Prenatal and perinatal morbidity in children with Tourette syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Tourette syndrome (TS) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently seen in combination, though the cause of comorbidity is uncertain. Low birth weight is a known risk factor for ADHD. The objective of the study was to assess the association between pre- and perinatal morbidity and the comorbid diagnosis of ADHD in children with TS.

METHOD: A nested case-control study of children evaluated for TS at a subspecialty clinic was performed. Cases were defined as children with TS and ADHD; controls had TS without ADHD. Exposure to pre- and perinatal morbidity was assessed using demographic information booklets completed by parents before the diagnostic interview.

RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-three children were included, 181 cases and 172 controls. Children with TS and ADHD had a greater odds of exposure to low birth weight status, prematurity, breathing problems, and maternal smoking compared with children with TS only. A multivariable logistic regression model found adjusted odds ratios for the comorbid diagnosis of TS and ADHD of 2.74 (95% CI 1.03-7.29, p = .04) in children born low birth weight, and of 2.43 (95% CI 1.23-4.82, p = .01) for children exposed to maternal smoking.

CONCLUSION: In children with TS, there is a greater odds of comorbid ADHD in children born with low birth weight or with exposure to maternal smoking. The commonality of risk factors for ADHD only and tic-related ADHD supports a common underlying neurobiology. Women with fetuses at risk for TS should avoid smoking and preventable causes of low birth weight to minimize the risk of comorbid ADHD.