1
|
Martins-Silva T, Bauer A, Matijasevich A, Munhoz TN, Barros AJD, Santos IS, Tovo-Rodrigues L, Murray J. Early risk factors for conduct problem trajectories from childhood to adolescence: the 2004 Pelotas (BRAZIL) Birth Cohort. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:881-895. [PMID: 37097345 PMCID: PMC10126565 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02178-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Conduct problems are associated with an increased risk of a wide range of physical, mental, and social problems. However, there is still uncertainty about how early risk factors differentiate different developmental patterns of conduct problems and whether findings replicate across diverse social contexts. We aimed to identify developmental trajectories of conduct problems, and test early risk factors, in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil. Conduct problems were measured at ages 4, 6, 11, and 15 years from caregiver reports on the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Conduct problem trajectories were estimated using group-based semi-parametric modeling (n = 3938). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between early risk factors and conduct problem trajectories. We identified four trajectories: three with elevated conduct problems, including early-onset persistent (n = 150; 3.8%), adolescence-onset (n = 286; 17.3%), and childhood-limited (n = 697; 17.7%), and one with low conduct problems (n = 2805; 71.2%). The three elevated conduct problem trajectories were associated with a wide range of sociodemographic risk factors, prenatal smoking, maternal mental health, harsh parenting, childhood trauma, and child neurodevelopmental risk factors. Early-onset persistent conduct problems were particularly associated with trauma, living without a father figure, and attention difficulties. The four trajectories of conduct problems from ages 4 to 15 years in this Brazilian cohort have similar longitudinal patterns to those identified in high-income countries. The results confirm previous longitudinal research and developmental taxonomic theories on the etiology of conduct problems in a Brazilian sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Martins-Silva
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago N Munhoz
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Aluísio J D Barros
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- International Center for Equity in Health, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Iná S Santos
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciana Tovo-Rodrigues
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Joseph Murray
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Woodbury ML, Geiger SD, Schantz SL. The relationship of prenatal acetaminophen exposure and attention-related behavior in early childhood. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 101:107319. [PMID: 38199313 PMCID: PMC11018143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Acetaminophen is currently the only analgesic considered safe for use throughout pregnancy, but recent studies indicate that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may be related to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. Multiple studies have suggested that it may be associated with attention problems, but few have examined this association by trimester of exposure. The Illinois Kids Development Study is a prospective birth cohort located in east-central Illinois. Exposure data were collected between December 2013 and March 2020, and 535 newborns were enrolled during that period. Mothers reported the number of times they took acetaminophen at six time points across pregnancy. When children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age, caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5-5 years (CBCL). Associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with scores on the Attention Problems and ADHD Problems syndrome scales, the Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior composite scales, and the Total Problems score were evaluated. Higher acetaminophen exposure during the second trimester of fetal development was associated with higher Attention Problems, ADHD Problems, Externalizing Behavior, and Total Problems scores at ages 2 and 3. Higher second trimester exposure was only associated with higher Externalizing Behavior and Total Problems scores at 4 years. Higher cumulative exposure across pregnancy was associated with higher Attention Problems and ADHD Problems scores at ages 2 and 3. Findings suggest that prenatal acetaminophen exposure, especially during the second trimester, may be related to problems with attention in early childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Woodbury
- Neuroscience Program, University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America.
| | - Sarah D Geiger
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America.
| | - Susan L Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klein RM, Motomura VN, Debiasi JD, Moreira EG. Gestational paracetamol exposure induces core behaviors of neurodevelopmental disorders in infant rats and modifies response to a cannabinoid agonist in females. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 99:107279. [PMID: 37391024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol (PAR) is an over-the-counter analgesic/antipyretic used during pregnancy worldwide. Epidemiological studies have been associating gestational PAR exposure with neurobehavioral alterations in the progeny resembling autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. The endocannabinoid (eCB) dysfunction was previously hypothesized as one of the modes of action by which PAR may harm the developing nervous system. We aimed to evaluate possible effects of gestational exposure to PAR on male and female rat's offspring behavior and if an acute injection of WIN 55,212-2 (WIN, 0.3 mg/kg), a non-specific cannabinoid agonist, prior to behavioral tests, would induce different effects in PAR exposed and non-exposed animals. Pregnant Wistar rats were gavaged with PAR (350 mg/kg/day) or water from gestational day 6 until delivery. Nest-seeking, open field, apomorphine-induced stereotypy, marble burying and three-chamber tests were conducted in 10-, 24-, 25- or 30-days-old rats, respectively. PAR exposure resulted in increased apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and time spent in the central area of the open field in exposed female pups. Additionally, it induced hyperactivity in the open field and increased marble burying behavior in both male and female pups. WIN injection modified the behavioral response only in the nest seeking test, and opposite effects were observed in control and PAR-exposed neonate females. Reported alterations are relevant for the neurodevelopmental disorders that have been associated with maternal PAR exposure and suggest that eCB dysfunction may play a role in the action by which PAR may harm the developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno Klein
- Graduation Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Diosti Debiasi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil
| | - Estefânia Gastaldello Moreira
- Graduation Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nilsen K, Staff AC, Krogsrud SK. Paracetamol use in pregnancy: Not as safe as we may think? Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:652-656. [PMID: 36941046 PMCID: PMC10201974 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol is used by more than 50% of women worldwide during pregnancy; headache representing the most frequent indication. Several studies report that long-term exposure to paracetamol in utero is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, indicating a dose-response effect. However, less or no risk is found to be associated with short-term exposure. Paracetamol most likely crosses the placenta through passive diffusion, and there are several possible mechanisms for how paracetamol might affect fetal brain development. Although the literature suggests an association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, the role of confounders cannot be ruled out. Consequently, as a precaution, we believe that pregnant women should be recommended ideally to only use paracetamol to treat conditions that might harm the fetus, such as severe pain or a high fever. This Comment aims to put focus on the potential fetal risks of paracetamol exposure in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Cathrine Staff
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Stine Kleppe Krogsrud
- School of Health SciencesKristiania University CollegeOsloNorway
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ricci C, Albanese CM, Pablo LA, Li J, Fatima M, Barrett K, Levis B, Brown HK. In utero acetaminophen exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023. [PMID: 36939050 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetaminophen is a frequently used analgesic for pain and fever. There have been reports of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with in utero acetaminophen exposure. However, it is unclear whether this association is related directly to acetaminophen use, or the reasons for use. OBJECTIVES To summarise the literature on the association between in utero acetaminophen exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes, and assess the extent to which the association is due to confounding by indication. DATA SOURCES OVID for Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO, and EBSCO for CINAHL, from inception to August 18, 2022. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION We searched for peer-reviewed, English-language studies on in utero acetaminophen exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Data were extracted using a standardised form created a priori, and quality was assessed using the Systematic Assessment of Quality in Observational Research. SYNTHESIS We generated pooled risk ratios (RR) for outcomes examined by ≥3 studies using random-effects models; outcomes that could not be meta-analysed were narratively summarised following Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis guidelines. RESULTS Twenty-two studies including 23 cohorts were eligible (n = 367,775 total participants; median: 51.7% with acetaminophen exposure). Studies were primarily prospective cohort studies from Europe and the US, with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being the most common outcome. Quality assessments resulted in 13.6% of studies being classified as high, 59.1% as medium, 22.7% as low, and 4.5% as very low quality. In utero acetaminophen exposure was associated with an elevated risk of ADHD (unadjusted pooled RR 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20, 1.44; I2 = 47%, n = 7 studies), with little difference after adjusting for confounders, including indications for acetaminophen use (adjusted pooled RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15, 1.55; I2 = 50%, n = 4 studies). CONCLUSIONS Confounding by indication did not explain the association between in utero acetaminophen exposure and child ADHD. Further, high-quality research is needed on this and other neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ricci
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lesley A Pablo
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jiaying Li
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Fatima
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn Barrett
- Library, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brooke Levis
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Quebec, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hilary K Brown
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lye JM, Knight JA, Arneja J, Seeto RA, Wong J, Adel Khani N, Brooks JD, Levitan RD, Matthews SG, Lye SJ, Hung RJ. Maternal acetaminophen use and cognitive development at 4 years: the Ontario Birth Study. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:959-963. [PMID: 35794252 PMCID: PMC9261144 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have suggested a link between prenatal maternal acetaminophen use and adverse developmental outcomes in children. However, there exists a knowledge gap regarding overall cognitive development and use of acetaminophen, especially concerning the timing of use in pregnancy. This study aimed to characterize the relationship between maternal acetaminophen use and cognitive development at 4 years. METHODS This analysis included data collected throughout pregnancy and delivery from women in the Ontario Birth Study prospective cohort from 2013 to 2019 and from the NIH Toolbox Early Childhood Cognition battery administered to 4-year-old children between 2018 and 2021 (n = 436). The exposure was maternal acetaminophen use and the primary outcome was a cognition composite score. The relationship between exposure and outcome was determined using Poisson regression with a robust error variance. RESULTS We did not observe any association between maternal acetaminophen intake any time before or during pregnancy and low cognition composite score of offspring. The IRR of suboptimal overall cognition was 1.38 (0.78-2.45), 1.22 (0.67-2.22), 0.80 (0.44-1.47), and 1.56 (0.74-3.29) for maternal use of acetaminophen before, in early, late, or overall pregnancy, respectively. CONCLUSION Current data do not provide evidence to support a relationship of maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy with adverse cognitive effects at 4 years. IMPACT Acetaminophen use during pregnancy may influence the risk of child neurocognitive disorders, but there is conflicting evidence of its relationship to sub-clinical measures of cognitive development such as executive function. The study design allowed us to examine the role of timing of acetaminophen use in its relationship with cognitive development, based on a validated and standardized tablet-administered instrument for children, instead of a teacher or parent report. We did not observe a clear relationship between maternal acetaminophen use at different timepoints during pregnancy and child cognitive development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lye
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia A Knight
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Arneja
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan A Seeto
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jody Wong
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nadya Adel Khani
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Brooks
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert D Levitan
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rayjean J Hung
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bauer AZ, Swan SH, Kriebel D, Liew Z, Taylor HS, Bornehag CG, Andrade AM, Olsen J, Jensen RH, Mitchell RT, Skakkebaek NE, Jégou B, Kristensen DM. Paracetamol use during pregnancy - a call for precautionary action. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:757-766. [PMID: 34556849 PMCID: PMC8580820 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), otherwise known as acetaminophen) is the active ingredient in more than 600 medications used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. APAP is widely used by pregnant women as governmental agencies, including the FDA and EMA, have long considered APAP appropriate for use during pregnancy when used as directed. However, increasing experimental and epidemiological research suggests that prenatal exposure to APAP might alter fetal development, which could increase the risks of some neurodevelopmental, reproductive and urogenital disorders. Here we summarize this evidence and call for precautionary action through a focused research effort and by increasing awareness among health professionals and pregnant women. APAP is an important medication and alternatives for treatment of high fever and severe pain are limited. We recommend that pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to: forego APAP unless its use is medically indicated; consult with a physician or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether use is indicated and before using on a long-term basis; and minimize exposure by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. We suggest specific actions to implement these recommendations. This Consensus Statement reflects our concerns and is currently supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals from across the globe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Z Bauer
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts School of Health Sciences, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts School of Health Sciences, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Paediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Anderson M Andrade
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rigmor H Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) UMR_S, 1085, Rennes, France
| | - David M Kristensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) UMR_S, 1085, Rennes, France.
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bührer C, Endesfelder S, Scheuer T, Schmitz T. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and the Developing Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11156. [PMID: 34681816 PMCID: PMC8540524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol is commonly used to treat fever and pain in pregnant women, but there are growing concerns that this may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. A growing number of epidemiological studies suggests that relative risks for these disorders increase by an average of about 25% following intrauterine paracetamol exposure. The data analyzed point to a dose-effect relationship but cannot fully account for unmeasured confounders, notably indication and genetic transmission. Only few experimental investigations have addressed this issue. Altered behavior has been demonstrated in offspring of paracetamol-gavaged pregnant rats, and paracetamol given at or prior to day 10 of life to newborn mice resulted in altered locomotor activity in response to a novel home environment in adulthood and blunted the analgesic effect of paracetamol given to adult animals. The molecular mechanisms that might mediate these effects are unknown. Paracetamol has diverse pharmacologic actions. It reduces prostaglandin formation via competitive inhibition of the peroxidase moiety of prostaglandin H2 synthase, while its metabolite N-arachidonoyl-phenolamine activates transient vanilloid-subtype 1 receptors and interferes with cannabinoid receptor signaling. The metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinone-imine, which is pivotal for liver damage after overdosing, exerts oxidative stress and depletes glutathione in the brain already at dosages below the hepatic toxicity threshold. Given the widespread use of paracetamol during pregnancy and the lack of safe alternatives, its impact on the developing brain deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13344 Berlin, Germany; (S.E.); (T.S.); (T.S.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Intrauterine Exposure to Acetaminophen and Adverse Developmental Outcomes: Epidemiological Findings and Methodological Issues. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 8:23-33. [PMID: 33398668 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acetaminophen (or paracetamol) is one of the most commonly used medications during pregnancy. We reviewed recent epidemiological evidence regarding intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen and risk for asthma, neurodevelopment disorders, and reproductive health in childhood. RECENT FINDINGS An increasing number of cohort studies have suggested that maternal use of acetaminophen during pregnancy was associated with increased risk for asthma; neurodevelopmental disorders, especially ADHD and behavioral problems; and genital malformations in the offspring. Oxidative stress and inflammation or endocrine effects are plausible shared biological mechanisms for the exposure to influence multiple developmental outcomes. We discussed methodological challenges that can threaten the validity of these observational data, including confounding and measurement errors. Novel statistical methods and research designs that can be used to mitigate these issues were introduced. Given the high prevalence of use, findings regarding intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen on multiple child health outcomes raise concerns. Research on causal and non-causal mechanisms that might explain these associations should be a priority.
Collapse
|
10
|
Parker SE, Werler MM. Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and neurodevelopment. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:225-226. [PMID: 32201959 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
11
|
Wood ME. Associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and child neurodevelopment: Truth, bias, or a bit of both? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:233-236. [PMID: 32086821 PMCID: PMC7259542 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mollie E. Wood
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health Boston Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|