Large review finds no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism or ADHD

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health found no evidence that maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or intellectual disability among children. The appraisal, led by Asma Khalil and a team of seven researchers across Europe, examined 43 previous studies and describes itself as "the most rigorous analysis of the evidence to date." Papers they reviewed that compared outcomes among children born to the same mother included 262,852 under-18s assessed for autism, 335,255 assessed for ADHD and 406,681 assessed for intellectual disability.

The findings directly contradict remarks made at a White House press conference on 22 September, when Donald Trump said: "Taking Tylenol is not good … All pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant … Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside." The study states Trump’s statements were baseless and identified no association between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability, noting that "familial and genetic factors...

are more plausible explanations" for previously observed links and that underlying health conditions prompting prolonged paracetamol use might be more important than the drug itself.

Key Topics

Health, Paracetamol, Autism, Adhd, Intellectual Disability, Asma Khalil