In her news article titled “Are Epidurals Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder? New Study Says Maybe, The Medical Community Says No,” Michelle Lampariello captures the uproar that followed after a recent study attributed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to labor epidural analgesia (LEA). The author reports that the research findings published in The Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that LEA admission on mothers in labor exposes newborns to a high risk of ASD. However, the report triggered a backlash from obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and pediatricians who, through different professional organizations, issues a joint statement discrediting the findings. The article exposes the discrepancies and misunderstandings surrounding the issue of ASD.
The risk factors of ASD are blurrily understood, which explains why the publication of seemingly controversial findings was countered with criticism in less than 24 hours. Lampariello (2020) notes that the researchers behind the study reported that prolonged durations of LEA exposure, particularly those lasting up to four and eight hours, results in ASD risk levels of 33% and 46%, respectively. These figures were interpreted to mean that LEA could be a significant risk factor, although further research was recommended to determine whether a causal link exists (Lampariello, 2020). The researchers acknowledged the limitations of their study, as they included a cautionary statement that the findings were to be interpreted cautiously because of the diversity in LEA practices.
Any new findings touching on the medical profession are subjected to thorough scrutiny because of the sensitive nature of the practice. Medical organizations responded to the research report with a joint statement reassuring expectant mothers of their children’s safety. According to Lampariello (2020), the professional organizations discredited the report for the lack of scientific evidence of a causal association between exposure to LEA and ASD. The professionals emphasized that the low drug exposures administered to alleviate labor pains do not affect an infant’s brain. As such, healthcare providers should not alter the current practice approaches in light of the recently published research findings, as the study had severe limitations.
Reference
Lampariello, M. (2020). Are epidurals linked to autism spectrum disorder? New study says maybe, the medical community says no. Clinical Advisor. Web.