Mental Disorders in Children Exposed to Glucocorticoids Before Birth
Author Information
Author(s): Laugesen Kristina PhD, Skajaa Nils PhD, Petersen Irene PhD, Andersen Marianne Skovsager PhD, Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla PhD, Kejlberg Al-Mashhadi Sofie MD, Stewart Paul PhD, Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde DrMed, Sørensen Henrik Toft PhD
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Hypothesis
Is prenatal exposure to systemic glucocorticoids associated with subsequent mental disorders?
Conclusion
Prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids was associated with a higher risk of some mental disorders in offspring.
Supporting Evidence
- Prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids was linked to higher risks of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders.
- The study included a large cohort of over a million infants for robust analysis.
- Findings were confirmed through sibling comparisons to reduce confounding.
- Results suggest a need for caution in glucocorticoid use during pregnancy.
Takeaway
If a mom takes certain medicines during pregnancy, it might make her child more likely to have problems with feelings or behavior when they grow up.
Methodology
This was a nationwide population-based cohort study using data from Danish registries, comparing infants exposed to glucocorticoids with unexposed infants born to mothers with similar health conditions.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding from maternal health and health-seeking behavior associated with glucocorticoid treatment.
Limitations
Confounding by disease severity could not be ruled out, and the study only included live births.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1,061,548 infants, with 52% being male.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.2-1.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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