Does treatment of premature labor with terbutaline increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders?

Authors

Patricia Rodier, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Richard K Miller, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Robert L Brent, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2011

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume 204, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 91-94. The published version is available at DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.11.030. Copyright © Elsevier Inc.

Abstract

Beta-adrenergic agents have been used in pregnant women for the treatment of premature labor and for the treatment of asthma. Concerns have been expressed that exposure to terbutaline, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the offspring. This hypothesis deserves critical review, given the number of patients exposed to the drug in the last two decades. The results are important to both the obstetricians and patients who weigh the risks and benefits of interventions and to the pediatricians who counsel the families of affected children.

Recommended Citation

Rodier, Patricia; Miller, Richard K; and Brent, Robert L, "Does treatment of premature labor with terbutaline increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders?" (2011). Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers. Paper 36.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/pedsfp/36

PubMed ID

21284962