fox Pain reliever acetaminophen linked to higher risk of autism, ADHD: study The study based its findings on an analysis of 73,881 mother-child pairs in Europe Researchers in Spain uncovered data that suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to the common pain-relieving drug acetaminophen and increased risk for higher instances of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to the results of a study published Friday. The study, published European Journal of Epidemiology, based its findings on an analysis of 73,881 mother-child pairs in Europe. Children who were prenatally exposed to paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, were found to be 19% more likely to have developed Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and 21% more likely to have developed ADHD than children who were not exposed. "These results replicate previous work and support providing clear information to pregnant women and their partners about potential long-term risks of acetaminophen use," researchers at the University of Barcelona said.

2021 Alemany Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts The potential etiological role of early acetaminophen exposure on Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is inconclusive. We aimed to study this association in a collaborative study of six European population-based birth/child cohorts. A total of 73,881 mother–child pairs were included in the study. Prenatal and postnatal (up to 18 months) acetaminophen exposure was assessed through maternal questionnaires or interviews. ASC and ADHD symptoms were assessed at 4–12 years of age using validated instruments. Children were classified as having borderline/clinical symptoms using recommended cutoffs for each instrument. Hospital diagnoses were also available in one cohort. Analyses were adjusted for child and maternal characteristics along with indications for acetaminophen use. Adjusted cohort-specific effect estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analysis. The proportion of children having borderline/clinical symptoms ranged between 0.9 and 12.9% for ASC and between 1.2 and 12.2% for ADHD. Results indicated that children prenatally exposed to acetaminophen were 19% and 21% more likely to subsequently have borderline or clinical ASC (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.33) and ADHD symptoms (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.36) compared to non-exposed children. Boys and girls showed higher odds for ASC and ADHD symptoms after prenatal exposure, though these associations were slightly stronger among boys. Postnatal exposure to acetaminophen was not associated with ASC or ADHD symptoms. These results replicate previous work and support providing clear information to pregnant women and their partners about potential long-term risks of acetaminophen use.