Maternal antineuronal antibodies and risk of childhood autism spectrum disorders: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of autism is complex, and may involve the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggested an association between maternal immune response and this disorder.

METHODS: Forty-nine women with autistic children (cases) were studied in comparison with 73 women with normal children (controls). After interviewing for sociodemographic and clinical information, mothers' sera were tested for the presence of antineuronal antibodies.

RESULTS: Mothers of autistic children had significantly higher seropositivity for anti-Yo antibodies (34.7%) than control women (13.7%), with an (adjusted odds ratio of 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-6.61; p=0.044). Similarly, women with autistic children showed significantly higher seropositivity for antiamphiphysin than the control group (40.8% vs. 17.8%), with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-6.04; p=0.035). No significant association was found between autism spectrum disorders and maternal anti-Hu antibodies and anti-Ri antibodies, and the history of autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION: Some maternal antineuronal antibodies may contribute significantly to the risk of childhood autism.