Associação dose-resposta entre exposição pré-natal a pesticidas e ocorrência de autismo em crianças.

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, with limited and repetitive behaviors and interests. Primary epidemiological studies have shown that prenatal environmental factors, especially maternal exposure to pesticides, play a fundamental role in the etiology of ASD. Objective: To investigate the dose-response association between prenatal exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of autism in children. Methods: This was a systematic review of the scientific literature. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases using a pre-specified search strategy. Results: A total of 5 articles were included in this review. Only one of the studies found a positive dose-response association between maternal exposure to organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides during pregnancy and an increased risk of ASD. The other studies were unable to demonstrate such an association. Conclusion: Although exposure to pesticides in the prenatal period is identified as an environmental risk factor for the occurrence of ASD, there is insufficient evidence of a dose-response association between the variables. More studies are required to better understand this hypothesis.