Is neonatal jaundice associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a systematic review.
Using guidelines of the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Group, we systematically reviewed the literature on neonatal jaundice (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in term and preterm infants. Thirteen studies were included in a meta-analysis. Most used retrospective matched case-control designs. There was significant heterogeneity (Q = 31, p = 0.002) and no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.12). Overall, jaundice, assessed by total serum bilirubin (TSB), was associated with ASD (OR, 1.43, 95% CI 1.22-1.67, random effect model). This association was not found in preterms (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.38-1.02) but deserves further investigation since other measures of bilirubin such as unbound unconjugated bilirubin may be better predictors of neurotoxicity than TSB in preterms.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, P.O. Box 651, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Sanjiv_amin@urmc.rochester.edu
Sanjiv B
SB
Amin
Tristram
T
Smith
Hongyue
H
Wang
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D001663:Bilirubin