Maternal Thyroid Hormone Imbalance and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This large study looked at whether mothers' thyroid problems during pregnancy affect autism risk in their children. They found that when thyroid problems were properly treated, there was no increased autism risk. However, when thyroid problems persisted throughout pregnancy without adequate treatment, autism risk was higher. The longer the thyroid problems lasted during pregnancy, the greater the risk.

This highlights the importance of regular thyroid checks and proper treatment during pregnancy.

This retrospective cohort study of 51,296 singleton births examined maternal thyroid dysfunction and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in offspring. Results showed that adequately treated chronic hypothyroidism was not significantly associated with ASD risk, while combined chronic and gestational hypothyroidism increased ASD risk (adjusted hazard ratio 2.61). A dose-response relationship was observed, with longer periods of hypothyroidism across trimesters associated with higher ASD risk. The study emphasizes the importance of routine thyroid screening and timely treatment during pregnancy to maintain hormonal balance and potentially reduce ASD risk.

Findings support routine thyroid screening and prompt treatment of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should monitor thyroid function throughout pregnancy, not just initially. Proper thyroid management may be a modifiable risk factor for ASD prevention.

Single-center study may limit generalizability. Retrospective design relies on existing medical records. Treatment adequacy assessment may vary. Confounding factors not fully controlled despite statistical adjustments.

Maternal thyroid hormones are essential for fetal neurodevelopment. Gestational thyroid imbalance has been associated with atypical neurodevelopment, including increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To examine the association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and ASD risk in offspring. Retrospective cohort study with follow-up through January 2021.

Single tertiary hospital in southern Israel (Soroka University Medical Center); linked to Clalit Health Services electronic records. A total of 51 296 singleton births between January 2011 and December 2017. None. Offspring ASD diagnosis (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition).

A total of 4409 (8.6%) of the mothers showed abnormal thyroid function. ASD cumulative incidence was similar in the offspring of women with normal and abnormal thyroid function (log-rank P = .27). While chronic hypothyroidism only (reflecting likely adequate treatment) was not significantly associated with ASD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15-1.48], combined chronic and gestational hypothyroidism was associated with higher ASD risk (aHR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.44-4.74). Trimester-specific analysis indicated a dose-response effect, in which the longer the period of hypothyroidism, the higher the ASD risk, namely, for 1, 2, or 3 trimesters of exposure: aHR, 1.69 (95% CI, 1.19-2.83); aHR, 2.39 (95% CI, 1.24-5.78); aHR, 3.25 (95% CI, 1.07-7.21), respectively.

The findings suggest adequately treated chronic hypothyroidism is not associated with ASD in offspring, whereas persistent hormonal imbalance across trimesters conveys elevated risk. These findings underscore the importance of routine thyroid function screening and timely treatment throughout pregnancy.