of connection and support; furthermore, it acts as a barrier between the external and internal environments, regulating the interchange between the two and performing immunological surveillance. The connective tissue shares a close relationship with the central nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and the immune system. Alterations in brain connectivity are common to various developmental disorders, including ASD, and for this reason here we put forward the hypothesis that alterations in the physiological activity of microglia could be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Also, muscle hypotonia is likely to clinically correlate with an altered sensoriality and, in fact, discomfort or early muscle fatigue are often reported in ASDs. Furthermore, patients with ASD often suffer from intestinal dysfunctions, malabsorption and leaky gut syndrome, all phenomena that may be linked to reduced intestinal connectivity. In addition, at the cutaneous and subcutaneous levels, ASDs show a greater predisposition to inflammatory events due to the lack of adequate release of anti-inflammatory mediators. Alveolar-capillary dysfunctions have also been observed in ASD, most frequently interstitial inflammations, immune-mediated forms of allergic asthma, and bronchial hyper-reactivity. Therefore, in autism, altered connectivity can result in phenomena of altered sensitivity to environmental stimuli. The following interpretative model, that we define as the "connectivome theory," considers the alterations in connective elements of common mesodermal origin located in the various organs and apparatuses and entails the evaluation and interpretation of ASDs through also highlighting somatic elements. We believe that this broader approach could be helpful for a more accurate analysis, as it is able to enrich clinical evaluation and define more multidisciplinary and personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Zoccante
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Luigi Ciceri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Alberto Gozzi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Gennaro
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Zerman
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Horrocks BK, Klemencic ME, Tanguturi Y. Differences in Body Mass Index (BMI) in Early Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Youth with Typical Development. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:2790-2799. [PMID: 33051783 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of exceptional physical health juxtaposed against significant psychosocial and weight-related problems. The study included 241, 10-to-13-year-old youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, N = 138) or typical development (TD, N = 103). Standardized exams measured pubertal development, height (HT), weight (WT), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Analysis of Variance showed no significant between-group differences for HT, WT, HR, or BP (all p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in BMI-percentile between the groups (F(1,234) = 6.05, p = 0.01). Using hierarchical linear regression, significant predictors of BMI-percentile included diagnosis, pubertal stage and socioeconomic status. Pre-to-early pubescent children with ASD evidence higher BMI percentiles compared to youth with TD suggesting they may be at heightened risk for weight-related health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blythe A Corbett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2200, 1500 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA. .,Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Rachael A Muscatello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2200, 1500 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Briana K Horrocks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2200, 1500 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Mark E Klemencic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2200, 1500 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Yasas Tanguturi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2200, 1500 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
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Goldstein BI, Korczak DJ. Links Between Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Risk. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:1394-1405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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The Effect of Endurance Training and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Sleep Quality in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. PREVENTIVE CARE IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.52547/pcnm.10.1.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Cavero-Redondo I, Tudor-Locke C, Álvarez-Bueno C, Cunha PG, Aguiar EJ, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Steps per Day and Arterial Stiffness. Hypertension 2019; 73:350-363. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Cavero-Redondo
- From the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain (I.C.-R., C.A.-B., V.M.-V.)
| | - Catrine Tudor-Locke
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA (C.T.-L., E.J.A.)
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- From the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain (I.C.-R., C.A.-B., V.M.-V.)
| | - Pedro G. Cunha
- Center for the Research and Treatment of Arterial Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk, Internal Medicine Department, Guimarães, Portugal (P.G.C.)
| | - Elroy J. Aguiar
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA (C.T.-L., E.J.A.)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- From the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain (I.C.-R., C.A.-B., V.M.-V.)
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Bittker SS, Bell KR. Acetaminophen, antibiotics, ear infection, breastfeeding, vitamin D drops, and autism: an epidemiological study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1399-1414. [PMID: 29910617 PMCID: PMC5987866 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s158811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many studies have examined environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), much of the research focus has been on prenatal or perinatal factors. Yet, the postnatal environment may affect the risk of ASD as well. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a set of five postnatal variables are associated with ASD. These variables are: acetaminophen exposure, antibiotic exposure, incidence of ear infection, decreased duration of breastfeeding, and decreased consumption of oral vitamin D drops. MATERIALS AND METHODS An Internet-based survey was conducted. Participants were parents living in the USA with at least one biological child between 3 and 12 years of age. Potential participants were informed about the survey via postings on social media, websites, and listservs and were offered an opportunity to participate in a raffle as well. Participants were also recruited through the Interactive Autism Network. RESULTS There were 1,741 completed survey responses. After exclusions, there remained 1,001 responses associated with children with ASD (cases) and 514 responses associated with children who do not have ASD (controls). In this data set, doses of postnatal acetaminophen (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.016, CI: 1.003-1.032, p=0.026), courses of postnatal antibiotics (aOR 1.103, CI: 1.046-1.168, p<0.001), incidence of postnatal ear infection (aOR 1.137, CI: 1.046-1.236, p=0.003), and decreased duration of breastfeeding (aOR 0.948, CI: 0.932-0.965, p<0.001) are all associated with ASD when adjusted for eight demographic variables. A weak association between oral vitamin D drop exposure and ASD was also found when adjusted for breastfeeding and demographics (aOR 1.025, CI: 0.995-1.056, p=0.102). CONCLUSION This study adds to evidence that postnatal acetaminophen use, postnatal antibiotic use, incidence of ear infection, and early weaning are associated with an increased risk of ASD. It also finds that postnatal oral vitamin D drops are weakly associated with ASD when adjusted for breastfeeding and demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Scott Bittker
- Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theory and Empirics (INCITE), Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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