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A new study linking autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to Caesarean births is provoking strong reactions in the media, but a closer look at the data reveals that titles could scare readers unnecessarily.
A new report published in the JAMA Network Open has analyzed the results of 61 studies involving more than 20 million caesareans in 19 countries and revealed a 33% overall increase in the likelihood that a child will develop autism. – and a higher risk of 17% of ADHD compared to those born vaginally.
The authors note that their statistical research does not prove that caesareans cause ADHD or autism; rather, the factors that led to the decision to have a caesarean section may be related to these neurodevelopmental issues.
Still, the results "suggest wise use" of caesareans, report researchers.
The team, led by scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, has examined data on millions of deliveries since 1999. Although this important data pool is significant, the overall prevalence of these disorders should be taken into account. (1% only for autism and 7%). ADHD – the increase in probabilities is still extremely low.
"It's not very dramatic. It's statistically significant, but from a population perspective, the risk is not huge, "Dr. Pankhuree Vandana, a pediatric psychiatrist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, told Reuters ( Ohio). "And that does not prove that Caesarean section is the cause of autism or ADHD. Risk factors leading to a caesarean section can also be risk factors leading to autism or ADHD. "
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