Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure Linked to Attention Problems
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Jan. 25, 2024 -- Prenatal acetaminophen exposure, especially in the second trimester, is associated with attention problems at ages 2, 3, and 4 years, according to a study published in the January-February issue of Neurotoxicology and Teratology.
Megan L. Woodbury, Ph.D., from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and colleagues used data from a prospective birth cohort with 535 newborns enrolled to examine the association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and attention problems by trimester of exposure. At six time points across pregnancy, mothers reported the number of times they took acetaminophen. Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5 to 5 years when children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age.
The researchers observed an association for higher acetaminophen exposure during the second trimester of fetal development with higher scores at ages 2 and 3 years on the Attention Problems; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Problems; Externalizing Behavior; and Total Problems scales. Higher Externalizing Behavior and Total Problems scores at 4 years were only seen in association with higher second-trimester exposure. The Attention Problems and ADHD Problems scores at ages 2 and 3 years were higher in association with greater cumulative exposure across pregnancy.
"Our most important finding was that with increasing acetaminophen use by pregnant participants, especially during the second trimester, their children showed more attention-related problems and ADHD-type behaviors, which we call 'externalizing behaviors,' at every age we measured," Woodbury said in a statement.
One author serves on the Neurotoxicology and Teratology Editorial Advisory Board.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted January 2024
Read this next
One in Nine U.S. Children Have Ever Been Diagnosed With ADHD
THURSDAY, May 23, 2024 -- Diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in U.S. children continue to increase, with approximately one in nine having ever received a...
Neurobehavioral Issues Increased in Children With Prenatal Fluoride Exposure
TUESDAY, May 21, 2024 -- Prenatal fluoride exposure is associated with increased neurobehavioral problems, according to a study published online May 20 in JAMA Network...
Most Moms-to-Be Interested in RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy
THURSDAY, April 25, 2024 -- More than half of women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are very likely to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.