Pilot Study of Maternal Autoantibody-Related Autism.
J Dev Behav Pediatr
; 43(8): 465-471, 2022.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35943360
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of maternal autoantibody-related autism spectrum disorder (MAR-ASD) in 2 geographically distinct DBPNet clinical sites (Pennsylvania and Arkansas). MAR-ASD is a biologically defined subtype of ASD that is defined by the presence of autoantibodies specific to proteins in the fetal brain and present in approximately 20% of a Northern California sample but has not been studied in other states.METHODS:
Sixty-eight mothers of children with ASD were recruited from 2 DBPNet clinics and provided blood samples. Mothers also completed behavioral questionnaires about their children, and data from the child's clinical diagnostic assessment were abstracted.RESULTS:
The mean age of mothers was 38.5 ± 6.1 years, and the mean age of children was 8.3 ± 2.7 years. MAR-ASD was present in 24% of the sample and similar across sites. Children of +MAR mothers had more severe autism symptoms as measured by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule comparison scores (W = 3604; p < 0.001) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (W = 4556; p < 0.001). There were no differences in IQ, adaptive function, or aberrant behavior.CONCLUSION:
MAR-ASD is a subtype of autism that is present in similar frequencies across 3 states and related to autism severity.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Autistic Disorder
/
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Year:
2022
Type:
Article