Gestational phthalate exposure and behavioral problems in preschool-aged children with increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Experimental studies have shown associations between gestational phthalate exposure and behavioral problems among offspring; however, epidemiological evidence is still mixed. This study aims to investigate whether gestational phthalate exposure is associated with behavioral problems in preschool-aged children.

Methods

Participants include 178 mother-child pairs from MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies - Learning Early Signs), a cohort with high familial likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We quantified 14 phthalate metabolites in multiple maternal urine samples collected during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Preschool behavior problems were assessed using the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL), a standardized instrument for evaluating behavior problems

SUBMITTER: Choi JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12328017 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature