The Hebrew University of Jerusalem confirms the suspicions that have been raised by previous research and that relate acetaminophen with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.
Until now, when a pregnant woman was unlucky enough to suffer severe pain or fever ... she knew she could only count with paracetamol, because it was considered a "safe" medication during pregnancy. However, scientists from the Institute for Medicinal Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have just published a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, where they associate prolonged exposure to acetaminophen (paracetamol) with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . And what is even more worrying: it would be enough with a small dose -maintained in time- for the baby to suffer from these neurodevelopmental problems.
This meta-analysis has reviewed seven cohort studies, with 132,738 mothers and children during a period of time between 3 and 11 years, and indicates a 30% increase in the incidence of the relative risk of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and an increase of 20% in the relative risk of suffering from ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) when the mothers had consumed paracetamol during pregnancy.
Scientific suspicions
"Our finding suggests a relationship between the prolonged use of acetaminophen and the increased risk of autism and ADHD. However, this increase in risk is small and previous studies have significant shortcomings, "warns Dr. Ilan Matok, director of the Research Laboratory in Pharmacoepidemiology at the Hebrew University and coordinator of the study. "While it is true that an abusive use of any medication during pregnancy is contraindicated, we believe that our research should not alter current advice and women should not stop taking acetaminophen when it is clinically necessary."
Despite this reassuring message and pointing out that intense fever and pain during pregnancy can negatively affect the fetus, it is not the first time that the scientific community has warned about the possible effects of paracetamol on the baby's neuronal development. Already in 2016 other research published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed the relationship between behavior problems that arise in childhood and intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen, specifically in weeks 18 and 32. Also the University of California (UCLA), in collaboration with the Aarhus University of Denmark published in 2014 another exhaustive study - with a sample of 64,322 mothers and children analyzed between 1996 and 2002 in Denmark, to check if there were "environmental elements" that had influenced the hyperactivity of children. Again, behind the shadow of ADHD was the consumption of this analgesic during pregnancy.
What does all this mean? If the consumption of paracetamol is something punctual, theoretically it should not involve risks for the fetus ... but if the fever or pain of the pregnant woman is prolonged in time ... it is better to consult the doctor before continuing taking this medication.