Early Neonatal Sepsis Linked to Increased Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recent research indicates that infants who develop sepsis within the first week of life are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, analyzed data from nearly one million children born between 1997 and 2013, with follow-up until 2021. Researchers focused on early-onset bacterial infections, such as sepsis and meningitis, occurring within the first week of life.

The findings revealed that children who experienced sepsis had an increased incidence of ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Specifically, the adjusted hazard ratios showed a 43% higher likelihood of developing ASD and a 28% higher chance of ADHD compared to children without such infections. Although the link between sepsis and ADHD was less pronounced in sibling-matched analyses, there remained a notable association. Furthermore, infants with meningitis also exhibited higher rates of ASD and ADHD.

The study emphasizes that preventing bacterial infections in the neonatal period may reduce the long-term developmental impacts, including ASD. However, it appears that such preventive measures may not significantly influence the risk of ADHD, highlighting the need for ongoing research into underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies.

This research underscores the importance of early infection control in newborns, not only to decrease immediate health risks but also to potentially diminish the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-onset-sepsis-week-life-likelihood.html