SASOG and partners debunk Donald Trump's unfounded claims linking paracetamol and autism
STUNNING THEORY
South African medical societies affirm that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy, dispelling myths about its link to autism spectrum disorder.
Image: IOL Graphics
Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump surprised many with controversial comments claiming that Tylenol and vaccines have been shown to cause autism. This prompted the World Health Organization to dismiss Trump's medically unfounded assertions.
Furthermore, the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG), in collaboration with the Society of Obstetric Medicine South Africa (SOOMSA) and the South African Society for Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SASUOG), has dismissed the claims that paracetamol causes autism in children.
The healthcare stakeholders said there is no evidence linking the two.
The Alkemi Collective, representing these organisations, asserts that there is no credible evidence indicating a connection between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and the development of autism in children.
Response to Media Reports
This statement addresses concerns raised by recent media reports and studies that hinted at a potential link between paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and ASD.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters that while some observational studies had suggested a possible association of autism with acetaminophen, or paracetamol, the primary ingredient in Tylenol, others had "found no such relationship", adding: "The evidence remains inconsistent."
As for vaccines, he said there was no doubt: "Vaccines do not cause autism.
Critique of Early Studies
Initial observational studies that suggested a correlation faced criticism for their susceptibility to confounding factors such as genetics and environments, as well as reliance on unreliable self-reporting methods.
Robust Research Findings
More rigorous research, including studies that control for familial factors and a significant Swedish study, indicated that any perceived association between paracetamol and ASD vanished when these confounding variables were considered.
Risks of Untreated Symptoms
The medical authorities stressed the dangers of untreated maternal symptoms during pregnancy, highlighting that fever can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage and congenital malformations.
Importance of Pain Management
Untreated pain can severely impact a mother's mental health, ultimately affecting both her and her fetus. Paracetamol is seen as the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and fever during this critical period.
Safe Usage Reassured
At recommended therapeutic doses, paracetamol does not pose an increased risk of negative outcomes for pregnancy or child health, reassuring healthcare providers and expectant mothers alike.
Call for Continued Clinical Practice
The collective encourages continued clinical practice where pregnant women are provided necessary care without baseless fears around paracetamol usage for fever and pain management.
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