Thimerosal-containing vaccines and deficit in child development: Population-based study in southern Brazil

• Published in: Vaccine Vol. 38; no. 9; pp. 2216 - 2220
• Main Authors: da Cunha, Gabriela Kurz, de Matos, Mariana Bonati, Trettim, Jéssica Puchalski, Rubin, Bárbara Borges, de Avila Quevedo, Luciana, Pinheiro, Karen Amaral Tavares, da Cunha Coelho, Fabio Monteiro, Pinheiro, Ricardo Tavares
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 24.02.2020; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Age; Anxiety; Bivariate analysis; Brazil; Breastfeeding & lactation; Child development; Child Development - drug effects; Child, Preschool; Children & youth; Cognitive ability; Cognitive development; Cohort Studies; Hepatitis; Humans; Immunization; Language; Mothers; Multivariate analysis; Population studies; Population-based studies; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical - adverse effects; Public health; Regression analysis; Statistical analysis; Thimerosal; Thimerosal - adverse effects; Vaccination; Vaccines; Vaccines - adverse effects; Variables; Brazil; Child development; Thimerosal; Vaccination
• ISSN: 0264-410X; 1873-2518
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.12.044

The discussion on the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) and their impact on child development it́s very relevant. Methods: This is a cohort study with mother-child dyads who received prenatal care in the Unified Health System. The domains of motor, cognitive and language development were evaluated in children between 24 and 36 months of age. Data on vaccination were obtained through the child's immunization record. A linear regression analysis was carried out considering possible confounders. Results: In bivariate analyses, motor and language development were associated with TCVs (p < 0.05). However, in the multivariate analysis, this association was not maintained (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the use of TCVs is not associated with child development. The importance of this study is summarized in transmitting relevant information regarding public health, based on reliable data.