In Utero Rx Stimulant Exposure Not Tied to Later Neurodevelopmental Issues

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2024 --Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate exposure in utero does not appear to increase the risk for childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Elizabeth A. Suarez, Ph.D., M.P.H., from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and colleagues evaluated the association between childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and in utero exposure to stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The analysis included health care utilization data from publicly insured (Medicaid data from 2000 to 2018) and commercially insured (MarketScan Commercial Claims Database data from 2003 to 2020) pregnant individuals aged 12 to 55 years.

The researchers found that when adjusting for measured confounders, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine exposure was not associated with any outcome (autism spectrum disorder: hazard ratio [HR], 0.80 [95 percent confidence interval (CI), 0.56 to 1.14]; ADHD: HR, 1.07 [95 percent CI, 0.89 to 1.28]; any neurodevelopmental disorder: HR, 0.91 [95 percent CI, 0.81 to 1.28]). There was an association seen between methylphenidate exposure and an increased risk for ADHD (HR, 1.43; 95 percent CI, 1.12 to 1.82) but not other outcomes after adjustment (autism spectrum disorder: HR, 1.06 [95 percent CI, 0.62 to 1.81]; any neurodevelopmental disorder: HR, 1.15 [95 percent CI, 0.97 to 1.36]). With stricter control for confounding by maternal ADHD, the association between methylphenidate and ADHD did not persist.

"Given the recent rise in use of stimulant medications for ADHD in adults and during pregnancy, these results are reassuring for patients who depend on these medications throughout pregnancy for control of debilitating ADHD symptoms that interfere with daily functioning," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed ties to industry.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2024-02-02 00:15

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords