Abstract
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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1169-6
- Authors
- Sanjiv B. Amin, 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
- Tristram Smith, Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA
- Hongyue Wang, Department of Biostatistics, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257