Neonatal Brainstem Function and 4-Month Arousal-Modulated Attention Are Jointly Associated With Autism

作者：Cohen Ira L^*; Gardner Judith M; Karmel Bernard Z; Phan Ha T T; Kittler Phyllis; Gomez Tina Rovito; Gonzalez Maripaz G; Lennon Elizabeth M; Parab Santosh; Barone Anthony

来源：Autism Research, 2013, 6(1): 11-22.

DOI：10.1002/aur.1259

• auditory brainstem response
• infancy
• attention
• arousal
• repetitive and ritualistic behaviors
• autism spectrum disorder

The authors evaluated the contribution of initially abnormal neonatal auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and 4-month arousal-modulated attention visual preference to later autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behaviors in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates. A longitudinal study design was used to compare NICU graduates with normal ABRs (n=28) to those with initially abnormal ABRs (n=46) that later resolved. At 4 months postterm age, visual preference (measured after feeding) for a random check pattern flashing at 1, 3, or 8Hz and gestational age (GA) served as additional predictors. Outcome measures were PDD Behavior Inventory (PDDBI) scores at 3.4 years (standard deviation=1.2), and developmental quotients (DQ) obtained around the same age with the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS). Preferences for higher rates of stimulation at 4 months were highly correlated with PDDBI scores (all P-values<0.01) and the GMDS Hearing and Speech DQ, but only in those with initially abnormal ABRs. Effects were strongest for a PDDBI social competence measure most associated with a diagnosis of autism. For those with abnormal ABRs, increases in preference for higher rates of stimulation as infants were linked to nonlinear increases in severity of ASD at 3 years and to an ASD diagnosis. Abnormal ABRs were associated with later reports of repetitive and ritualistic behaviors irrespective of 4-month preference for stimulation. The joint occurrence of initially abnormal neonatal ABRs and preference for more stimulation at 4 months, both indices of early brainstem dysfunction, may be a marker for the development of autism in this cohort. Autism Res 2012, ..:.....

• 出版日期2013-2