Prenatal Antibiotic Exposure Linked to Childhood Health Issues: Daily Dose

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On December 18, 2024, we reported on findings from a study published in The Journal of Infection that examined the association between prenatal antibiotics and adverse long-term health outcomes in children.

The study

The systematic review and meta-analysis included 158 studies involving 21.9 million neonates, infants, children, and adolescents below or equal to 18 years of age from various countries. To assess the association between prenatal antibiotic exposure and various childhood diseases, unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method, according to the study.

The findings

Prenatal exposure to antibiotics was linked to an increased risk for 23 adverse health outcomes, including:

• Asthma (OR 1.36)

• Food allergies (OR 1.25)

• Obesity (OR 1.36)

• Cerebral palsy (OR 1.25)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (OR 2.03)

• Cancer (OR 1.13)

• Atopic dermatitis (OR 1.27)

• Wheezing (OR 1.39)

• Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.16)

One of the study’s key findings was that antibiotic exposure later in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, was more strongly associated with adverse health outcomes. Additionally, repeated courses of antibiotics appeared to increase the risks. Antibiotics commonly associated with higher risks included penicillin drugs and macrolides, compared to other drug classes such as tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones.

Authors' comments

"Although causality cannot be implied, these findings support antibiotic stewardship efforts to ensure judicious use of antibiotics during pregnancy to avoid potential long-term health risks."

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