title: 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.affiliation: School of Health Care Administration, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Li-Nien
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.forename: Hsiu-Chen
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yu-Hsuan Joni
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: Shu-Ti
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Chiou
authors.forename: Hung-Yi
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chiou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000639:trends; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000639:trends; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors