Maternal Anemia and Its Relationship with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors : Gülten Çelebi, Hasan Durmuş, Arda Borlu, Fevziye Çetinkaya

Pages : 156-166

Doi:10.55517/mrr.1745869

View : 99 | Download : 949

Publication Date : 2025-10-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Its etiology involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. This study investigates the possible association between maternal anemia during pregnancy and the later diagnosis of ASD in the child. Method: This retrospective case-control study included 46 children diagnosed with ASD and 136 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in Nevşehir, Türkiye. Maternal blood values and pregnancy-related data were collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the case and control groups regarding maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and MCHC levels (p>0.05). The prevalence of anemia was lower in the ASD group but not statistically significant (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4–1.4). Conclusion: No significant association was found between maternal anemia and ASD diagnosis. Limitations such as missing data, lack of information on anemia type and timing, and supplement use during pregnancy may have influenced the results. Further cohort studies with larger sample sizes and detailed biochemical analysis are recommended.
Keywords : anemi, otizm spektrum bozukluğu, nörogelişim, gebelik

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