Researchers are to probe connections between heart disease in children and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The researchers say the results could provide evidence to back early intervention for autism in children with heart disease.
Chinese researchers are to probe links between heart problems in children and autism. Image by jcomp on Freepik
Congenital heart disease (CHD) starts in the womb with abnormal development of the heart or large blood vessels.
Reviewing existing work
Chinese researchers based at the West China Second University Hospital, in Chengdu, are to review existing work on the topic.
They believe children with CHD show more obvious neurodevelopmental disorders. They also think the children may have a higher risk of social interaction and communication-linked conditions such as autism.
Studies have shown that mutations or deletions of some genes not only lead to CHD, but are also related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Other studies show links to autism
Biomedical charity Treating Autism said the research relates to two other studies. These have “found a positive association between congenital heart defects in infants and the risk of developing autism symptoms later in life”.
But a spokesperson for the charity added there is also a “much higher risk of autism in many other congenital disorders”.
Treating Autism lists other conditions that have shown links to autism. These include muscular dystrophy, tumour-causing conditions such as tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis type 1, joint disorder Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
US and Taiwan studies
In 2019, a group of US researchers in Atlanta found children with CHD “have increased odds” of developing autism.
Children with a hole in the heart between the upper or lower chambers were found to be at greater risk of having autism.
Overall, children with heart problems were 32 per cent more likely to be on the autism spectrum.
And a 2017 study in Taiwan found children with heart problems were more prone to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This research found that where heart problems and early developmental disorders occurred together, the risks of autism and ADHD may be greater.
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Published: 2 April 2023
