Author Interviews, JAMA, Pediatrics, Pharmacology / 16.08.2016
Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Linked to Childhood Behavioral Problems
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Evie Stergiakouli
Lecturer in Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics
MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit
University of Bristol
Bristol UK
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Acetaminophen is considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, research suggests that acetaminophen use in pregnancy is associated with abnormal neurodevelopment. It is possible that this association might be confounded by unmeasured behavioural factors linked to acetaminophen use. We compared acetaminophen use during pregnancy to postnatal acetaminophen use and partner's acetaminophen use. Only acetaminophen use during pregnancy has the potential to cause behavioural problems in the offspring. Any associations with postnatal acetaminophen use and partner's acetaminophen use would be due to confounding. Behavioural problems in the offspring were only associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
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