O-36 Prenatal and Early-Life Acetaminophen Exposure: A Systematic Review of Neurodevelopmental Impacts
Author(s):
M Baptiste, B Rennie, K Mitchell
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: This systematic review examines the association between acetaminophen exposure during prenatal and
early childhood stages and adverse neurodevelopmental
outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cognitive delays. The findings emphasize implications for public
health in the Caribbean.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed (2000–2024) identified randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to acetaminophen. Studies meeting inclusion criteria underwent quality appraisal and narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.
Results: Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was consistently linked to increased risks of ASD (odds ratio [OR] 1.26–1.37) and ADHD (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.36). Postnatal exposure was associated with attention-related behavioral problems and mixed evidence on motor development, including higher neurodevelopmental scores in some cohorts (β 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.16). Dose-response effects and environmental interactions, such as co-exposure to cannabinoid receptor agonists, were observed in some studies.
Conclusion: Evidence supports significant neurodevelopmental risks associated with acetaminophen exposure. In the Caribbean, where acetaminophen is widely used and easily accessible over the counter, these findings highlight the need for public health campaigns, stricter pregnancy guidelines, and further region-specific research to refine dose thresholds and minimize risks.