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Trammel CJ, Whitley J, Kelly JC. Pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder in pregnancy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:74-80. [PMID: 38193300 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy has significantly increased in the last decade, impacting 8.2 per 1000 deliveries. OUD carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality for both the birthing person and neonate, but outcomes for both are improved with opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Here, we describe the recommended forms of OAT in pregnancy, updates to the literature, and alternate OAT strategies, and share practical peripartum considerations for patients on OAT. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies comparing buprenorphine and methadone have reaffirmed previous findings that buprenorphine is associated with superior outcomes for the neonate, without clear differences in morbidity or mortality for the birthing person. Optimal initiation and dosing of OAT remains unclear, with several recent studies evaluating methods of initiation, as well as a potential role for higher and more rapid dosing in the fentanyl era. Alternative products such as buprenorphine-naloxone and extended-release buprenorphine are of significant research interest, though randomized prospective data are not yet available. SUMMARY Buprenorphine and methadone are standard of care for treatment of OUD during pregnancy, and multiple patient factors impact the optimal choice. Insufficient data exist to recommend alternative agents as a primary strategy currently. All patients with OUD in pregnancy should be counseled regarding OAT. VIDEO http://links.lww.com/COOG/A94.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Trammel
- Washington University in Saint Louis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Harris M, Schiff DM, Saia K, Muftu S, Standish KR, Wachman EM. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #21: Breastfeeding in the Setting of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder (Revised 2023). Breastfeed Med 2023; 18:715-733. [PMID: 37856658 PMCID: PMC10775244 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.29256.abm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) revised the 2015 version of the substance use disorder (SUD) clinical protocol to review the evidence and provide updated literature-based recommendations related to breastfeeding in the setting of substance use and SUD treatments. Key Information: Decisions around breastfeeding are an important aspect of care during the peripartum period, and there are specific benefits and risks for substance-exposed mother-infant dyads. Recommendations: This protocol provides breastfeeding recommendations in the setting of nonprescribed opioid, stimulant, sedative-hypnotic, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use, and SUD treatments. Additionally, we offer guidance on the utility of toxicology testing in breastfeeding recommendations. Individual programs and institutions should establish consistent breastfeeding approaches that mitigate bias, facilitate consistency, and empower mothers with SUD. For specific breastfeeding recommendations, given the complexity of breastfeeding in mothers with SUD, individualized care plans should be created in partnership with the patient and multidisciplinary team with appropriate clinical support and follow-up. In general, breastfeeding is recommended among mothers who stop nonprescribed substance use by the time of delivery, and they should continue to receive ongoing postpartum care, such as lactation support and SUD treatment. Overall, enhancing breastfeeding education regarding substance use in pregnancy and lactation is essential to allow for patient-centered guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Harris
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Davida M. Schiff
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Divisions of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelley Saia
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serra Muftu
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Divisions of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine R. Standish
- Department of Family Medicine, and Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elisha M. Wachman
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Grande LA, Cundiff D, Greenwald MK, Murray M, Wright TE, Martin SA. Evidence on Buprenorphine Dose Limits: A Review. J Addict Med 2023; 17:509-516. [PMID: 37788601 PMCID: PMC10547105 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As overdose deaths from fentanyl continue to increase, optimizing use of medications for opioid use disorder has become increasingly important. Buprenorphine is a highly effective medication for reducing the risk of overdose death, but only if a patient remains in treatment. Shared decision making between prescribers and patients is important to establish a dose that meets each patient's treatment needs. However, patients frequently face a dose limit of 16 or 24 mg/d based on dosing guidelines on the Food and Drug Administration's package label. METHODS This review discusses patient-centered goals and clinical criteria for determining dose adequacy, reviews the history of buprenorphine dose regulation in the United States, examines pharmacological and clinical research results with buprenorphine doses up to 32 mg/d, and evaluates whether diversion concerns justify maintaining a low buprenorphine dose limit. RESULTS Pharmacological and clinical research results consistently demonstrate buprenorphine's dose-dependent benefits up to at least 32 mg/d, including reductions in withdrawal symptoms, craving, opioid reward, and illicit use while improving retention in care. Diverted buprenorphine is most often used to treat withdrawal symptoms and reduce illicit opioid use when legal access to it is limited. CONCLUSIONS In light of established research and profound harms from fentanyl, the Food and Drug Administration's current recommendations on target dose and dose limit are outdated and causing harm. An update to the buprenorphine package label with recommended dosing up to 32 mg/d and elimination of the 16 mg/d target dose would improve treatment effectiveness and save lives.
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Tobacyk J, Parks BJ, Salazar P, Coward LU, Berquist MD, Gorman GS, Brents LK. Interaction between buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 249:110832. [PMID: 37385117 PMCID: PMC10573081 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Buprenorphine (BUP) is the preferred treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy but can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Norbuprenorphine (NorBUP), an active metabolite of BUP, is implicated in BUP-associated NOWS. We hypothesized that BUP, a low-efficacy agonist of mu opioid receptors, will not antagonize NorBUP, a high-efficacy agonist of mu opioid receptors, in producing NOWS. To test this hypothesis, we treated pregnant Long-Evans rats with BUP (0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1mg/kg/day) ± NorBUP (1mg/kg/day) from gestation day 9 until pup delivery, and tested pups for opioid dependence using our established NOWS model. We used LC-MS-MS to quantify brain concentrations of BUP, NorBUP, and their glucuronide conjugates. BUP had little effect on NorBUP-induced NOWS, with the exception of 1mg/kg/day BUP significantly increasing NorBUP-induced NOWS by 58% in females. BUP and NorBUP brain concentrations predicted NOWS in multiple linear regression models. Interestingly, NorBUP contributed more to NOWS in females (βNorBUP = 51.34, p = 0.0001) than in males (βNorBUP = 19.21, P = 0.093), while BUP was similar for females (βBUP = 10.62, P = 0.0017) and males (βBUP = 11.38, P = 0.009). We are the first to report that NorBUP induces NOWS in the presence of BUP and it is more influential in females than males in the contribution of NorBUP to BUP-associated NOWS. These findings suggest that females are more susceptible to NorBUP-induced NOWS, and that treatment strategies that reduce prenatal NorBUP exposure may be more effective for females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tobacyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR72205, USA
| | - Brian J Parks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR72205, USA
| | - Paloma Salazar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR72205, USA
| | - Lori U Coward
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL35229, USA
| | - Michael D Berquist
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR72205, USA
| | - Gregory S Gorman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL35229, USA
| | - Lisa K Brents
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR72205, USA.
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Barber CM, Terplan M. Principles of care for pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorder: the obstetrician gynecologist perspective. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1045745. [PMID: 37292372 PMCID: PMC10246753 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1045745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use in pregnant and parenting persons is common, yet still underdiagnosed. Substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most stigmatized and undertreated chronic medical conditions, and this is exacerbated in the perinatal period. Many providers are not sufficiently trained in screening or treatment for substance use, so gaps in care for this population persist. Punitive policies towards substance use in pregnancy have proliferated, lead to decreased prenatal care, do not improve birth outcomes, and disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and other families of color. We discuss the importance of understanding the unique barriers of pregnancy-capable persons and drug overdose as one of the leading causes of maternal death in the United States. We highlight the principles of care from the obstetrician-gynecologist perspective including care for the dyad, person-centered language, and current medical terminology. We then review treatment of the most common substances, discuss SUD during the birthing hospitalization, and highlight the high risk of mortality in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecily May Barber
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mishka Terplan
- Friends Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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What Obstetrician–Gynecologists Should Know About Substance Use Disorders in the Perinatal Period. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:317-337. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Barry JM, Birnbaum AK, Jasin LR, Sherwin CM. Maternal Exposure and Neonatal Effects of Drugs of Abuse. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S142-S155. [PMID: 34396555 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The public health crisis of pregnant women being exposed to drugs of abuse and of its impact on their unborn children continues to grow at an alarming rate globally. The state of pregnancy is unique, with physiological changes that can lead to changes in the way drugs are handled by the body in both pharmacokinetics and response. These changes place the pregnant woman, fetus, and newborn infant at risk, as many of these drugs can cross the placenta and into breast milk. The substances most commonly linked to harmful effects include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. The pharmacological and toxicological changes caused by in utero exposure or breastfeeding exposure are difficult to study, and the full extent of the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. However, these changes can significantly affect the risks of substance abuse and influence optimal treatment of pregnant women with a substance use disorder. In addition, newborns who were exposed to drugs of abuse in utero can experience withdrawal syndromes. Pharmacological management in infants is used to guide and treat withdrawal symptoms, with the goal being to improve the infant's sleep, eating, and comfort. Several barriers may prevent pregnant women from seeking help for substance use, including stigma and interactions with the legal system. Understanding changes in pharmacology, including pharmacokinetic changes that happen during pregnancy, is essential for anticipating the extent of maternal exposure and neonatal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Barry
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Angela K Birnbaum
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Lisa R Jasin
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine M Sherwin
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, USA
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The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: 2020 Focused Update. J Addict Med 2021; 14:1-91. [PMID: 32511106 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Salivary cortisol levels as a biomarker for severity of withdrawal in opioid-exposed newborns. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1033-1038. [PMID: 31578040 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scoring tools used to quantify withdrawal in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are often confounded by subjective measurements. This study assessed salivary cortisol as an objective biomarker of withdrawal severity in opioid-exposed newborns. METHODS A prospective study was conducted in 25 full-term opioid-exposed newborns monitored for NAS. Morning and evening salivary cortisol levels were collected starting within 48 h post birth until initiation of pharmacologic treatment for withdrawal (Pre-Treatment) or when the infant was discharged without pharmacotherapy (No Treatment). RESULTS Cortisol levels in the Pre-Treatment group (n = 11) were significantly higher within the first week of life (median 1.74 µg/dl) than in the No Treatment group (n = 11; median 0.72 µg/dl; P = 0.003); three infants had inadequate saliva volume for cortisol assay. Cortisol significantly decreased after 72 h post birth among infants discharged without pharmacotherapy (≤72 h median 1.25 µg/dl; ≥72 h median 0.58 µg/dl; P = 0.022), whereas cortisol remained elevated for infants subsequently treated for severity of withdrawal. No cortisol circadian rhythm was observed for either group. CONCLUSIONS Salivary cortisol in opioid-exposed newborns may provide an index of stress and help identify infants who will have more severe clinical presentation of NAS. Such a biomarker would allow risk stratification for early treatment and discharge decisions.
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Strayer RJ, Hawk K, Hayes BD, Herring AA, Ketcham E, LaPietra AM, Lynch JJ, Motov S, Repanshek Z, Weiner SG, Nelson LS. Management of Opioid Use Disorder in the Emergency Department: A White Paper Prepared for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. J Emerg Med 2020; 58:522-546. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
The number of pregnant people affected by the opioid epidemic in the United States continues to rise. The following key aspects of opioid use disorder in pregnancy are explored through the progression of a pregnancy via a patient case: treatment options, treatment decisions, substance use screening, dosing modifications, and other aspects of peripartum care. Many factors affect opioid use disorder treatment choices during pregnancy; however, when a pregnant person is medically eligible for a therapy and multiple options are available locally, the ultimate decision regarding treatment selection should be left up to the patient and strong support services provided. This approach to treatment results in optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes and long-term maternal engagement and retention in care.
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