‘No evidence whatsoever’ Paracetamol causes autism as Trump claims, in line with specialists | EUROtoday

Pregnant people can safely use paracetamol as directed throughout being pregnant with out an elevated threat of autism, ADHD, or mental disabilities of their youngsters, a complete new assessment has concluded. The findings purpose to definitively handle earlier unsubstantiated claims concerning the painkiller’s security.

The research, printed in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Healthimmediately refutes assertions made by U.S. President Donald Trump in September, who claimed a “meteoric rise” in autism circumstances and advised Tylenol – often known as paracetamol within the UK – was a possible trigger.

He suggested pregnant girls to “tough it out” slightly than take the painkiller, feedback that drew widespread criticism from autism campaigners and scientists globally.

Experts concerned within the newest analysis expressed hope that the sturdy findings would “bring the matter to a close”.

An worldwide workforce of teachers, together with UK specialists, carried out a wide-reaching assessment, looking analysis databases for all research reporting threat estimates for autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity dysfunction (ADHD), and mental disabilities.

The eligible research in contrast pregnancies with and with out paracetamol publicity, utilising validated questionnaires or medical data on medical outcomes. Researchers additionally accounted for different maternal illnesses and coverings obtained.

The assessment encompassed 43 research in a scientific assessment and 17 in a meta-analysis, a technique for systematically combining findings from a number of research. Crucially, numerous sibling comparability research had been included, which evaluate youngsters born to the identical mom the place paracetamol was taken in a single being pregnant however not one other.

The authors unequivocally concluded that paracetamol publicity throughout being pregnant was “not associated with the risk” of autism spectrum dysfunction, ADHD, or mental disabilities.

They said: “Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety.”

Professor Asma Khalil, advisor obstetrician and fetal drugs specialist at St George’s Hospital, London, and lead creator of the research, emphasised: “We found no clinically important increase in the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability (among) children where the mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy. And this is the important message to the millions of pregnant individuals – paracetamol is safe to use in pregnancy. It remains to be the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy, and it’s also consistent with recommendations or the guidelines by various national or international bodies.”

Professor Grainne McAlonan, professor of translational neuroscience at King’s College London (KCL), welcomed the findings, stating: “Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child’s health. This thorough and clear study approached the question by conducting both a substantial systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of eligible studies. Importantly, it prioritised sibling design studies to account for family history, which is crucial. This confirmed that there is no relationship between taking paracetamol in pregnancy and a higher likelihood of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in the offspring. While the impact of last year’s announcement has been extensive, I hope the findings of this study bring the matter to a close.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting added his reassurance: “This major review can, yet again, reassure mothers-to-be everywhere that there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children. Our country’s leading scientists, doctors and the NHS are clear that paracetamol is safe to take when pregnant and in pain or suffering a fever.”