Neurodevelopmental problems at 18 months among children exposed to paracetamol in utero: a propensity score matched cohort study

• Published in: International journal of epidemiology Vol. 45; no. 6; pp. 1998 - 2008
• Main Authors: Vlenterie, Richelle, Wood, Mollie E, Brandlistuen, Ragnhild Eek, Roeleveld, Nel, van Gelder, Marleen Mhj, Nordeng, Hedvig
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Acetaminophen - adverse effects; Adult; Aggression; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic - adverse effects; Child Development; Cohort Studies; Communication; Female; Humans; Infant; Logistic Models; Male; Motor Skills; Motor Skills Disorders - chemically induced; Motor Skills Disorders - epidemiology; Norway; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects - chemically induced; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects - epidemiology; Prenatal exposure to paracetamol and SSRIs; Propensity Score; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Paracetamol; acetaminophen; Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study; neurodevelopment; MoBa; pregnancy; propensity scores; milestones
• ISSN: 0300-5771; 1464-3685
• DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw192

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. 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. 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. 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.