A study published in the medical journal, Pediatrics, indicates that premature babies, or underweight babies, are at a greater risk for autism. Researchers at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the study.
Babies born before 33 weeks of pregnancy were classified as premature by the researchers for the purpose of the study. Babies born under five pounds were considered underweight.
The researchers studied 565 children diagnosed with autism that were born between 1986 and 1993. These children were divided into three different categories: children with autism and one developmental disease, children with autism and more than one developmental disease and children with autism only.
The three classifications of children with autism were compared against a control group. The researchers analyzed the connection between autism, birth date and birth weight. Upon analyzing the information, the researchers were able to link the combination of premature birth and low birth weight and a heightened risk of autism and additional developmental diseases. The varying degrees and combination of prematurity and low birth weight are linked to the severity of autism.
In the study, low birth weight heightens the risk of autism in both boys and girls by two to three times. The risk of autism and mental retardation were four times greater for girls with low birth rate. Boys were not at a greater risk for defects due to prematurity, but the risk of autism increased for girls.
The results of the study indicate that babies that are born underweight or premature should be tested for autism and other developmental diseases at 18, 24 and 30 months of age.
A heightened risk of birth trauma has been linked to premature birth through similar studies. In order to help prevent severe permanent injuries from birth trauma, pregnant women should see a capable physician regularly in order to monitor the possible risks associated with premature birth. If premature birth could have been prevented through proper care, physicians and medical staff may be held responsible.
