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Neurodevelopmental problems at 18 months among children exposed to paracetamol in utero: a propensity score matched cohort study.
- Source :
- International Journal of Epidemiology; Dec2016, Vol. 45 Issue 6, p1998-2008, 11p
- Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- <bold>Background: </bold>Previous studies showed that children exposed to paracetamol during fetal life might have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems. Since paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medications during pregnancy, even small increases in the risk of neurodevelopmental problems may have considerable implications for public health.<bold>Methods: </bold>Using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, we applied propensity score (PS) matching to examine associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental problems among children at 18 months of age. Paracetamol use was classified into short-term (< 28 days) and long-term (≥ 28 days) of exposure.<bold>Results: </bold>Of the 51 200 pregnancies included in our study, 40.5% of mothers ( n = 20 749) used paracetamol at least once during pregnancy. In the PS-matched analyses, long-term paracetamol exposure during pregnancy was associated with communication problems [odds ratio (OR): 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-1.95) and delayed motor milestone attainment (OR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.70). We did not observe increased risks after short-term exposure. Sensitivity analyses for several indications showed similar effects as the PS-matched analyses, suggesting no confounding by indication.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Long-term exposure to paracetamol in utero was associated with modestly increased risks of motor milestone delay and impaired communication skills among children at 18 months. Caution is warranted when considering long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy; however, women with severe pain conditions should not be deprived of appropriate pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ACETAMINOPHEN
PREGNANCY complications
DRUG side effects
PUBLIC health
PROPENSITY score matching
AGGRESSION (Psychology)
CHILD development
COMMUNICATION
LONGITUDINAL method
MOTOR ability
MOVEMENT disorders
PROBABILITY theory
PSYCHOLOGICAL tests
RESEARCH funding
LOGISTIC regression analysis
NONOPIOID analgesics
PRENATAL exposure delayed effects
ODDS ratio
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03005771
- Volume :
- 45
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Epidemiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 122195232
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyw192