Acetaminophen use in pregnancy not linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, large study finds

Large study finds no link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders. Get the details

Study Finds No Link Between Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

 

A recent study published in the journal JAMA suggests that using acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.

 

The study, which examined the prenatal and medical records of approximately 2.5 million children born in Sweden between 1995 and 2019, utilized a statistical model to compare children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy with those who were not. While the initial analysis indicated a marginal increase in the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders among the exposed group, a sibling analysis — comparing outcomes among full sibling pairs with the same biological parents — found no evidence of such associations.

 

Sibling analyses are particularly robust as they control for shared genetic and environmental factors, providing more accurate insights compared to traditional clinical trials. Dr. Eric Brenner, an assistant professor at Duke University, commended the study's large sample size and sibling analysis, emphasizing its strength in dispelling concerns about acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

 

Contrary to recent research and statements suggesting a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, this study challenges such assertions. The authors attribute previous associations to confounding factors, such as parents' underlying health conditions and sociodemographic characteristics, rather than the direct effects of acetaminophen.

 

While acetaminophen is generally considered safe during pregnancy by regulatory agencies like the FDA and the European Medicines Agency, cautionary recommendations have emerged from some quarters. However, the findings of this study provide reassurance regarding the safety of acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly for managing fever and pain.

 

Dr. Yalda Afshar, from UCLA, advises pregnant individuals to consult healthcare professionals regarding medication use during pregnancy. Overall, this study underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making and informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers to optimize maternal and fetal health.