Obstetric synthetic oxytocin use and subsequent hyperactivity/inattention problems in Danish children

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to examine the association between obstetric synthetic oxytocin use and hyperactivity/inattention problems in offspring.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified children born in 2000-2003, enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort, with data on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) reported by parents at age seven (n = 33 896) and age 11 (n = 27 561) and the children themselves around age 11 (n = 27 251). Information on oxytocin administration was provided in the Medical Birth Register. We estimated mean differences and odds ratios for childhood hyperactivity/inattention problems according to oxytocin exposure.

RESULTS: Synthetic oxytocin was administered in 26% of the deliveries. We did not find the use of synthetic oxytocin during birth to be associated with childhood hyperactivity/inattention problems, whether analyzed in linear or logistic regression models.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support any effects of obstetric use of synthetic oxytocin on hyperactivity/inattention problems in children when measured with the SDQ subscale at 7 or 11 years of age.