Association of Epidural Analgesia During Labor and Delivery With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Offspring.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Evidence from studies investigating the association of epidural analgesia use during labor and delivery with risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring is conflicting.

Objective

To assess the association of maternal use of epidural analgesia during labor and delivery with ASD in offspring using a large population-based data set with clinical data on ASD case status.

Design, setting, and participants

This population-based retrospective cohort study included term singleton children born in British Columbia, Canada, between April 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. Stillbirths and cesarean deliveries were excluded. Clinical ASD diagnostic data were obtained from the British Columbia Autism Assessment Network and the British Columbia Ministry of Education.

SUBMITTER: Hanley GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8479579 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature