On Aug. 13, 2020, in a first-of-its-kind study in humans, investigators at the Center for ADHD Research at Oregon Health & Science University have reported that maternal inflammation, measured by higher levels of prenatal cytokines – or small proteins that aid the immune system – during the third trimester of pregnancy, may be associated with elevated ADHD symptoms in children between 4 and 6 years old.

In a first-of-its-kind study in humans, investigators at the Center for ADHD Research at Oregon Health & Science University have reported that maternal inflammation, measured by higher levels of prenatal cytokines — or small proteins that aid the immune system — during the third trimester of pregnancy, may be associated with elevated ADHD symptoms in children between 4 and 6 years old.

The OHSU research team monitored 68 children from 62 women from the second trimester of pregnancy until the child was 4 to 6 years old. At 24- and 37-weeks of gestation, the women provided a blood sample to measure inflammation markers, and completed questionnaires to assess mood and stress level. Subsequent postnatal surveys and interviews, completed by the women as well as school teachers of their children, rated child behavior and clinical symptoms of ADHD. Overall reported data supports the team’s hypothesis that cytokines are one pathway through which maternal prenatal distress may influence child behavioral risk.