Kaiser Links ADHD To Oxygen Loss

A new study by researchers affiliated with Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente has discovered a link between oxygen deprivation just prior to birth and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder later in childhood.

According to an examination of the medical records of more than 82,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11, to birth asphyxia was associated with a 26% higher risk of developing ADHD. Exposure to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome was

associated with a 47% higher risk of developing the condition, and exposure to preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension in the mother) was associated with a 34% higher risk.

Risks were also found to be higher among infants who were born preterm, breech or with umbilical complications.

“Previous studies have found that hypoxic injury during fetal development leads to significant structural and functional brain injuries in the offspring,"”said study lead author Darios Getahun, M.D., of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. “However, this study suggests that the adverse effect of hypoxia and ischemia may lead to functional problems, including ADHD.”

 The findings were published in the most recent edition of the academic journal Pediatrics.