We systematically reviewed evidence from observational studies on the associations between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and early-life antibiotic exposure. Eleven articles were included in the review. Prenatal antibiotic exposure was associated with a slightly increased risk of ASD in two cohort studies on overlapping populations and in one case–control study; in three other case–control studies, no significant association was found. One cohort study found a slightly reduced risk of ASD after postnatal antibiotic exposure, while two other cohort studies on overlapping populations and three case–control studies reported an increased risk. Meta-analysis of the eligible studies showed no significant associations. Current data are conflicting and do not conclusively support the hypothesis that early-life antibiotic exposure is associated with subsequent ASD development.
CITATION STYLE
Łukasik, J., Patro-Gołąb, B., Horvath, A., Baron, R., Szajewska, H., Besseling van der Vaart, I., … Verhoeff, A. (2019). Early Life Exposure to Antibiotics and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(9), 3866–3876. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04093-y
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