Newborns with jaundice are more likely to develop autism: Study

In a study published in the US journal 'Pediatrics' had found that Infants born with jaundice are at much greater risk of developing autism.

This was concluded from full-term infants born in Denmark between 1994 and 2004 who had jaundice were 67 per cent more likely to develop autism.

Neonatal jaundice is usually caused by elevated production of bilirubin, a substance found in bile that results from the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Jaundice is seen in 60 per cent of term infants and usually resolves within the first week of life, but prolonged exposure to high bilirubin levels is neurotoxic and can cause lifelong developmental problems, the study says.

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Scientists find misfolded neural protein linked to autism.

(PTI) Scientists have identified genetic misfolding in a key brain protein associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a finding that may lead to new treatment for the psychological condition in children.

ASD causes severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder.

An international team of scientists led by researchers at the University of California found misfolding and other molecular anomalies caused by genetic mutations in a protein called neuroligin-3.

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