As many parents of twins may be aware, studies show that identical and fraternal twin sets have a higher risk for developing autism. A Columbia University geneticist found that identical twins are 12 times more likely than the general population to develop autism, and fraternal twins are four times more likely. St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London completed a similar study, finding that identical twins are 14 times more likely to develop autism. A more recent study published by Archives of General Psychiatry found that of 192 twin sets, 77 percent of male identical twins, 50 percent of female identical twins, 31 percent of male fraternal twins and 36 percent of female fraternal twins had autism spectrum disorders.
What some parents may not know, however, is Terbutaline, an asthma drug commonly used “off-label” to stop pre-term labor, may contribute to the development of autism. Because twins are already at a higher risk for autism, thought to possibly be linked to unborn twins having to battle for food in the womb, Terbutaline may be especially risky for twins. Recent research suggests that Terbutaline may negatively impact an unborn baby’s brain development by causing an overstimulation of certain brain activity, an effect that may lead to autism. Terbutaline’s potentially negative impact on unborn babies may help explain the high incidence of fraternal twins both having autism. Our birth trauma law firm is committed to pursuing the possible link between Terbutaline and fraternal twin autism.
Most researchers find it unsurprising that autism frequently occurs in both twins when it comes to identical twin sets, because identical twins come from one fertilized egg and share the same genetic makeup. Fraternal twins, however, do not share identical genes, though they do share the same womb, making it difficult to explain autism in fraternal twin sets with genetic theories. The trend of fraternal twins both developing autism may point to environmental causes, such as drug exposure in the womb. If Terbutaline increases a baby’s risk of developing autism, it stands to reason that when fraternal twins are exposed to Terbutaline in their shared womb, they both would be affected by the drug in a similar manner. The growing concern over Terbutaline’s “off-label” use as a preterm labor drug, a use not approved by the FDA, may shed new light on autism in fraternal twins and bolster arguments linking autism to environmental factors.
Our birth defect law firm continues to monitor the research being done in this area and is investigating cases of fraternal twin autism where the mother received Terbutaline during her pregnancy. If you or someone you know has fraternal twins afflicted with autism, especially if Terbutaline was prescribed during pregnancy, contact an experienced attorney at our firm to learn more about your child’s condition and the potential cause.
