Maternal Immune Profile and Autism Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Paula E Goines, Lisa A Croen, Daniel Braunschweig, Cathleen K Yoshida, Judith Grether, Robin Hansen, Martin Kharrazi, Paul Ashwood, Judy Van de Water
Primary Institution: University of California at Davis
Hypothesis
Is the maternal immune profile during pregnancy associated with the risk of bearing a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders?
Conclusion
Elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5 in midgestation maternal serum are associated with a higher risk of having a child diagnosed with ASD.
Supporting Evidence
- Mothers of children with ASD had higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5.
- The study included 84 children with ASD, 49 with developmental delay, and 159 from the general population.
- Cytokine levels were measured in serum collected during midgestation.
Takeaway
Moms who have higher levels of certain immune proteins while pregnant might be more likely to have kids with autism.
Methodology
The study measured levels of 17 cytokines and chemokines in maternal serum from women at 15 to 19 weeks of gestation using Luminex technology.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding due to matching on child characteristics rather than maternal characteristics.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and relies on a single time point for serum collection, which may not represent immune activity throughout pregnancy.
Participant Demographics
Women residing in Orange County, California, who were pregnant in 2000 and 2001.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.017
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.19 to 1.93
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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