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Fong J, Lewis J, Lam M, Kesavan K. Developmental Outcomes after Opioid Exposure in the Fetus and Neonate. Neoreviews 2024; 25:e325-e337. [PMID: 38821910 DOI: 10.1542/neo.25-6-e325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The overall prevalence of opiate use has been increasing, currently affecting approximately 0.6% of the global population and resulting in a significant proportion of infants being born with prenatal opioid exposure. Animal and human models of prenatal opioid exposure demonstrate detrimental effects on brain anatomy as well as neurodevelopment. Less is known about the neurologic sequelae of postnatal opioid exposure in hospitalized infants. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the impact of prenatal and postnatal opioid exposure on the brain and on neurodevelopment outcomes. We also identify resources and management strategies that may help mitigate neurodevelopmental delays and deficits associated with opioid exposure in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Fong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Juanita Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Olive View UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA
| | - Melanie Lam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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2
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Campbell SA, Bradley HA, Mulder RT, Henderson JMT, Dixon L, Haslett LC, Rucklidge JJ. Effect of antenatal micronutrient or antidepressant exposure on Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) performance within one-month of birth. Early Hum Dev 2024; 190:105948. [PMID: 38367590 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal depression is a risk factor for poor infant outcomes. Broad-spectrum-micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have shown efficacy in treating psychiatric symptoms in non-pregnant populations and are associated with reduced incidence of adverse birth outcomes, and improvements in neonatal development. We investigated the effects of treatment of antenatal depression with micronutrients above the Recommended Dietary Allowance on infant development compared to treatment with antidepressant medications and controls. METHOD One-hundred-and-three infants were assessed using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) within 28 days of birth: 37 exposed to micronutrients in-utero (50-182 days exposure), 18 to antidepressants in-utero (exposure for full gestation), and 48 controls whose mothers received neither treatment nor experienced depressive symptoms. RESULTS Controlling for gestational age and parity, there were significant group differences on habituation, orientation, motor, state regulation, autonomic stability and reflexes (p < .05). Micronutrient-exposed performed better than antidepressant-exposed and controls on habituation, motor and autonomic stability (p < .05), effect sizes ranged 1.0-1.7 and 0.5-1.0, respectively. Antidepressant-exposed performed significantly worse on orientation and reflexes compared to micronutrient-exposed and controls. Micronutrient-exposed had significantly better state regulation compared to antidepressant-exposed. There was an association between micronutrient exposure length and better habituation (r = 0.41, p = .028). Micronutrient exposure was generally identified as a stronger predictor of neonatal performance over maternal depression, social adversity, gestational age and infant sex. CONCLUSION In-utero micronutrient exposure appears to mitigate risks of depression on infant outcomes showing positive effects on infant behavior, on par with or better than typical pregnancies and superior to antidepressants. Limitations include differential exposure to micronutrients/antidepressants and lack of group blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Campbell
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - H A Bradley
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - R T Mulder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - J M T Henderson
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - L Dixon
- New Zealand College of Midwives, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - L C Haslett
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - J J Rucklidge
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
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3
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Aslaksen AK, Hoem ML, Vikesdal GH, Voie MT, Haugen OH, Skranes J. Children had increased risks of impaired motor and visual-motor skills after prenatal exposure to opioid maintenance therapy. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 38415880 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
AIM Preschool children prenatally exposed to opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. We aimed to investigate long-term motor and visual-motor integration outcome in children aged 5-13 Years, born to mothers in OMT. METHODS From January 2018 to June 2021, 63 children prenatally exposed to OMT and 63 comparison children matched for age and gender, were examined at two Norwegian hospitals. Motor skills were assessed by the Movement-ABC test and visual-motor integration by the Beery VMI test. A motor function neurological assessment test was used to examine neuromotor soft signs. RESULTS In the OMT-exposed group, 16% had motor impairment, 35% had motor problems and 19% had visual-motor integration problems. Forty-three percent of the exposed children had neuromotor soft signs. Strabismus had some influence on motor and visual-motor outcomes but could not explain the group differences. CONCLUSION Children prenatally exposed to opioid maintenance therapy have an increased risk of long-term motor impairment and visual-motor problems. In addition, they exhibit significantly more neuromotor soft signs, which may affect general well-being, leisure activities and school performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kathinka Aslaksen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Gro Horgen Vikesdal
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | | | - Olav H Haugen
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jon Skranes
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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4
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Benninger KL, McAllister JM, Merhar SL. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: An Update on Developmental Outcomes. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:17-29. [PMID: 36868704 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Infants and children with prenatal opioid exposure generally have development within the normal range; however, they seem to be at risk for behavioral problems and for lower scores on cognitive, language, and motor assessments than children without prenatal opioid exposure. It is as of yet unclear whether prenatal opioid exposure itself causes issues with development and behavior, or whether it is simply correlated, due to other confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Benninger
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, WB 5203, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
| | - Jennifer M McAllister
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Perinatal Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Stephanie L Merhar
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Perinatal Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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5
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Prenatal Opioid Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2023; 35:142-146. [PMID: 36745179 DOI: 10.1097/ana.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States has resulted in a significant increase in opioid use disorder among pregnant women and a concomitant increase in the incidence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. The long-term consequences of prenatal opioid exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes are not fully understood. Animal studies indicate increased neuronal apoptosis and decreased neuronal proliferation and myelination with opioid exposure in-utero. Meta-analyses of human studies suggest decreased cognition and psychomotor performance in infancy and deficits in cognition and language in preschool. However, current studies have primarily focused on heroin or methadone exposure and have been limited by small sample size, inadequate comparison groups, and the inability to account for additional risk factors and exposures such as polysubstance abuse, poor prenatal care, neonatal withdrawal and treatment with opioids, and unsupportive home environment. Future studies should aim to better understand the potential impact of these confounding factors on the neurodevelopmental trajectory of exposed infants. This review discusses the up-to-date literature, current gaps in knowledge, and considerations for future studies in the arena of prenatal opioid exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Chin EM, Kitase Y, Madurai NK, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. In utero methadone exposure permanently alters anatomical and functional connectivity: A preclinical evaluation. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1139378. [PMID: 36911026 PMCID: PMC9995894 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1139378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and children born following prenatal opioid exposure (POE) have increased risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae. Clinical studies have identified reduced gray matter volume and abnormal white matter microstructure in children with POE but impacts on whole-brain functional brain connectivity (FC) have not been reported. To define effects of POE on whole brain FC and white matter injury in adult animals, we performed quantitative whole-brain structural and functional MRI. We used an established rat model of POE in which we have previously reported impaired executive function in adult rats analogous to persistent neurocognitive symptoms described in humans with POE. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat dams received continuous methadone (12 mg/kg/day) vs. saline infusion for 28 days via osmotic mini-pumps, exposing rats to pre- and postnatal opioid until weaning. At young adult age (P60), POE and saline exposed offspring underwent in vivo MRI included diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI (fMRI). Results indicate that fractional anisotropy (FA) was decreased in adult animals with POE [n = 11] compared to animals that received saline [n = 9] in major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (p < 0.001) and external capsule (p < 0.01). This change in FA was concomitant with reduced axial diffusivity in the external capsule (p < 0.01) and increased radial diffusivity in the corpus callosum (p < 0.01). fMRI analyses reveal brainwide FC was diffusely lower in POE (p < 10-6; 10% of variance explained by group). Decreased connectivity in cortical-cortical and cortico-basal ganglia circuitry was particularly prominent with large effect sizes (Glass's Δ > 1). Taken together, these data confirm POE reduces brainwide functional connectivity as well as microstructural integrity of major white matter tracts. Altered neural circuitry, dysregulated network refinement, and diffuse network dysfunction have been implicated in executive function deficits that are common in children with POE. FC may serve as a translatable biomarker in children with POE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Chin
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nethra K. Madurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Correspondence: Lauren L. Jantzie
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Balalian AA, Graeve R, Richter M, Fink A, Kielstein H, Martins SS, Philbin MM, Factor-Litvak P. Prenatal exposure to opioids and neurodevelopment in infancy and childhood: A systematic review. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1071889. [PMID: 36896405 PMCID: PMC9989202 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1071889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This systematic review aims to estimate the relationship between prenatal exposure to opioids and neurodevelopmental outcomes and examines potential sources of heterogeneity between the studies. Methods We searched four databases through May 21st, 2022: PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the Web of Science according to a specified search strings. Study inclusion criteria include: (1) cohort and case-control peer-reviewed studies published in English; (2) studies comparing neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with prenatal opioid-exposure (prescribed or used non-medically) vs. an unexposed group. Studies investigating fetal alcohol syndrome or a different primary prenatal exposure other than opioids were excluded. Two main performed data extraction using "Covidence" systematic review platform. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale was used for quality assessment of the studies. Studies were synthesized based on the type of neurodevelopmental outcome and the instrument used to assess neurodevelopment. Results Data were extracted from 79 studies. We found significant heterogeneity between studies due to their use of different instruments to explore cognitive skills, motor, and behavioral outcomes among children of different ages. The other sources of heterogeneity included: procedures to assess prenatal exposure to opioids; period of pregnancy in which exposure was assessed; type of opioids assessed (non-medical, medication used for opioid use dis-order, prescribed by health professional), types of co-exposure; source of selection of prenatally exposed study participants and comparison groups; and methods to address lack of comparability between exposed and unexposed groups. Cognitive and motor skills as well as behavior were generally negatively affected by prenatal opioid exposure, but the significant heterogeneity precluded a meta-analysis. Conclusion We explored sources of heterogeneity in the studies assessing the association between prenatal exposure to opioids and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Sources of heterogeneity included different approaches to participant recruitment as well as exposure and outcome ascertainment methods. Nonetheless, overall negative trends were observed between prenatal opioid exposure and neuro-developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arin A Balalian
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Graeve
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Richter
- Social Determinants of Health Group, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
| | - Astrid Fink
- Department of Health and Consumer Protection, Kreis Groß-Gerau, Groß-Gerau, Germany
| | - Heike Kielstein
- Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Morgan M Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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8
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Lowe JR, DiDomenico J, Stephen JM, Roberts MH, Rodriguez DE, Bakhireva LN. Early developmental trajectory of children with prenatal alcohol and opioid exposure. Pediatr Res 2022:10.1038/s41390-022-02252-z. [PMID: 35948606 PMCID: PMC9911560 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With significant increases in opioid use/misuse and persistent high prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), identifying infants at risk for long-term developmental sequelae due to these exposures remains an urgent need. This study reports on developmental outcomes in young children from a prospective cohort, ENRICH-1, which recruited pregnant women and followed up maternal-infant pairs. METHODS Subjects were assigned to four study groups based on prenatal use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), PAE, MOUD+PAE, and unexposed controls (UC). Mixed effects modeling was used to evaluate changes in the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III) Cognitive, Language, and Motor scores between 6 and 20 months. RESULTS There was a significant three-way interaction (MOUD-by-PAE-by-Time) with respect to the BSID-III Cognitive (p = 0.045) and Motor (p = 0.033) scales. Significant changes between the two evaluations were observed for MOUD group in Cognitive and Language scores; for PAE group in Cognitive, Language, and Motor scores, and for MOUD+PAE group in Language scores after adjusting for child sex and family socio-economic status. The developmental scores for the UC remained stable. CONCLUSION Observed decline in neurodevelopmental scores during the first 2 years of life emphasizes the importance of a longitudinal approach when evaluating children with prenatal polysubstance exposure. IMPACT BSID-III scores were stable during the first 2 years of life for unexposed children. BSID-III scores declined for children with prenatal exposures to alcohol and/or opioids. Standard developmental tests may not be sensitive enough during the first year of life. Findings emphasize the need for repeated evaluations of children who are at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean R Lowe
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jared DiDomenico
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Julia M Stephen
- The Mind Research Network, a Division of the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Melissa H Roberts
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Dominique E Rodriguez
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Boardman JP, Mactier H, Devlin LA. Opioids and the developing brain: time to rethink perinatal care for infants of opioid-dependent mothers. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2022; 107:98-104. [PMID: 33597225 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Illicit use of opioids is a global health crisis with major implications for women and children. Strategies for managing opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy have been tested over the past 40 years, but studies have focused on maternal and pregnancy outcomes, with less attention given to long-term follow-up of exposed children. Here, we provide a narrative review of recent advances in the assessment and management of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), and we summarise evidence from multiple domains-neuroimaging, electrophysiology, visual development and function, neurodevelopment, behaviour, cognition and education-which suggests that prenatal opioid exposure modifies child development. Further studies are required to determine the optimal management of pregnant women with OUD and babies with NOWS. We identify knowledge gaps and suggest that future study designs should evaluate childhood outcomes, including infant brain development and long-term neurocognitive and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK .,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helen Mactier
- Neonatology, Princess Royal Maternity, Glasgow, UK.,Princess Royal Maternity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lori A Devlin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Samarghandian S, Ghasemi F, Aramjoo H, Samini F, Aschner M, Roshanravan B, Farkhondeh T. Effects of exposure in utero to buprenorphine on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the hippocampus of rat pups. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:311-315. [PMID: 35284239 PMCID: PMC8908041 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The study investigated the effect of buprenorphine (BUP) on oxidative indices and gene expression of apoptotic molecules in the hippocampus of neonates during the fetal stage. BUP (1 or 0.5 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administrated to pregnant rat dams. After parturition, the pups were maintained to the end of breastfeeding period, then hippocampi were assessed for oxidative stress indices [glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] and mRNA expression of apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 3). Our data indicated that BUP (0.5 mg/kg) administration during gestation significantly increased GSH and TAC concentrations in the hippocampus of pups versus control group (p < 0.05). BUP (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) administration significantly elevated the expression levels of Bcl2 in the hippocampus of neonates compared with controls. BUP injection (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) to pregnant rats markedly reduced the expression levels of caspase 3 in the hippocampus of neonates in BUP 0.5 group (p < 0.01) and BUP 1 group (p < 0.05) versus the controls. Our study indicated that BUP may potentiate antioxidant system and inhibit apoptosis and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of neonates received this drug during the fetal stage. BUP at low doses may potentiate antioxidant system. BUP at low dose may inhibit oxidative stress. BUP at low dose may act as an anti-apoptotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ghasemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hamed Aramjoo
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
| | - Fariborz Samini
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Forchheimer 209, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Babak Roshanravan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Correspondence to: Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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11
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Sarfi M, Eikemo M, Welle-Strand GK, Muller AE, Lehmann S. Mental health and use of health care services in opioid-exposed school-aged children compared to foster children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:495-509. [PMID: 33590310 PMCID: PMC8940845 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01728-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Given the concerns raised regarding the effects of prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine on the developmental outcomes of the children, this study assessed mental health and use of services in a national sample of school-aged children (N = 78) born to women enrolled in opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy, compared with a group of foster children (N = 140). The majority of the opioid-exposed children lived with their birth parent(s) at the time of assessment (N = 62), while 16 lived in foster homes. Caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Reactive Attachment Disorder scale. Teachers completed the SDQ. Three kinds of services were included in measuring service use: school-based education services, child mental health services, and hospital-based habilitation services. The main finding of the study is that children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine living with their family of origin had significantly better mental health status than their foster-placed counterparts and that of the comparison group of foster children. In addition, the exposed children living at home had less child welfare involvement, and only half of them were using any of the three services measured. The odds for using services increased significantly in accordance with increasing mental health problems, independent of group affiliation, indicating a need-based access to services. In line with other studies, we found that the odds for using one or more services was 2.3 times greater for boys than for girls. Our results contribute to a more-nuanced understanding of the developmental outcomes of prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine, and factors associated with increased service use in groups of at-risk children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sarfi
- SERAF-Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Blindern, Box 1039, 0315, Oslo, Norway. .,Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway.
| | - Marie Eikemo
- Department of Psychology, The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabrielle K. Welle-Strand
- SERAF-Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Blindern, Box 1039, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and development, The Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ,Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare-West, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Radhakrishnan R, Vishnubhotla RV, Zhao Y, Yan J, He B, Steinhardt N, Haas DM, Sokol GM, Sadhasivam S. Global Brain Functional Network Connectivity in Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:847037. [PMID: 35359894 PMCID: PMC8964084 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.847037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants with prenatal opioid and substance exposure are at higher risk of poor neurobehavioral outcomes in later childhood. Early brain imaging in infancy has the potential to identify early brain developmental alterations that may help predict behavioral outcomes in these children. In this study, using resting-state functional MRI in early infancy, we aim to identify differences in global brain network connectivity in infants with prenatal opioid and substance exposure compared to healthy control infants. METHODS AND MATERIALS In this prospective study, we recruited 23 infants with prenatal opioid exposure and 29 healthy opioid naïve infants. All subjects underwent brain resting-state functional MRI before 3 months postmenstrual age. Covariate Assisted Principal (CAP) regression was performed to identify brain networks within which functional connectivity was associated with opioid exposure after adjusting for sex and gestational age. Associations of these significant networks with maternal comorbidities were also evaluated. Additionally, graph network metrics were assessed in these CAP networks. RESULTS There were four CAP network components that were significantly different between the opioid exposed and healthy control infants. Two of these four networks were associated with maternal psychological factors. Intra-network graph metrics, namely average flow coefficient, clustering coefficient and transitivity were also significantly different in opioid exposed infants compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION Prenatal opioid exposure is associated with alterations in global brain functional networks compared to non-opioid exposed infants, with intra-network alterations in graph network modeling. These network alterations were also associated with maternal comorbidity, especially mental health. Large-scale longitudinal studies can help in understanding the clinical implications of these early brain functional network alterations in infants with prenatal opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Radhakrishnan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ramana V Vishnubhotla
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jingwen Yan
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bing He
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nicole Steinhardt
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - David M Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gregory M Sokol
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Senthilkumar Sadhasivam
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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13
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Levine TA, Davie-Gray A, Kim HM, Lee SJ, Woodward LJ. Prenatal methadone exposure and child developmental outcomes in 2-year-old children. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:1114-1122. [PMID: 33462809 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To examine the developmental outcomes of children born to opioid-dependent females enrolled in methadone maintenance and identify pre- and postnatal factors that place these children at developmental risk. METHOD Ninety-nine methadone-maintained females and their 100 infants (42 females, 58 males, mean gestational age 38.8wks) were recruited during pregnancy/at birth and studied to age 2 years alongside a regionally representative comparison group of 108 non-methadone-maintained females and their 110 infants (62 females, 48 males, mean gestational age 39.2wks). Information about perinatal exposure was collected from medical records, maternal urine and infant meconium toxicological analysis, maternal interviews (at birth and at 18mo), and a home visit (at 18mo). At age 2 years, child neuromotor function, cognition, language, and emotional/behavioral dysregulation were assessed. RESULTS Opioid-exposed children achieved lower motor, cognitive, and language scores and had poorer self, emotional, eating/feeding, and sensory processing regulation than unexposed children. After adjustment for maternal education and other substance use in pregnancy, between-group differences in child motor, cognitive, and overall dysregulation remained. Postnatal parental and family factors explained a further 40% to 52% of between-group differences in child outcomes. INTERPRETATION These children and families are extremely high-risk and need antenatal and postnatal support. Children exposed to opioids during pregnancy have pervasive developmental difficulties by age 2 years. These challenges are largely explained by adverse pregnancy and socio-environmental exposures, emphasizing the importance of specialist prenatal care and postnatal intervention support. What this paper adds Children born to opioid-dependent females are at high risk of pervasive developmental problems. These problems span a range of functional domains, including motor, cognitive, language, and behavioral/emotional dysregulation. Contributing factors include other adverse pregnancy exposures, postnatal environmental factors, and the direct effects of prenatal opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri A Levine
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Hyun Min Kim
- School of Health Sciences and Child Wellbeing Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Samantha J Lee
- School of Health Sciences and Child Wellbeing Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lianne J Woodward
- School of Health Sciences and Child Wellbeing Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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14
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Jaekel J, Kim HM, Lee SJ, Schwartz A, Henderson JMT, Woodward LJ. Emotional and Behavioral Trajectories of 2 to 9 Years Old Children Born to Opioid-Dependent Mothers. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:443-457. [PMID: 33433780 PMCID: PMC7943531 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal opioid use in pregnancy has increased dramatically. Knowledge about children's longer-term emotional and behavioral development after prenatal opioid exposure is scarce. A regional sample of 89 opioid-exposed and 104 non-exposed comparison children were studied prospectively at ages 2, 4.5, and 9 years using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by primary caregivers. Across all childhood assessments, opioid-exposed children obtained significantly higher total difficulties scores than non-exposed comparison children. Growth curve modeling revealed that, relative to their same age peers, opioid-exposed children's emotional and behavioral difficulties significantly worsened over time. Moreover, fixed effects estimates showed that total difficulties trajectories were poorer for children subject to higher prenatal risk (Est = 1.78, 95% CI = [0.46, 3.09]) who were born to mothers with high levels of social adversity (1.11 [0.51, 1.71]), and were then raised in families characterized by high levels of psychosocial risk (1.94 [0.90, 2.98]) and unstable caregiving (1.91 [0.33, 3.48]). A complex set of pre- and postnatal processes contribute to opioid-exposed children's emotional and behavioral development. Efforts to mitigate the long-term consequences of opioid use in pregnancy need to consider both children's and their caregivers' biopsychosocial risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Jaekel
- Department of Child & Family Studies, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Hyun M Kim
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Samantha J Lee
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ashlyn Schwartz
- Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, USA
| | | | - Lianne J Woodward
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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15
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Abstract
Prenatal opioid exposure adversely impacts upon fetal growth and places the newborn at risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal. The severity and duration of opioid withdrawal cannot be predicted in the individual baby and may be contributed to by other drugs including benzodiazepines and alcohol as well as cigarette smoking. Mitigating factors include breastfeeding, rooming in and absence of maternal polypharmacy. Less well recognised are a variety of other complications associated with prenatal opioid exposure including epigenetic changes, effects on neurophysiological function and structural alterations to the developing brain. The visual system is significantly affected, with changes to both clinical and electrophysiological function persisting at least to mid-childhood. Longer term neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes are confounded by multiple factors including poverty, parent-child interaction and small study numbers, but systematic reviews consistently demonstrate poorer outcomes for those children and young people prenatally exposed to opioids. Crucially, manifestation of neonatal withdrawal is not a prerequisite for important long term problems including behavioural, emotional or motor function disorder, sensory or speech disorder, strabismus and nystagmus. A body of evidence supports an independent adverse effect of prenatal opioid exposure upon fetal brain development, mediated via a systemic neuro-inflammatory process. Children prenatally exposed to opioids should remain under appropriate follow up, at least until school entry, as difficulties may only become apparent in mid-childhood. Future studies of the management of opioid use disorder in pregnancy, including maintenance methadone, must include longer term outcomes for the baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Mactier
- Princess Royal Maternity, Glasgow, UK; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ruth Hamilton
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Clinical Physics and Bio-engineering, Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, UK
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16
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Fanaei H, Riki F, Khayat S, Bornavard M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood of opium-addicted mothers. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:594-600. [PMID: 32738830 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is reported that opium consumption during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurodevelopmental defects in infants. BDNF and NGF alterations during pregnancy cause neurobehavioral deficits in the offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of opium addiction of pregnant women on BDNF and NGF levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood as well as pregnancy outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present research was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-five addicted pregnant women and 35 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Blood samples were taken immediately after delivery from the maternal vein and umbilical cord. Then, BDNF and NGF concentrations in serum were measured by ELISA kits. The outcomes of pregnancy were determined by a checklist. Descriptive, t test, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-squared test were used to analyze the data. SPSS version 21 software was used for the analyses. A p-value <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS BDNF levels were significantly lower in maternal and umbilical cord blood in the opium-addicted group (917.2 31 ± 316.5 and 784.6 ± 242.9 pg/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (1351 ± 375 and 1063 ± 341 pg/ml, respectively) (p < .0001 and p < .0002, respectively). Similarly, NGF level was significantly lower in maternal and umbilical cord blood in the opium-addicted group (302.7 ± 35.50 and 226.6 ± 45.43 pg/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (345.7 ± 43.16 and 251.2 ± 37.72 pg/ml, respectively) (p < .0001 and p = .0165, respectively). Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as NICU admissions, congenital anomalies, neonatal deaths, meconium contaminated amniotic fluid, respiratory problems, neonatal resuscitation, and low Apgar score were significantly higher in the opium-addicted group than in the control group. CONCLUSION The results of this study revealed that opium consumption during pregnancy reduces BDNF and NGF levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood, which may cause neurodevelopmental disorders in later periods of infants' life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Fanaei
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Farideh Riki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Samira Khayat
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Morad Bornavard
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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17
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Abstract
Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are the substances most frequently used during pregnancy, and opioid-exposed pregnancies have increased fourfold. The purpose of this review is to describe the prevalence and consequences of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and opioids. Currently available screening questionnaires for prenatal substance use are summarized and contrasted with the measures available for prenatal alcohol use. Because screening for prenatal alcohol and substance use is but the prelude to efforts to mitigate the potential adverse consequences, attempts for the modification of these consequences are briefly reviewed. In addition, areas of future research related to the criminalization of prenatal substance use, which may inhibit both inquiry and disclosure, are discussed. Indeed, the full potential of effective interventions has yet to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chang
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Benninger KL, Borghese T, Kovalcik JB, Moore-Clingenpeel M, Isler C, Bonachea EM, Stark AR, Patrick SW, Maitre NL. Prenatal Exposures Are Associated With Worse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:462. [PMID: 32974241 PMCID: PMC7481438 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To define a developmental trajectory in infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and determine whether the impacted developmental domain varies with the type of antenatal exposure. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants treated pharmacologically for NOWS and assessed using a standardized schedule for follow-up visits. We compared outcomes of the study population to published norms using one-sample t-tests. Multivariable models examined associations with exposures in addition to opioids. Results: In our cohort of 285 infants with 9-12-months testing, 164 (55.7%) were seen at 3-4 months, and 125 (44%), at 15-18 months. The majority (58%) had intrauterine drug exposures in addition to opioids. Neurodevelopmental scores of infants with NOWS at 3-4 and 9-12 months were not different from published norms. Cognitive and language scores at 15-18 months were worse than published norms. Male sex, older maternal age, and additional barbiturate or alcohol exposure were associated with worse outcomes. Conclusion: Infants with pharmacologically treated NOWS had development similar to unexposed infants during the 1st year but worse cognitive and language scores during the 2nd year. These data support the need for a prospective follow-up of large cohorts of infants with NOWS, with systematic assessments and an evaluation of contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Benninger
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Center for Perinatal Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Teresa Borghese
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jason B Kovalcik
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Melissa Moore-Clingenpeel
- Biostatistics Core, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Cherie Isler
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Bonachea
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ann R Stark
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen W Patrick
- Departments of Pediatrics and Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Nathalie L Maitre
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Center for Perinatal Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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19
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Lee SJ, Woodward LJ, Henderson JMT. Educational achievement at age 9.5 years of children born to mothers maintained on methadone during pregnancy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223685. [PMID: 31600325 PMCID: PMC6786534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research shows that preschool children born to opioid-dependent mothers are at increased risk for cognitive, psychomotor, attention, and social-emotional adjustment problems. But very little is known about their school-age functioning, particularly their educational achievement. This analysis examined the educational outcomes of a regional cohort of 100 prenatally methadone-exposed children who were prospectively studied from birth to age 9.5 years alongside a comparison group of 110 randomly identified non-exposed children born between 2003 and 2008. At age 9.5, as part of a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation, children's teachers rated their achievement across the school curriculum, and children completed the Woodcock Johnson-III Tests of Achievement (WJ-III). Detailed information about the birth mother's social background, pregnancy substance use, and mental health was also collected during pregnancy/at term. Infant clinical data were collected after birth. Methadone-exposed children performed less well than non-exposed children across seven school curriculum areas rated by teachers (ps ≤.001), performed less well than non-exposed children on all reading and mathematics subtests of the WJ-III, and had higher rates of any educational delay on the WJ-III (57% vs. 15%), OR = 7.47 (3.71-15.02). Results were similar when children with severe intellectual impairment were excluded. After adjusting for confounding factors, methadone-exposed children had increased odds of educational delay, but this was only marginally significant (OR = 3.62, [1.01-13.01], p = .049). Maternal educational attainment level (OR = 0.69, [0.50-0.89], p = .006), and maternal benzodiazepine use during pregnancy (OR = 2.70 [1.03-7.12], p = .044) were also associated with later educational risk. Findings suggest that children born to opioid-dependent women enrolled in methadone maintenance are at high risk of educational delay by age 9.5 years. Children's academic difficulties appeared to reflect the effects of both adverse prenatal exposures and postnatal social risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Lee
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (SJL); (JMTH)
| | - Lianne J. Woodward
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jacqueline M. T. Henderson
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (SJL); (JMTH)
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