Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Postnatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-21 months corrected gestational age in preterm
Amelia Srajer1, Smita Roychoudhury2, Selphee Tang3
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Insights
Postnatal acetaminophen exposure did not affect neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants. This study provides reassurance for using acetaminophen in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prenatal acetaminophen exposure linked to neurodevelopmental issues.
- Limited data on postnatal acetaminophen and infant neurodevelopment.
- Investigating neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants exposed to postnatal acetaminophen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of postnatal acetaminophen exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants born before 29 weeks gestation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 945 infants born between 2008-2017.
- Exclusion of infants with chromosomal disorders, congenital abnormalities, or infections.
- Neurodevelopment assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, at 18-21 months corrected age.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in cognitive, language, or motor scores between acetaminophen-exposed and non-exposed groups.
- Adjusted odds ratios showed no increased risk associated with exposure.
- Acetaminophen use did not correlate with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal acetaminophen exposure was not associated with impaired neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants.
- Findings suggest safety for acetaminophen use in this population.
- Further validation in larger, longitudinal studies is recommended.
Background:
Studies have reported prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with abnormal neurodevelopment. There is limited and conflicting data on neurodevelopmental outcomes following postnatal acetaminophen exposure. Our objective was to investigate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants < 29 weeks gestation postnatally exposed to acetaminophen.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study of infants born between 2008 and 2017 at a tertiary care perinatal center. Exclusion criteria included chromosomal disorders, major congenital abnormalities, and congenital infections. The primary outcome was a composite score of <85 on the cognitive, language, or motor components of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, assessed at 18 to 21 months corrected gestational age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess confounders.
Results:
Of the 945 infants included in the study, 120 were in the acetaminophen group. There was no difference in any of Bayley-III cognitive, language or motor composite scores of < 85 between the two groups for postnatal acetaminophen exposure, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) 1.03, 95% CI 0.60-1.78, or days of acetaminophen use, aORs 1.10, 95% CI 0.93-1.29.
Conclusions:
There was no difference in neurodevelopmental outcome between the acetaminophen exposed and non-exposed groups. Our results need validation in larger cohorts.
Impact:
Animal research and cohort studies have suggested that prenatal acetaminophen exposure may be associated with an elevated risk of neurobehavioral abnormalities. However, there is limited and conflicting research on the impact of postnatal acetaminophen on neurodevelopment. The results of this study suggest that postnatal acetaminophen does not negatively impact neurodevelopment at 18 to 21 months in preterm infants born at <29 weeks gestational age. While these results need validation in larger and more longitudinal studies, this study provides reassurance for the use of postnatal acetaminophen in extremely preterm infants.
More Related Videos
07:36Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
05:13Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Published on: February 28, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview