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Is Neonatal Jaundice Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

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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.

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Acknowledgment

The paper was supported by NIH K-23 DC 006229-05 and RO3 HD061084-01.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 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 B. Amin

  2. Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA

    Tristram Smith

  3. Department of Biostatistics, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA

    Hongyue Wang

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  1. Sanjiv B. Amin
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Amin, S.B., Smith, T. & Wang, H. Is Neonatal Jaundice Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 41, 1455–1463 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1169-6

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