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Prenatal paracetamol use and asthma in childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis

G Fan1, B Wang1, C Liu1

  • 1Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, 828 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China.

Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|February 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal paracetamol exposure is linked to a higher risk of childhood asthma. This meta-analysis confirms a significant association, even with exposure during specific trimesters.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Conflicting evidence exists regarding prenatal paracetamol (acetaminophen) use and childhood asthma risk.
  • Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of developing childhood asthma.
  • To consolidate findings from existing studies to provide a clearer understanding of this relationship.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed on the Pubmed and Embase databases up to June 2016.
  • Data from 13 studies, encompassing over 1,043,109 individuals, were included.
  • A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant association was found between prenatal paracetamol exposure and increased childhood asthma risk (OR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.27).
  • Exposure during the first trimester showed a significant association (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.14-1.28).
  • Exposure during the second and third trimesters was also associated with increased asthma risk (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23).

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal paracetamol exposure is significantly associated with an elevated risk of childhood asthma.
  • The findings highlight a potential link between maternal use of paracetamol during pregnancy and adverse respiratory outcomes in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaChildParacetamol

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