Paracetamol in pregnancy 'link to autism and ADHD' not proven

Conclusion This birth cohort study found some significant links between using paracetamol in pregnancy and hyperactivity or impulse symptoms at the age of five and ASD symptoms in boys. However, this research cannot prove paracetamol use is directly responsible for these findings. Not all links were statistically significant – for example, paracetamol was not linked with ADHD when looking at full diagnostic criteria, or with ASD when looking at the full sample of children. It is possible the significant links identified may not be true causative links and would not be replicated if another birth cohort was used. The researchers have tried to take account of various confounders, but given that the causes of ADHD and ASD are not clearly established, it is difficult to take account of all the hereditary, health and environmental factors that could have an influence. And some notable factors are missing – for example, the mother's alcohol consumption, or whether or not she or anyone else in the home smoked during pregnancy or in the child's younger years – and do not appear to have been assessed. Although the researchers have tried to look at frequency of use, they couldn't assess the effects of different paracetamol doses due to mothers' difficulties recalling the exact dose taken. This would have been useful to assess, especially with regards to potential future guidance. Assessments of frequency of use highlight the need for caution when taking these statistical ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Neurology Medication Mental health Source Type: news