Perinatal risk factors in autistic spectrum disorder assocaited with eeg abnormalities

Abstract EN

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted, repetition of behavior and interests.

Furthermore, it was stated that children with ASD have high incidence of abnormal encephalography (EEG) findings even with no seizures.

Objectives: To assess the association between perinatal risk factors and autistic spectrum disorder associated with EEG abnormalities.

Methodology: ASD cases according to inclusion criteria.

The study was held at the center of special needs children- Faculty of postgraduate childhood studies- Ain Shams University, over the period from beginning of April 2015 till December 2017, visiting the center of special needs twice per week, 3: 4 hours per visit.

EEG abnormalities were recorded, Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale were applied, it was available to meet 120 caregivers and their children to collect finally 50 cases.

Results: Regarding the incidence of ASD, there was a higher percentage of male than female, the ratio was 2.5:1 respectively.

Relation between prenatal insults and EEG changes of the patient group with autism, Left focal epileptiform activity which was found in half of the patients 68% of them with no prenatal insults and 32% with prenatal insults and this result is statistically significant p 0.034.

Conclusion: There is a higher ratio of male than female presentations in ASD cases Epileptiform activities, abnormal background activities and slowing in different brain areas were observed and related to cases that exposed to perinatal insults.

Recommendations: More studies should be considered regarding pre and perinatal insults in more details and its effect on late EEG during childhood not only early infancy.