RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEONATAL JAUNDICE AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns that can increase the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause neurotoxicity. ASD can have a genetic origin or be influenced by alterations in DNA methylation. The objective of this study was to highlight how the scientific literature has addressed the association between neonatal jaundice and ASD. Characterized as an exploratory, descriptive, and integrative literature review study, the systematic search parameters in the LILACS and NIH databases were used, with the terms "jaundice," "bilirubin," "autism spectrum disorder," and "kernicterus" with the Boolean operator "AND," for publications carried out between 2020 and May 2024. Sixteen studies were found, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were selected, which demonstrated varied evidence on the association between neonatal jaundice and ASD, suggesting factors such as the severity of jaundice, prematurity, phototherapy, skin color, and socioeconomic conditions may influence the risk. Unconjugated bilirubin can be neurotoxic and affect brain development by interfering with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate, which are involved in ASD. The relationship between neonatal jaundice and ASD has been the subject of studies by various professionals; however, there is no consensus on their causal relationship. Therefore, continued research is important to clarify this relationship.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/edimpacto2025.091-038