Fig. 2. Nonlinear relationship between the number of antibiotic purchases in different periods of childhood and onset of autoimmune diseases^a.

^aAutoimmune diseases in this study were type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Index date = date of diagnosis for children who developed autoimmune diseases and compatible date for their age, sex, residential areas, gestational age (preterm/term), and delivery method (Cesarean section/vaginal delivery) matched controls.