The study, published online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, provides reassuring news for people with migraine who take common medications called triptans before or during pregnancy. Researchers found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, in children whose mothers took these medications while pregnant.

Study author Hedvig Nordeng, PhD, from the University of Oslo in Norway, emphasized that the results are encouraging for people with migraine who may be taking these drugs before they even know that they are pregnant. This information is particularly helpful for their physicians, who can make more informed decisions about treating debilitating migraine attacks.

The study involved health registry records for the entire Norwegian population and identified 26,210 pregnancies in female participants with migraine at the start of pregnancy. The researchers divided the participants into four groups based on their triptan use before and during pregnancy:

* Low use and stopped using them before pregnancy (42%)
* Increased use six months before pregnancy and stopped using them in early pregnancy (31%)
* Moderate use before pregnancy and continued into early pregnancy (21%)
* Used triptans before and during pregnancy (6%)

The researchers followed the children born for an average of eight years, checking health registries for diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, 1,140 children, or 4.3%, were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder during the study. The most common were ADHD and speech and language disorders.

When adjusting the results to account for other factors that could affect the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as a parent having a neurodevelopmental disorder, folic acid intake, or use of other drugs like opioids or antidepressants, the researchers found no increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders among children exposed to triptans prenatally.

“Migraine affects almost one in five people of childbearing age,” Nordeng said. “While symptoms often improve during pregnancy, about 8% of people experience worsening attacks during pregnancy, which can lead to increased risks of both maternal and fetal complications, so it’s vital to have treatment options available.”

A limitation of the study was that researchers did not verify whether people took their migraine medications; they only checked if participants filled their prescriptions. This might mean that actual drug exposure may be different than the estimates.

Overall, this study provides a reassuring message for people with migraine who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: taking triptans during pregnancy does not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University has shed new light on the potential link between gestational diabetes and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The findings, which analyzed data from over 200,000 mother-child pairs across Europe and Australia, suggest that children born to mothers who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop ADHD and exhibit externalizing behaviors.

The research, led by Dr. Rachelle Pretorius and Professor Rae-Chi Huang, focused on the symptoms of ADHD in children aged 7-10 years. The results showed that those born to mothers with gestational diabetes had consistently higher ADHD symptoms compared to their peers. Moreover, children aged 4-6 years who were exposed to gestational diabetes exhibited more externalizing problems, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiance, or aggression.

Dr. Pretorius explained that externalizing symptoms are behaviors directed outward, rather than internal emotional struggles like depression or anxiety. These symptoms often coexist with ADHD and tend to emerge before medical intervention, particularly during early childhood.

Professor Huang noted that the exact mechanisms by which gestational diabetes influences child development remain unclear. However, research suggests that acute and chronic maternal inflammation during pregnancy may impact certain pathways in a child’s brain programming, contributing to neurodevelopmental outcomes like ADHD symptoms.

The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of the potential long-term effects of gestational diabetes on child health. While more research is needed to fully elucidate these relationships, the results emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy to minimize its impact on child development.

In conclusion, the link between gestational diabetes and ADHD in children is a complex issue that requires further investigation. As researchers continue to explore this connection, it is essential to provide support and resources for families affected by gestational diabetes and ADHD, ensuring that these children receive the care they need to thrive.

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New Study Investigates Effects of ADHD Medications on the Heart: Small Increases Found in Blood Pressure and Pulse

A recent study led by the University of Southampton has shed light on the effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications on the heart. The research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed data from 102 randomized controlled trials involving over 22,700 participants with ADHD.

The study found that while there were some concerns about the side effects of these medications, the benefits of taking them outweighed the risks. In fact, the researchers discovered an overall small increase in blood pressure and pulse for most children taking ADHD medications.

Professor Samuele Cortese, senior lead author of the study from the University of Southampton, emphasized that when it comes to taking any medication, risks and benefits should always be assessed together. He noted that other studies have shown clear benefits in terms of reductions in mortality risk and improvement in academic functions, as well as a small increased risk of hypertension.

The researchers used an advanced statistical approach called network meta-analysis to compare the effects of several medications. They found that all ADHD medications were generally associated with overall small effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG parameters. With the exception of guanfacine, which leads to decreased blood pressure and heart rate, other medications led to increases in these values.

Interestingly, no significant differences were found between stimulants (including methylphenidate and amphetamine) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine and viloxazine) with regard to their effects on blood pressure and heart rate. This suggests that both types of medications should be monitored for cardiovascular side effects.

Dr. Luis Farhat, first author of the study from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, stressed the importance of careful monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, particularly for practitioners who might assume that only stimulants have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.

Professor Cortese concluded by saying that while their findings are informative at the group level, they cannot exclude that some individuals may be more vulnerable to cardiovascular side effects. He emphasized that efforts based on precision medicine approaches will hopefully provide important insights in the future.

Overall, this study provides valuable information for healthcare professionals and families of children with ADHD who are considering medication as a treatment option. By understanding the potential cardiovascular risks associated with these medications, they can make informed decisions about the best course of action for their child’s health.