- Thread starter
- #5,361
Have you read the abstract from that one study?That is so unfortunate. I am sorry to hear that but I am glad they are addressing the concern. A leading Harvard scientist came to that conclusion with others, so it has to come out. There are unfortunate ramifications but I believe trying to stop or at least reduce autism cases is so important that it needs to be vocalised publicly far and wide for the well being of children and families all over, as I am sure you do.
It is titled 'may' be linked.
It also recommends the continued judicious use of Paracetamol during pregnancy under medical oversight because the study acknowledges that 1) the causal link was found in prolonged use of more than four weeks 2) the study acknowledges that untreated fever or pain during pregnancy is dangerous to the foetus.
“Further research is needed to confirm the association and determine causality, but based on existing evidence, I believe that caution about acetaminophen use during pregnancy—especially heavy or prolonged use—is warranted.” https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/using...-may-increase-childrens-autism-and-adhd-risk/
So the Authors themselves acknowledge that more research is needed to confirm the studies findings. By the way this study was conducted by taking the stats from other studies and inferring a link (which is fine but it is not a direct finding from independent research, rather a statistical analysis of data which may or may not indicate a link at all).
Lastly the lead Author Baccarelli acknowledges that he has served as an expert witness in Acetaminophen (Paracetomol, same thing) court cases where plaintifs are suing the Drug companies. So saying he admits he has a vested interest in finding these claims to be accurate (Expert witnesses negotiate payment with lawyers in the States, unlike NZ where it is carefully arbitrated based off a hourly rates and classes).
In conclusion, it was best to leave this topic to the experts and let the relevant agencies advise the medical profession directly - rather than allow this dangerous politicization of potential half truths which could do more harm than good.
I get the angst about wanting to know the risks by the public, but there is a reason a GP prescribes you pills that are often linked to literally dozens of risks to patients without telling you all of them.....you would be in your Doctors office for hours and no one would ever take any medicine.
Have you read the side effect profile of every drug you have ever been prescribed (it is screeds long and often times words like cancer risk or heart attack stroke etc are quite common).
Bottom line, I would rather have a kid with autism than a dead kid.