Risk of autism associated with general anesthesia during cesarean delivery: a population-based birth-cohort analysis.

Abstract

The rates of Cesarean delivery (C-section) have risen to >30% in numerous countries. Increased risk of autism has been shown in neonates delivered by C-section. This study examined the incidence of autism in neonates delivered vaginally, by C-section with regional anesthesia (RA), and by C-section with general anesthesia (GA) to evaluate the risk of autism associated with C-section and obstetric anesthesia. During a mean follow-up of 4.3 years, the incidence of autism was higher in neonates delivered by C-section with GA than in neonates delivered vaginally, with an adjusted risk of 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.18-1.94). However, the adjusted risk of autism in neonates delivered by C-section with RA and in neonates delivered vaginally was nonsignificantly different.

• Authors: Li-Nien Chien, Hsiu-Chen Lin, Yu-Hsuan Joni Shao, Shu-Ti Chiou, Hung-Yi Chiou
• Journal: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (J Autism Dev Disord) Vol. 45 Issue 4 Pg. 932-42 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1573-3432 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25256350 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthesia, General (adverse effects, trends)
• Autistic Disorder (diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Cesarean Section (adverse effects, trends)
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Incidence
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Population Surveillance (methods)
• Pregnancy
• Risk Factors