Prenatal exposure to asthma medications and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and educational difficulties: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lama A Shakhshir, Alexia Karain, Jill P Pell, Claire E Hastie, Scott M Nelson and Michael Fleming

PLOS Medicine, 2026, vol. 23, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Background: Since asthma exacerbations during pregnancy risk maternal and fetal health, continued medication is important. However, some studies have reported adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to asthma medication. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to collate the existing evidence on the associations between prenatal exposure to asthma medication and neurodevelopmental and educational outcomes. Methods and findings: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the PECO framework. PubMed, Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies investigating prenatal exposure to one or more asthma medication and neurodevelopmental or educational outcomes published, in English, between January 2003 and September 2024, and updated in November 2025. Studies of asthma medication used for other indications were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted where appropriate and heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q and I2 tests. Conclusion: Meta-analysis suggested an association between prenatal exposure to B2AA and ASD. An association with ADHD, reported in a single study, requires corroboration. To date, based on our search strategy, no association has been reported with communication skills, motor skills, problem-solving and personal-social skills, or cerebral palsy. Why was the study done?: What did the researchers do and find?: What do these findings mean?: In a systematic review, Lama A. Shakhshir and colleagues assess the available evidence on prenatal exposure to asthma medications and subsequent neurodevelopmental and educational outcomes in children.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pmed00:1005100

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1005100

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