ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PERINATAL RISK FACTORS AND PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Abstract

The aim. To identify the link between perinatal risk factors (PRF) and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Method. 409 cases of PDD registered in the database of Kaunas clinics during 2015–2020 were reviewed. Selection criteria were applied and 261 cases were included in the study. A literature analysis was performed and according to its results specific PRFs were selected. PDD patients were divided into group 1 (n = 133) and group 2 (n = 128) according to whether at least one PRF was detected. The distribution of PRF during pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period was evaluated, as well as their influence on language and motor development in the newborn and infant period. Results. 51 % of subjects have been present with at least one PRF. 44.4 % of PDD PRF were determined in pregnancy, 45.9 % – during delivery and 37.1 % – postpartum. Motor and speech impairment was statistically significant when delivery (17.7 %) or postpartum (24 %) PRF were present compared with cases without PDD PRF (7.5 % and 6.6 % respectively). Conclusions. The most common PRF in pregnancy is preterm delivery, during labor – Caesarean section and its inditactions, and postpartum – hypoxia. If at least one PRF of pregnancy (p > 0.05), delivery (p < 0.05), and postpartum (p < 0.05) is dectected, speech and motor developmental disorders are diagnosed more frequently during the first year of life.