Jaundice in Newborns May Be Linked to Autism Study Shows
Newborns Who Have Jaundice Are More Likely to Be Diagnosed With
Autism Oct. 11, 2010 -- As many as 60% of full-term newborns and
80% of babies born prematurely develop jaundice in their first
few days of life. Now new research suggests the condition may be
linked to a higher risk for autism. Babies with jaundice develop
yellowish skin due to excess of the chemical bilirubin, which is
a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. Most cases
resolve within a week or two of birth. But in very rare cases,
jaundice can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, and even
death. The newly reported study included more than 700,000
children in Denmark. About 35,000 were diagnosed with jaundice
as newborns. More Babies With Jaundice Diagnosed With Autism
Babies who developed jaundice were 67% more likely to be
diagnosed with autism during early childhood. The risk was even
higher for babies born in the fall and winter. The risk
disappeared in babies whose mothers