Obstetric Infections related to Brain Issues in Children at Age 10
A new JAMA Psychiatry study followed 555 mother-child pairs and found that elevated levels of certain maternal inflammatory proteins at 24 weeks of pregnancy were significantly associated with higher risks of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children at age 10. Key proteins included VEGFA, CD5, IL-12B, CCL3, and MCP-1—many involved in cytokine and toll-like receptor signaling pathways. The study underscores the importance of maternal immune activation as a risk factor for autism and ADHD, particularly inattentive presentation.
Obstetric Intelligence: Insights from Clinical Practice
As an obstetrician, these findings remind us that infection and systemic inflammation in pregnancy are not benign—they may have long-term consequences for the child’s neurodevelopment. While we often focus on fetal growth and viability, this study points to subtle, molecular-level disruptions with delayed outcomes. It strengthens the rationale for screening and treating infections, managing chronic inflammation, and further researching immune-modulatory interventions. It also reminds us that one way to diagnose an infection, placental pathology, remains important. Obstetric care must increasingly integrate long-term child neurodevelopment as part of our maternal-fetal responsibility.
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