Fetal measurements as predictors for autism spectrum disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pattern of fetal and birth measurements and autism spectrum disorders: is there an association?
IRAS ID
153289
Contact name
Markus F.C. Steiner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen & NHS Grampian
Research summary
Autism was an increasingly common neurodevelopmental disorder that had profound effects on the development of social functioning and many other aspects of behaviour. In Grampian, the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank (AMND) provided a rare opportunity to investigate whether patterns of fetal measurements at 12 and 20 weeks gestation and birth were associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder. Analysis of anonymised linked data of the AMND records and data on autism status afforded the opportunity for a large population-based record linkage study. Diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders would be captured from the Support Needs System (SNS) that was part of the Child Health Surveillance System of NHS Grampian. The analysis would attempt to identify associations with patterns of growth measured at routine fetal ultrasound measures at 12 and 20 weeks gestation and birth measurements.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
14/NS/0076
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion