Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure Linked to Increased Mental Disorder Risks in Children

A recent study has revealed a potential correlation between prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids and an elevated risk of mental disorders in children. This research, published in the JAMA Network Open, suggests that children exposed to these steroids in utero may face higher incidences of conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mood and anxiety disorders.

Conducted by a team from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, the study analyzed a substantial population-based cohort consisting of over one million infants. The participants included 31,518 children born to mothers at risk of preterm delivery and 288,747 children born to mothers suffering from autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.

The findings indicated that children born to mothers at risk for preterm delivery exhibited adjusted risks of 6.6% for autism spectrum disorders compared to 4.3% among unexposed children. Additionally, the risk for intellectual disabilities was found to be 1.6% versus 1.3%, while attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presented risks of 5.8% compared to 4.3%. Furthermore, mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders were observed with a prevalence of 7.2% in exposed children versus 4.6% in those unexposed.

For children born to mothers with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, the adjusted risks were similarly concerning. The study reported corresponding figures of 4.8% for autism spectrum disorders versus 3.8%, 1.1% for intellectual disabilities versus 0.8%, and 5.5% for ADHD compared to 4.4%. The risk of mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders was also noted at 6.6% for exposed children against 4.6% for their unexposed counterparts.

The researchers employed an active comparator and sibling design to validate their results, further reinforcing the reliability of their findings. However, the authors emphasized the importance of considering these results within the broader context of treatment for pregnant individuals. They cautioned that the benefits of treating conditions requiring glucocorticoid therapy must be weighed against the potential risks to the offspring, noting that the absolute risk differences in these findings are low to moderate.

This research underscores the necessity for further investigation into the long-term implications of prenatal glucocorticoid exposure and the importance of making informed decisions regarding treatment options for pregnant women, especially those at risk of preterm labor or with pre-existing medical conditions.