Premature mortality and causes of death in autism spectrum disorder

Background Mortality has been suggested to be increased in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim was to examine both all-cause and cause-specific mortality in ASD, as well as investigate moderating role of sex and... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Mortality has been suggested to be increased in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim was to examine both all-cause and cause-specific mortality in ASD, as well as investigate moderating role of sex and intellectual ability.
Methodology
Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for a population-based cohort of ASD probands (N=27 122, diagnosed between 1987 and 2009) as compared to sex-, age-, and county of residence-matched comparison group (n= 2 672 185).
Results
During the observed period, n=24 358 (0.91%) individuals in the general population died, while the corresponding figure for ASD individuals was n=706 (2.60%) (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 2.38–2.76). Cause-specific analyses showed elevated mortality in ASD for almost all analysed diagnostic categories. Mortality and patterns for cause-specific mortality were partly moderated by sex and general intellectual ability.
Conclusions
Premature mortality was markedly increased in ASD owing to a multitude of medical conditions. Implications for health care professionals and organizations are discussed.

The Regional Ethics Committee in Stockholm approved the study (0229/939-31/5). [ view full abstract ]

The Regional Ethics Committee in Stockholm approved the study (0229/939-31/5).