Prenatal paracetamol use and asthma in childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Some studies have suggested that prenatal paracetamol exposure might associate with the risk of child asthma. However, other studies have not confirmed this result. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate their relationship.
METHODS
Two authors searched Pubmed and Embase databases up to June 2016. The strength of the association was calculated with the OR and respective 95% CIs. The random-effects model was chosen to calculate the pooled OR.
RESULTS
A total of 13 articles of more than 1,043,109 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. A statistically significant association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and child asthma risk was found. The data showed that prenatal paracetamol exposure could increase the risk of child asthma (OR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.27; P<0.00001) in a random-effect model. Six studies reported paracetamol exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. We found that paracetamol exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with increased risk of child asthma (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.14-1.28; P<0.00001). Furthermore, we observed that paracetamol exposure during the 2-3 trimesters of pregnancy was also associated with child asthma risk (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23; P=0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggested that prenatal paracetamol exposure was significantly associated with the increased risk of child asthma.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,043,109 participants or records.
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