Prenatal Exposure to Glucocorticoids Linked to Increased Risk of Mental Disorders in Children, Study Finds

A recent study has found that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids—a class of steroid medications commonly used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions—may be linked to a higher risk of mental disorders in offspring, including conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, and mood or anxiety disorders.

The research, conducted on a large population cohort, compared children whose mothers were prescribed systemic glucocorticoids during pregnancy with those who were not. The study included over a million infants and found that children exposed to these medications in utero had a slightly elevated risk of developing certain mental health conditions later in life.

Among the key findings:

• Autism spectrum disorder was observed in 6.6% of exposed children versus 4.3% of unexposed in mothers at risk of preterm birth (relative risk [RR], 1.5).

• ADHD occurred in 5.8% of exposed children compared to 4.3% of unexposed (RR, 1.3).

• Mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders were seen in 7.2% of exposed versus 4.6% of unexposed (RR, 1.5).

The differences in risk, while statistically significant, were described as “low to moderate” by researchers. Experts emphasize that glucocorticoids remain essential for managing certain maternal health conditions and that the benefits may outweigh the risks in many cases. However, the findings highlight the importance of careful consideration and consultation with healthcare providers when prescribing these medications during pregnancy.

Glucocorticoids, including drugs like prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone, are used to suppress inflammation and treat a range of autoimmune and allergic disorders. They are also administered to women at risk of preterm labor to improve fetal outcomes.

“Doctors need to be certain that the medication is really necessary when prescribing it to pregnant women,” said Dr. Kristina Laugesen, lead author of the study and clinical epidemiologist at Aarhus University in Denmark.

Disclaimer:
This article summarizes recent research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to prescribed treatments, especially during pregnancy.