Start Over

Consanguinity as a Risk Factor for Autism.

Authors :: Alshaban FA
Aldosari M
Ghazal I
Al-Shammari H
ElHag S
Thompson IR
Bruder J
Shaath H
Al-Faraj F
Tolefat M
Nasir A
Fombonne E
Source :: Journal of autism and developmental disorders [J Autism Dev Disord] 2023 Sep 26. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Sep 26.
Publication Year :: 2023
Publisher :: Ahead of Print
Abstract: Purpose: Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) continue to be a focus of research worldwide. Consanguinity, the cultural practice of marrying within a family, is common in cultures and societies of the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. Consanguinity has been investigated as a risk factor for ASD in a limited number of studies, with mixed results. We employed registry and survey data from Qatar to evaluate the role of consanguinity as a risk factor for ASD.<br />Methods: Data were sourced from a national registry and a population-based survey of autism recently conducted in Qatar. We selected a sample of 891 children (mean age: 8.3 years) with (N = 361) or without (N = 530) ASD. Data on consanguinity and covariates were collected through questionnaires and interviews.<br />Results: The prevalence of consanguinity in the overall sample was 41.2% with no significant difference between cases and controls (42.1% vs 41.3%; p = .836). In adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses, consanguinity was not associated with risk of ASD (aOR = 1.065; 95% CI: .751-1.509; NS).<br />Conclusion: Parental consanguinity was not associated with autism risk in our study. Replication in other populations with high rates of consanguineous unions is recommended.<br /> (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)