The World Health Organization is aligned with international criticisms aroused by the recent warnings of President Trump concerning the use of Tylenol, fueling the debate around the management of medical recommendations in the face of the pandemic.
TL; Dr
Table of Contents
- Trump links a drug to autism without scientific proof.
- Global experts deny any established link.
- WHO recalls the lack of evidence and the complexity of autism.
It was enough for a public speaking to stir the medical world. On September 22, during a White House speech, the American president Donald Trump said the consumption of Tylenol – more specifically paracetamol – during pregnancy would promote an increase in cases ofautism in children in the United States. “” I’ll say it. It’s not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary “He said before his audience.
The total absence of scientific foundation
This announcement was quick to arouse a keen debate on social networks and in the public sphere. Quickly, experts and health authorities seized the subject to refute these remarks. L’European Medicines Agencymajor instance in terms of pharmaceutical regulations, was categorical: ” Available evidence has found no link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism ». Same story across the Channel where the British health secretary, Wes Streetingspoke on ITV: ” I’ve just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None. »
The World Health Organization restores the facts
In the process, it is the turn of theWorld Health Organization (WHO) to go up to the niche in the face of what is perceived as a dangerous medical disinformation. The organization recalls that no solid scientific evidence supports the hypothesis of a link between takingacetaminophen (International name for the active ingredient of Tylenol) during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. According to his experts, in -depth studies carried out over the past ten years – some of which are on a large scale – have not revealed any constant or significant association.
To clarify the situation, here is what international organizations indicate:
- No serious study has a link between paracetamol and autism.
- Autism probably results from multiple factors that are still poorly understood.
Autism, a complex pathology still enigmatic
Beyond this punctual controversy, theautismwhich affects nearly 62 million individuals according to theOMSremains a complex pathology whose exact causes still largely escape contemporary science. The organization insists on the imperative need to intensify research in order to shed light on the multiple origins of the disorder and to provide support adapted to the people concerned and their families.
Behind the political and media tumult, the scientific consensus remains firm: today there is no evidence establishing a link between paracetamol taken during pregnancy and appearance of autistic disorders in children.
