Overview
- An international team led by Francesco D’Antonio and Asma Khalil reviewed 43 studies in The Lancet Obstetrics & Gynaecology covering autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.
- Sibling-comparison and other low-bias analyses showed no meaningful association between prenatal exposure and these outcomes when the medication is used as directed.
- The findings suggest earlier reported links likely reflected confounding from underlying conditions such as fever, infection, or pain rather than the drug itself.
- Following the publication, the UK’s MHRA restated that paracetamol remains the first-choice treatment in pregnancy, while ACOG, RCOG, and the EMA continue to endorse its appropriate use.
- Authors note limitations across included studies, including maternal recall of use and variable exposure definitions, leaving some residual uncertainty despite the overall reassuring result.