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Aslaksen AK, Bjuland KJ, Hoem ML, Horgen G, Haugen OH, Skranes J, Aukland SM. Children had smaller brain volumes and cortical surface areas after prenatal opioid maintenance therapy exposure. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 39377497 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
AIM The studies have shown that infants with prenatal OMT exposure had smaller brain volumes than non-exposed controls, but long-term outcome data are lacking. We examined 5-13-year-old OMT-exposed children with brain MRI and tested motor and visual-motor functions and possible associations between brain morphology and outcome. METHODS To this retrospective cohort study, we recruited 55 children with prenatal OMT exposure and 59 age- and gender-matched controls. They were examined with brain MRI, Movement-ABC and Beery-VMI. MRI images were processed with the Free Surfer® software to obtain volumetrics and estimates of cortical surface area and thickness. We used a general linear regression model (GLM) to calculate group differences. RESULTS The children in the OMT group had smaller mean total intracranial volume (ICV), 1407 cm3 (CI 95% 1379-1434) versus 1450 cm3 (CI 95% 1423-1476) in the control group (p = 0.026). After adjusting for ICV, significant group differences persisted for volumes of amygdala, basal ganglia and mid-posterior part of corpus callosum. Cortical surface area was smaller in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus and the right inferior parietal lobule in the OMT-group. Visual-motor function was significantly correlated with ICV. CONCLUSION Prenatal OMT exposure may alter early brain development with possible negative long-term functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kathinka Aslaksen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal and Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mari Leirdal Hoem
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal and Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gro Horgen
- 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 and Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Stein Magnus Aukland
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Cioffredi LA, Garner B, Maxwell JR, Merhar S, Peralta-Carcelen M, Scott LS, Sisodia M, DeMauro SB. Infant and early childhood physical health assessments in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 69:101414. [PMID: 39032415 PMCID: PMC11315127 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Many prenatal and early childhood exposures impact both later physical health and development. Moreover, early deficits in physical health, such as growth and vision, are associated with differences in brain development, language and cognitive functioning. For these reasons, the HBCD Study includes measures of early childhood physical health, many of which have clinical relevance, and are applicable for use as both predictors and outcomes. Study measures assess a broad range of physical health domains and include both objective measurement of child growth and health and subjective caregiver report of behaviors and attitudes about constructs known to influence growth and physical development. Lastly, we obtain caregiver report of the child's routine medical care as well as acute and chronic medical issues. We anticipate that these data will contextualize the impact of child physical growth and health on child brain development and function. In this report we present the rationale for each domain and an overview of the physical health measures included in the current HBCD Study protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh-Anne Cioffredi
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Vermont Children's Hospital, United States.
| | - Bailey Garner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, United States
| | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, United States
| | - Stephanie Merhar
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, United States
| | | | - Lisa S Scott
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, United States
| | | | - Sara B DeMauro
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States
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Hamilton R, Mulvihill A, Butler L, Chow A, Irving E, McCulloch DL, McNeil A, Michael K, Spowart KM, Waterson-Wilson J, Mactier H. Impaired vision in children prenatally exposed to methadone: an observational cohort study. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:118-126. [PMID: 37402864 PMCID: PMC10764882 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To examine prevalence of failed visual assessment at 8-10 years in children born to methadone-maintained opioid dependent (MMOD) mothers and relate this to known in utero substance exposure. SUBJECTS/METHODS Follow up of observational cohort study of methadone-exposed and comparison children matched for birthweight, gestation and postcode of residence at birth. Participants were 144 children (98 exposed, 46 comparison). Prenatal drug exposure was previously established via comprehensive maternal and neonatal toxicology. Children were invited to attend for visual assessment and casenotes were reviewed. Presence of acuity poorer than 0.2 logMAR, strabismus, nystagmus and/or impaired stereovision constituted a 'fail'. Fail rates were compared between methadone-exposed and comparison children after adjusting for known confounding variables. RESULTS 33 children attended in person: data were also derived from casenote review for all children. After controlling for maternal reported tobacco use, methadone-exposed children were more likely to have a visual 'fail' outcome, adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.2; adjusted relative risk 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-3.4). Visual 'fail' outcome rates did not differ between methadone-exposed children who had (n = 47) or had not (n = 51) received pharmacological treatment for neonatal abstinence/opioid withdrawal syndrome (NAS/NOWS); fail rate 62% vs 53% (95% CI of difference-11-27%). CONCLUSIONS Children born to MMOD mothers are almost twice as likely as unexposed peers to have significant visual abnormalities at primary school age. Prenatal methadone exposure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nystagmus. Findings support visual assessment prior to school entry for children with any history of prenatal opioid exposure. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03603301), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03603301 .
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hamilton
- Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
| | - A Mulvihill
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA, UK
| | - L Butler
- Tennant Institute of Ophthalmology, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK
| | - A Chow
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - E Irving
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - D L McCulloch
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - A McNeil
- Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - K Michael
- Crosshouse Hospital, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Kilmarnock, KA2 0BE, UK
| | - K M Spowart
- Specialist Children's Services, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G40 1DA, UK
| | - J Waterson-Wilson
- Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - H Mactier
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Smith BL, Hassler A, Lloyd KR, Reyes TM. Perinatal morphine but not buprenorphine affects gestational and offspring neurobehavioral outcomes in mice. Neurotoxicology 2023; 99:292-304. [PMID: 37981055 PMCID: PMC10842910 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Within the national opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the number of infants exposed to opioids in utero. Additionally, opioid agonist medications are the standard of care for women with opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Buprenorphine (BUP), a partial µ -opioid receptor agonist, has been successful in improving gestational and neonatal outcomes. However, in utero exposure has been linked to childhood cognitive and behavioral problems. Therefore, we sought to compare offspring cognitive and behavioral outcomes after prenatal exposure to a clinically relevant low dose of BUP compared to morphine (MO), a full µ -opioid receptor agonist and immediate metabolite of heroin. We used a mouse model to assess gestational and offspring outcomes. Mouse dams were injected once daily s.c. with saline (SAL, n = 12), MO (10 mg/kg, n = 15), or BUP (0.1 mg/kg, n = 16) throughout pre-gestation, gestation, and lactation until offspring were weaned on postnatal day (P)21. Offspring social interaction and exploratory behavior were assessed, along with executive function via the touchscreen 5 choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). We then quantified P1 brain gene expression in the frontal cortex and amygdala (AMG). Perinatal MO but not BUP exposure decreased gestational weight gain and was associated with dystocia. In adolescent offspring, perinatal MO but not BUP exposure increased social exploration in males and grooming behavior in females. In the 5CSRTT, male MO exposed offspring exhibited increased impulsive action errors compared to male BUP offspring. In the AMG of P1 MO exposed offspring, we observed an increase in gene expression of targets related to activity of microglia. Importantly, both MO and BUP caused acute hyperlocomotion in the dams to a similar degree, indicating that the selected doses are comparable, in accordance with previous dose comparisons on analgesic and reward efficacy. These data suggest that compared to MO, low dose BUP improves gestational outcomes and has less of an effect on the neonatal offspring brain and later adolescent and adult behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Smith
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USA.
| | - Ally Hassler
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kelsey R Lloyd
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Teresa M Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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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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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [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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7
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Yen E, Davis JM. The immediate and long-term effects of prenatal opioid exposure. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1039055. [PMID: 36419918 PMCID: PMC9676971 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1039055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has adversely affected neonates and children, yet the mechanisms by which it impacts this population are not well understood. Not only does prenatal opioid exposure result in short-term consequences shortly after birth, it also creates long-term sequelae that may predispose these children to physical, emotional, psychiatric, cognitive, and socioeconomic problems in the future. This article provides a scoping overview of the long-term effects of antenatal opioid exposure on neonates and children as well as quality improvement and research efforts to understand and mitigate this major public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Yen
- Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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Vishnubhotla RV, Zhao Y, Wen Q, Dietrich J, Sokol GM, Sadhasivam S, Radhakrishnan R. Brain structural connectome in neonates with prenatal opioid exposure. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:952322. [PMID: 36188457 PMCID: PMC9523134 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.952322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionInfants with prenatal opioid exposure (POE) are shown to be at risk for poor long-term neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes. Early detection of brain developmental alterations on neuroimaging could help in understanding the effect of opioids on the developing brain. Recent studies have shown altered brain functional network connectivity through the application of graph theoretical modeling, in infants with POE. In this study, we assess global brain structural connectivity through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and apply graph theoretical modeling to brain structural connectivity in infants with POE.MethodsIn this prospective observational study in infants with POE and control infants, brain MRI including DTI was performed before completion of 3 months corrected postmenstrual age. Tractography was performed on the whole brain using a deterministic fiber tracking algorithm. Pairwise connectivity and network measure were calculated based on fiber count and fractional anisotropy (FA) values. Graph theoretical metrics were also derived.ResultsThere were 11 POE and 18 unexposed infants included in the analysis. Pairwise connectivity based on fiber count showed alterations in 32 connections. Pairwise connectivity based on FA values showed alterations in 24 connections. Connections between the right superior frontal gyrus and right paracentral lobule and between the right superior occipital gyrus and right fusiform gyrus were significantly different after adjusting for multiple comparisons between POE infants and unexposed controls. Additionally, alterations in graph theoretical network metrics were identified with fiber count and FA value derived tracts.ConclusionComparisons show significant differences in fiber count in two structural connections. The long-term clinical outcomes related to these findings may be assessed in longitudinal follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Qiuting Wen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jonathan Dietrich
- 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 Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rupa Radhakrishnan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Rupa Radhakrishnan,
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Ophthalmic outcomes in children exposed to opioid maintenance treatment in utero: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104601. [PMID: 35263646 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a significant global issue and the rate of opioid use in women of childbearing age and pregnant women is on the rise. Whilst the adverse general health, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of in utero exposure to opioids have been explored, there is a lack of prospective, controlled, longitudinal research into the ophthalmic outcomes. Existing research suggests that there is an association between prenatal exposure and future risk of abnormalities in visual functioning. This systematic review and meta-analysis analysed studies that measured eye abnormalities in infants or children exposed to opioid maintenance therapy in utero and compared them to non-opioid exposed controls. After considering the clinical findings, limitations of the studies, confounding factors, and quantitative analysis, a causal relationship between in utero opioid exposure and future eye abnormalities could not be confirmed. The implications of the findings and their clinical relevance, in addition to identified gaps for future research are also discussed in this paper.
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Dextromethorphan Dampens Neonatal Astrocyte Activation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Buprenorphine. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:6301458. [PMID: 34336001 PMCID: PMC8289573 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6301458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to buprenorphine renders offspring vulnerable to cerebral impairments. In this study, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that prenatal exposure to buprenorphine escalates astrocyte activation concurrent with indications of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the hippocampi of neonates, and this can be prevented by the coadministration of dextromethorphan with buprenorphine. Furthermore, dextromethorphan can inhibit the accumulation of GPR37 in the hippocampus of newborns caused by buprenorphine and is accompanied by the proapoptotic ER stress response that involves the procaspase-3/CHOP pathway. Primary astrocyte cultures derived from the neonates of the buprenorphine group also displayed aberrant ER calcium mobilization and elevated basal levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at 14 days in vitro while showing sensitivity to lipopolysaccharide-activated expression of COX-2. Similarly, these long-lasting defects in the hippocampus and astrocytes were abolished by dextromethorphan. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to buprenorphine might instigate long-lasting effects on hippocampal and astrocytic functions. The beneficial effects of prenatal coadministration of dextromethorphan might be, at least in part, attributed to its properties in attenuating astrocyte activation and hippocampal ER stress in neonates.
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Carolien K, Annika M. Affective decision-making in children prenatally exposed to opioids. Scand J Psychol 2021; 62:529-536. [PMID: 34037260 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) is currently recommended for pregnant opioid-dependent women, potential effects on children's long-term development are still largely unknown. The current study assessed the long-term cognitive development of children born to women in OMT. Particularly, children's decision-making performance was assessed with a child-friendly version of the Iowa Gambling Task. Using a prospective longitudinal design, a cohort of children was followed from birth to middle childhood. Data were collected in Norway between 2005 and 2017. Participants included 41 children (aged 9-11 years), 20 of whom had histories of prenatal methadone or buprenorphine exposure. Background data were collected from personal interviews and medical records in 2005-2006. Children's affective decision-making was assessed in 2016-2017. Results showed no main effect of group on the net scores in the gambling task, F(1, 39) = 1.44, p = 0.24, η2 = 0.04, demonstrating no group differences in decision-making performance. A main effect of group was found on sensitivity to punishment, with children in the control group choosing the doors with the infrequent, but high punishment more often compared to children in the OMT group, F(1, 39) = 4.90, p = 0.03, η2 = 0.11. No main effect of group on decision-making speed was found, although results showed a significant interaction effect between group and gain, F(1, 8,194) = 4.09, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.001. Children prenatally exposed to opioids were found to have normal decision-making performance on an affective decision-making task and were able to consider future consequences when making decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konijnenberg Carolien
- Department of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway.,Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Melinder Annika
- Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Child- and Adolescents Mental Health, Oslo University hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abu Y, Roy S. Prenatal opioid exposure and vulnerability to future substance use disorders in offspring. Exp Neurol 2021; 339:113621. [PMID: 33516730 PMCID: PMC8012222 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The heightened incidence of opioid use during pregnancy has resulted in unprecedented rates of neonates prenatally exposed to opioids. Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) results in significantly adverse medical, developmental, and behavioral outcomes in offspring. Of growing interest is whether POE contributes to future vulnerability to substance use disorders. The effects of POE on brain development is difficult to assess in humans, as the timing, dose, and route of drug exposure together with complex genetic and environmental factors affect susceptibility to addiction. Preclinical models of POE have allowed us to avoid methodological difficulties and confounding factors of POE in humans. Here, we review the effects of maternal opioid exposure on the developing brain with an emphasis on the neurobiological basis of drug addiction and on preclinical models of POE and their limitations. These studies have indicated that POE increases self-administration of drugs, reward-driven behaviors in the conditioned place paradigm, and locomotor sensitization. While addiction is multifaceted and vulnerability to drug addiction is still inconclusive in human studies of prenatally exposed infants, animal studies do provide a noteworthy corroboration of negative behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaa Abu
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sabita Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Arter SJ, Tyler B, McAllister J, Kiel E, Güler A, Cameron Hay M. Longitudinal Outcomes of Children Exposed to Opioids In-utero: A Systematic Review. J Nurs Scholarsh 2020; 53:55-64. [PMID: 33225521 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to summarize evidence of long-term outcomes of children, 2 years and older, exposed to opioids in-utero. DESIGN This was a systematic review. Studies were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO HOST/Medline, and Web of Science. Articles were published between 1979 and 2019. METHODS This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Two sets of two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality according to National Institutes of Health quality assessment tools. RESULTS Forty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Synthesis of articles identified trends toward worse outcomes for children with in-utero opioid exposure in all areas, most notably related to academic success, behavior, cognition, hospitalizations, and vision. CONCLUSIONS Findings reinforce the necessity of continued research in this area with improved study design. Despite limitations in the current body of evidence, findings from this review are vital knowledge for clinicians, because children exposed to opioids in-utero are clearly vulnerable to a wide variety of suboptimal health and developmental outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Recognition of all outcomes across childhood associated with in-utero opioid exposure will inform improved identification and interventions tailored to the most pressing needs of affected children. Despite the need for continued research, there is sufficient evidence to necessitate close, individualized follow-up throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Arter
- Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Miami University, Hamilton, OH, USA
| | - Brian Tyler
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Anthropology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer McAllister
- Medical Director, West Chester Hospital Special Care Nursery; Medical Director, University of Cincinnati Newborn Nursery; Medical Director, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Follow-Up Clinic, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kiel
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Ayse Güler
- PhD student, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - M Cameron Hay
- Professor and Chair, Anthropology; Director, Global Health Research Innovation Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
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14
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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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15
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Prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine impairs cognitive performance in young adult rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 212:108008. [PMID: 32402939 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised about the use of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy and negative effects for the offspring. While neonatal outcomes and short-term effects are relatively well described, studies examining long-term effects in adolescents and adults are absent. The aim of the present study was to examine effects on learning and memory in young adult rats prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. METHODS Female rats were implanted with a 28-day osmotic minipump delivering methadone (10 mg/kg/day), buprenorphine (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle 5 days prior to mating. To examine possible effects on cognitive functioning, young adult offspring were included in three different behavioral tests that examine recognition memory, nonspatial, and spatial learning and memory. In addition, offspring growth and maternal behavior after birh were investigated. RESULTS Prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine caused impaired recognition memory and nonspatial reference learning and memory in young adult rats compared with the vehicle-treated group. Methadone-exposed offspring, but not the buprenorphine-exposed, also showed reduced long-term spatial memory. We did not observe any changes in maternal behavior or offspring growth after prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine, suggesting that the impaired cognitive functioning is due to the opioid exposure rather than reduced maternal caregiving. CONCLUSION The present findings of long-term cognitive impairments in methadone- and buprenorphine-exposed offspring points to a negative impact of OMT on neurobiological development.
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16
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Lee SJ, Bora S, Austin NC, Westerman A, Henderson JMT. Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Children Born to Opioid-Dependent Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acad Pediatr 2020; 20:308-318. [PMID: 31734383 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born to opioid-dependent mothers are at risk of adverse neurodevelopment. The magnitude of this risk remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To conduct a meta-analysis of studies that assessed neurodevelopmental outcomes of children aged 0 to 12 years born to opioid-dependent mothers, compared with children born to nonopioid-dependent mothers, across general cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional domains. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA English-language publications between January 1993 and November 2018, including prenatally opioid-exposed and nonopioid-exposed comparison children, reporting outcomes data on standardized assessments. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Two reviewers independently extracted data. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were analyzed using random effects models. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. RESULTS Across 16 studies, individual domain outcomes data were examined for between 93 to 430 opioid-exposed and 75 to 505 nonopioid-exposed infants/children. Opioid-exposed infants and children performed more poorly than their nonopioid-exposed peers across all outcomes examined, demonstrated by lower infant cognitive (SMD = 0.77) and psychomotor scores (SMD = 0.52), lower general cognition/IQ (SMD = 0.76) and language scores (SMD = 0.65-0.74), and higher parent-rated internalizing (SMD = 0.42), externalizing (SMD = 0.66), and attention problems (SMD = 0.72). LIMITATIONS Most studies examined early neurodevelopment; only 3 reported school-age outcomes thereby limiting the ability to assess longer-term impacts of prenatal opioid exposures. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS Children born to opioid-dependent mothers are at modest- to high-risk of adverse neurodevelopment at least to middle childhood. Future studies should identify specific clinical and social factors underlying these challenges to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Lee
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury (SJ Lee, A Westerman, and JMT Henderson), Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Mothers, Babies and Women's Health Program, Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland (S Bora), South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Nicola C Austin
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago (NC Austin), Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Anneliese Westerman
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury (SJ Lee, A Westerman, and JMT Henderson), Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Jacqueline M T Henderson
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury (SJ Lee, A Westerman, and JMT Henderson), Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
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17
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Prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine and long-term outcomes: A meta-analysis. Early Hum Dev 2020; 143:104997. [PMID: 32146140 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.104997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM To combine meta-analyses of multiple long-term outcomes in children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine through their mothers' Opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) with a systematic review of similar outcomes in experimental animals. METHOD The Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane and Epistemonikos databases were searched through August 30, 2018. Clinical studies measuring effects on cognitive, behavioral or visual outcomes in 3 months or older children prenatally exposed to OMT and control group(s) were included for meta-analyses. Experimental animal studies with similar exposures and outcomes were included in a systematic review. The three authors independently performed abstract screenings and full-text reviews, and extracted the data. One author performed the meta-analyses. RESULTS The pooled results of the meta-analyses showed worse cognitive, psychomotor, behavioral, attentional and executive functioning, and affected vision in children born to mothers who were in OMT during pregnancy compared to children without prenatal drug exposure (overall effect size = 0.49, 95% confidence interval = 0.38, 0.59, p < 0.00001). Many of the experimental animal studies showed impaired outcomes after prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine. The clinical results may be biased, e.g., with the OMT group having more concurrent risk factors than the unexposed comparison group. There are few studies of older children. CONCLUSION Children born to mothers in OMT show worse outcomes for a number of different behaviors and impaired vision compared to children born to nonusers. Experimental animal studies indicate that there might be a causal relationship between prenatal methadone or buprenorphine exposure and subsequent negative outcomes.
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18
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the school readiness of a regional cohort of prenatally methadone-exposed children across 5 domains and to examine factors contributing to impairment risk. METHODS Data were drawn from a single-center, prospective longitudinal study. One hundred children born to women in methadone maintenance treatment and 110 randomly identified non-methadone-exposed children were studied from birth (2003-2008) to age 4.5 years. At 4.5 years, children underwent comprehensive assessment of their physical/motor development, social-emotional skills, approaches to learning, language development, and cognitive functioning. Predictors of children's overall school readiness were examined, including the extent of prenatal substance exposure (number and quantity of different substances), social risk, maternal mental health, infant clinical factors, and the quality of the home environment at age 18 months Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) score. RESULTS Methadone-exposed children had higher rates of delay/impairment across all outcome domains (odds ratios 4.0-5.3), with 72% impaired in at least 1 domain. Multiple problems were also common, affecting 48% of methadone-exposed children compared with 15% of control children. The mean number of school readiness domains impaired increased, with increasing prenatal substance exposure (rate ratio [RR] = 1.05 [1.01-1.11]), higher social risk (RR = 1.35 [1.20-1.53]), male sex (RR = 1.69 [1.27-2.25]), and lower HOME scores indicating a poorer quality postnatal environment (RR = 0.96 [0.94-0.99]). CONCLUSION Children born to opioid-dependent mothers are at high risk of impaired school readiness, with multiple domain problems being common. Impaired school readiness was associated with greater maternal prenatal substance use, higher social risk, male sex, and lower-quality caregiving environments.
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19
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Welton S, Blakelock B, Madden S, Kelly L. Effects of opioid use in pregnancy on pediatric development and behaviour in children older than age 2: Systematic review. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2019; 65:e544-e551. [PMID: 31831504 PMCID: PMC6907383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize information on the effects of opioid use in pregnancy on subsequent pediatric development and behaviour. DATA SOURCES Searches were performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed, English articles, including a manual search of their references, that were published between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2018. STUDY SELECTION Of the 543 articles reviewed, 19 relevant articles that focused on developmental effects of opioid exposure in utero were identified. Most of the studies provided level II evidence. One level I meta-analysis and 1 level III expert committee report were included. SYNTHESIS The literature was divided between documenting some level of impairment or normalization of early development deficits over time. Often no opioid effect was found once researchers controlled for socioenvironmental factors. The degree to which environmental factors, opioid exposure, or both affect pediatric development remains to be determined. CONCLUSION The effect of maternal opioid use on pediatric development is unclear and the evidence is inconsistent. However, opioid exposure in pregnancy does define these children as a population at risk. They might experience developmental delays compared with their peers, yet remain within population norms in cognition, fine-motor skills, hand-eye coordination, executive function, and attention and impulsivity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Welton
- Researcher for the Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin Research Program in Sioux Lookout, Ont
| | - Brittany Blakelock
- Researcher for the Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin Research Program in Sioux Lookout, Ont
| | - Sharen Madden
- Associate Professor in the Division of Clinical Sciences at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Sioux Lookout
| | - Len Kelly
- Research consultant for the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.
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20
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Konijnenberg C, Melinder A. Salivary cortisol levels relate to cognitive performance in children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:409-418. [PMID: 31564069 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) is generally recommended for pregnant opioid-dependent women. However, much is still unknown about the potential long-term effects of prenatal methadone and buprenorphine exposure. This study explored the long-term effects of prenatal methadone and buprenorphine exposure in a cohort (n = 41) of children, aged 9-11 years, using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) to measure cognitive development and salivary cortisol samples to measure HPA-axis activity. Prenatally exposed children scored significantly lower on all four subtests of WASI (vocabulary, similarities, block design, and matrix reasoning), compared to a comparison group (all p < .05). No group differences were found for salivary cortisol levels or cortisol reactivity levels (all p > .05). Cortisol levels significantly predicted matrix reasoning scores for the OMT group, β = -65.58, t(20) = 15.70, p = .02. Findings suggest that prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine does not have long-term effects on children's HPA-axis functioning. However, since children of women in OMT scored significantly lower on tasks of cognitive function, careful follow-up throughout the school years and across adolescence is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Konijnenberg
- Department of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway.,Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annika Melinder
- Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, Child- and Adolescents Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Conradt E, Flannery T, Aschner JL, Annett RD, Croen LA, Duarte CS, Friedman AM, Guille C, Hedderson MM, Hofheimer JA, Jones MR, Ladd-Acosta C, McGrath M, Moreland A, Neiderhiser JM, Nguyen RH, Posner J, Ross JL, Savitz DA, Ondersma SJ, Lester BM. Prenatal Opioid Exposure: Neurodevelopmental Consequences and Future Research Priorities. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0128. [PMID: 31462446 PMCID: PMC6759228 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) has risen in prevalence from 1.2 per 1000 births in 2000 to 5.8 per 1000 births in 2012. Symptoms in neonates may include high-pitched cry, tremors, feeding difficulty, hypertonia, watery stools, and breathing problems. However, little is known about the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal opioid exposure in infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood. Even less is known about the cognitive, behavioral, and academic outcomes of children who develop NOWS. We review the state of the literature on the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal opioid exposure with a particular focus on studies in which NOWS outcomes were examined. Aiming to reduce the incidence of prenatal opioid exposure in the near future, we highlight the need for large studies with prospectively recruited participants and longitudinal designs, taking into account confounding factors such as socioeconomic status, institutional variations in care, and maternal use of other substances, to independently assess the full impact of NOWS. As a more immediate solution, we provide an agenda for future research that leverages the National Institutes of Health Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program to address many of the serious methodologic gaps in the literature, and we answer key questions regarding the short- and long-term neurodevelopmental health of children with prenatal opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Conradt
- Departments of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah;
| | | | - Judy L. Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York;,Department of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Seton Hall University, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Robert D. Annett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California
| | - Cristiane S. Duarte
- New York State Psychiatric Institute,,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Alexander M. Friedman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Julie A. Hofheimer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology and,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Angela Moreland
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Jenae M. Neiderhiser
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruby H.N. Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Judith L. Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware; and
| | | | - Steven J. Ondersma
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Barry M. Lester
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk and Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island;,Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
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22
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Haabrekke K, Siqveland T, Nygaaard E, Bjornebekk A, Slinning K, Wentzel-Larsen T, Walhovd KB, Smith L, Moe V. COGNITIVE AND SOCIOEMOTIONAL FUNCTIONING AT 4½ YEARS IN CHILDREN BORN TO MOTHERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE-ABUSE PROBLEMS WHILE PREGNANT. Infant Ment Health J 2018; 39:581-594. [PMID: 30084491 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive and socioemotional functioning at 4½ years of age were examined in children born to mothers with substance-abuse problems (n = 22) recruited from residential treatment institutions while pregnant, and then compared to children born to mothers with mental health problems (n = 18) and children from a low-risk group (n = 26). No significant group differences in cognitive functioning were found, but the children born to mothers with substance-abuse problems showed more caregiver-reported socioemotional problems than did the low-risk children, like the children born to mothers with mental health problems. Birth weight had an effect on internalizing problems at 4½ years and mediated the relation between group and socioemotional problems, although not when controlling for caregiver education, single parenthood, and anxiety and depression. At 4½ years, 7 children born to mothers with substance-abuse problems were placed in foster care. These children had lower birth weight and higher caregiver-rated internalizing problems. In addition to emphasizing the importance of the quality of the prenatal environment, this study suggests that families with previous substance abuse are in need of long-term follow-up to address socioemotional problems and enhance further positive child cognitive development. The foster-placed children may be in particular need of long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kari Slinning
- The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Oslo
| | - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
- The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Oslo and Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo
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23
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Konijnenberg C, Jondalen NM, Husby MF, Melinder A. ERP correlates of cognitive control in children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. Dev Neuropsychol 2018; 43:642-655. [PMID: 29979890 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2018.1493592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Much is still unknown about the potential long-term effects of prenatal methadone and buprenorphine exposure. We examined neural correlates of cognitive control in 19 prenatally methadone and buprenorphine exposed and 21 nondrug exposed children, aged 9-11 years. Children performed a modified version of the Eriksen Flanker task, which taps into selective attention, conflict response, and response inhibition mechanisms. We investigated behavioral responses and the ERP components N1, P2, N2, P3, and the late positive component (LPC). Children in the exposed group showed normal cognitive control function. However, an atypical ERP response related to perceptual and attention allocation processes was found in the exposed group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Konijnenberg
- a Department of Psychology , Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences , Lillehammer , Norway.,b Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Nils Martin Jondalen
- b Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Mikael Falkhaugen Husby
- b Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Annika Melinder
- b Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,c Oslo University Hospital, Child and Adolescent Mental Health , Oslo , Norway
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24
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Gilardi F, Augsburger M, Thomas A. Will Widespread Synthetic Opioid Consumption Induce Epigenetic Consequences in Future Generations? Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:702. [PMID: 30018553 PMCID: PMC6037745 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of evidence demonstrates that ancestral exposure to xenobiotics (pollutants, drugs of abuse, etc.) can perturb the physiology and behavior of descendants. Both maternal and paternal transmission of phenotype across generations has been proved, demonstrating that parental drug history may have significant implications for subsequent generations. In the last years, the burden of novel synthetic opioid (NSO) consumption, due to increased medical prescription of pain medications and to easier accessibility of these substances on illegal market, is raising new questions first in term of public health, but also about the consequences of the parental use of these drugs on future generations. Besides being associated to the neonatal abstinence syndrome, in utero exposure to opioids has an impact on neuronal development with long-term repercussions that are potentially transmitted to subsequent generations. In addition, recent reports suggest that opioid use even before conception influences the reactivity to opioids of the progeny and the following generations, likely through epigenetic mechanisms. This review describes the current knowledge about the transgenerational effects of opioid consumption. We summarize the preclinical and clinical findings showing the implications for the subsequent generations of parental exposure to opioids earlier in life. Limitations of the existing data on NSOs and new perspectives of the research are also discussed, as well as clinical and forensic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gilardi
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital - Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Augsburger
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital - Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurelien Thomas
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital - Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Boivin MJ, Weiss J, Chhaya R, Seffren V, Awadu J, Sikorskii A, Giordani B. The feasibility of automated eye tracking with the Early Childhood Vigilance Test of attention in younger HIV-exposed Ugandan children. Neuropsychology 2017; 31:525-534. [PMID: 28541084 PMCID: PMC5501490 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tobii eye tracking was compared with webcam-based observer scoring on an animation viewing measure of attention (Early Childhood Vigilance Test; ECVT) to evaluate the feasibility of automating measurement and scoring. Outcomes from both scoring approaches were compared with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Color-Object Association Test (COAT), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for preschool children (BRIEF-P). METHOD A total of 44 children 44 to 65 months of age were evaluated with the ECVT, COAT, MSEL, and BRIEF-P. Tobii ×2-30 portable infrared cameras were programmed to monitor pupil direction during the ECVT 6-min animation and compared with observer-based PROCODER webcam scoring. RESULTS Children watched 78% of the cartoon (Tobii) compared with 67% (webcam scoring), although the 2 measures were highly correlated (r = .90, p = .001). It is possible for 2 such measures to be highly correlated even if one is consistently higher than the other (Bergemann et al., 2012). Both ECVT Tobii and webcam ECVT measures significantly correlated with COAT immediate recall (r = .37, p = .02 vs. r = .38, p = .01, respectively) and total recall (r = .33, p = .06 vs. r = .42, p = .005) measures. However, neither the Tobii eye tracking nor PROCODER webcam ECVT measures of attention correlated with MSEL composite cognitive performance or BRIEF-P global executive composite. CONCLUSION ECVT scoring using Tobii eye tracking is feasible with at-risk very young African children and consistent with webcam-based scoring approaches in their correspondence to one another and other neurocognitive performance-based measures. By automating measurement and scoring, eye tracking technologies can improve the efficiency and help better standardize ECVT testing of attention in younger children. This holds promise for other neurodevelopmental tests where eye movements, tracking, and gaze length can provide important behavioral markers of neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental processes associated with such tests. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Boivin
- Michigan State University Department of Psychiatry and of Neurology & Ophthalmology, University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry
| | | | - Ronak Chhaya
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
| | | | - Jorem Awadu
- Michigan State University College of Education
| | - Alla Sikorskii
- Michigan State University Department of Statistics and Probability
| | - Bruno Giordani
- University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Nursing
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Gabrhelík R, Nechanská B, Mravčík V, Skurtveit S, Lund IO, Handal M. A Unique Opportunity to Study Short and Long Term Consequences in Children Prenatally Exposed to Illicit Drugs and Opioid Maintenance Treatment Using Czech and Scandinavian Registers. Cent Eur J Public Health 2017; 24:248-251. [PMID: 27743517 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Licit and illicit drug use in pregnant women constitutes a long lasting and serious problem worldwide. Information on long-term effects of maternal drug use on the child is limited. Nationwide registers provide a great potential to study short and long-term consequences for children exposed to licit and illicit drugs during pregnancy. We discuss this potential, with a special emphasis on exposure to methamphetamine, heroin and prescription drugs used for opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). We also discuss the advantages of register data and of merging such data from different regions. The Czech and Scandinavian registers are largely comparable and provide great opportunities to conduct innovative research. For instance, using Czech and Scandinavian cohorts we can compare groups with similar characteristics, such as mothers in OMT and mothers addicted to other drugs while also controlling for important confounding factors such as health and socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Gabrhelík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Nechanská
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Mravčík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marte Handal
- Norwegian institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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A Review of Neurobehavioral Challenges in Children Exposed Prenatally to Intrauterine Opioid. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS REVIEW 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/jpr.9234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Konijnenberg C, Sarfi M, Melinder A. Mother-child interaction and cognitive development in children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. Early Hum Dev 2016; 101:91-7. [PMID: 27614330 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of mother-child interaction on children's cognitive development in a group of children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. STUDY DESIGN The study is part of a prospective longitudinal project investigating the development of children born to women in opioid maintenance therapy (OMT). The sample includes 67 children born between 2005 and 2007, 35 of which prenatally exposed to either methadone or buprenorphine and 32 non-exposed comparison children. RESULTS Both groups scored within the normal range of development. However, the OMT group scored significantly lower on measures of cognitive development and mother-child interaction compared to the comparison group. Cognitive development was found to be affected by both group status, F(1,54)=5.65, p=0.02, η(2)=0.10 and mother-child interaction F(1,54)=5.26, p=0.03, η(2)=0.09. Behavioral inhibition (statue), sensorimotor function (imitating hand positions), and short-term memory (sentences) was influenced by group status while narrative memory and vocabulary were found to be more influenced by mother-child interaction. CONCLUSIONS Different risk factors may influence different cognitive functions in children of women in OMT. Specifically, language-related cognitive skills may be more related to mother-child interaction while performance in higher cognitive functions requiring precise control over sensorimotor responses may be more sensitive to other factors such as prenatal OMT exposure, genetics, and/or prenatal exposure to other substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Konijnenberg
- The Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monica Sarfi
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annika Melinder
- The Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
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Nygaard E, Slinning K, Moe V, Walhovd KB. Behavior and Attention Problems in Eight-Year-Old Children with Prenatal Opiate and Poly-Substance Exposure: A Longitudinal Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158054. [PMID: 27336798 PMCID: PMC4918960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have found that children born to mothers with opioid or poly-substance use during pregnancy have more behavior and attention problems and lower cognitive functioning than non-exposed children. The present study aimed to investigate whether behavior and attention problems are more prominent than general cognitive deficits in this risk group and whether the problems wane or increase over time. This prospective longitudinal cross-informant study compared 72 children who were prenatally exposed to heroin and multiple drugs with a group of 58 children without known prenatal risk factors. Group differences in caregivers' and teachers' reports of the children's behavior and attention problems based on the Child Behavior Check List and the ADHD Rating Scale were compared based on group differences in general cognitive functioning at 4 ½ and 8 ½ years of age. Both parent and teacher reports suggest that the exposed group has significantly more problems in several behavioral areas than the comparison group, particularly with regard to attention problems. The preschool teachers had already reported these problems when the children were 4 ½ years old, whereas the caregivers reported these problems mainly when the children were 8 ½ years old. The group differences in behavioral and attentional problems were not significantly greater and some were even significantly smaller than the group differences in general cognitive abilities. These findings suggest that children subject to prenatally drug exposure have increasing problems in multiple areas related to behavior from preschool age to 8 ½ years but that these problems do not seem to be specific; i.e., they are not more severe than the problems with general cognitive abilities found for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egil Nygaard
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Slinning
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vibeke Moe
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine B. Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Konijnenberg C. Methodological Issues in Assessing the Impact of Prenatal Drug Exposure. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015; 9:39-44. [PMID: 26604776 PMCID: PMC4640424 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s23544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal drug exposure is a common public health concern that can result in perinatal complications, birth defects, and developmental disorders. The growing literature regarding the effects of prenatal exposure to specific drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin is often conflicting and constantly changing. This review discusses several reasons why the effects of prenatal drug exposure are so difficult to determine, including variations in dose, timing, duration of exposure, polydrug use, unreliable measures of drug exposure, latent or “sleeper” effects, genetic factors, and socioenvironmental influences. In addition to providing research guidelines, this review also aims to help clinicians and policy makers to identify the strengths and weaknesses in studies investigating the effects of prenatal drug exposure. This knowledge may be used to make better informed decisions regarding the appropriate treatment for pregnant, drug-dependent women and their children.
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Nygaard E, Slinning K, Moe V, Walhovd KB. Cognitive function of youths born to mothers with opioid and poly-substance abuse problems during pregnancy. Child Neuropsychol 2015; 23:159-187. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1092509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Nygaard E, Moe V, Slinning K, Walhovd KB. Longitudinal cognitive development of children born to mothers with opioid and polysubstance use. Pediatr Res 2015; 78:330-5. [PMID: 25978800 PMCID: PMC4539602 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate an increased risk for neuropsychological difficulties in young children prenatally exposed to opioids and polysubstances, but longitudinal information is scarce. The present longitudinal study investigated whether these waned, persisted, or increased over time. METHODS The cognitive functioning of 72 children with prenatal opioid and polysubstance exposure and 58 children without any established prenatal risk was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4½, and 8½ y. RESULTS The exposed boys had significantly and stably lower levels of cognitive functioning than the control group, whereas there were increasing differences over time for the girls. The exposed group had significantly lower IQ scores than the control group on Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised at 8½ y after controlling for earlier cognitive abilities, and for children who were permanently placed in adoptive/foster homes before 1 y of age and whose mothers used heroin as their main drug during pregnancy (B = 17.04, 95% CI 8.69-25.38, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While effects of prenatal substance exposure cannot be isolated, group effects on cognition rather increased than waned over time, even in adoptive/foster children with minimal postnatal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egil Nygaard
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
| | - Vibeke Moe
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Slinning
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine B. Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilition, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Walhovd KB, Bjørnebekk A, Haabrekke K, Siqveland T, Slinning K, Nygaard E, Fjell AM, Due-Tønnessen P, Bjørnerud A, Moe V. Child neuroanatomical, neurocognitive, and visual acuity outcomes with maternal opioid and polysubstance detoxification. Pediatr Neurol 2015; 52:326-32.e1-3. [PMID: 25595574 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal opioid and polysubstance use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of child neurocognitive and visual problems and neuroanatomical differences. We hypothesized that, in contrast to findings from a previous study of children born to mothers not detoxified, children born to detoxified mothers would not show gross neuroanatomical and neurocognitive differences. METHODS Mothers with opioid and polysusbstance abuse problems and their infants (n = 11 + 12) were recruited from residential treatment institutions. Comparison mothers and infants (n = 12 + 12) were recruited from child health centers. The studies were approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. Children had magnetic resonance imaging scanning, neurocognitive, and visual acuity testing at 4.5 years. Neuroanatomical, cognitive, and visual acuity characteristics were compared across groups by analysis of variance and general linear models. RESULTS There were no significant differences across groups in neuroanatomical volumes, or cortical thickness, area, or volume. There were no differences in general neurocognitive functioning, but significantly lower left eye visual acuity, and a trend toward lower binocular visual acuity, in the drug-exposed relative to the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS The present study does not demonstrate gross differences relative to a comparison group in neuroanatomical and general neurocognitive characteristics of children born to mothers with opioid and polysubstance abuse who were detoxified during pregnancy. However, visual acuity was significantly lower in the drug-exposed group, requiring attention. There is a pressing need for additional and larger studies of long-term and specific child outcomes in this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine B Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Astrid Bjørnebekk
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Haabrekke
- The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kari Slinning
- The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Egil Nygaard
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paulina Due-Tønnessen
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Radiology, Section of Neuroradiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atle Bjørnerud
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Intervention Center, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vibeke Moe
- The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Welle-Strand GK, Skurtveit S, Tanum L, Waal H, Bakstad B, Bjarkø L, Ravndal E. Tapering from Methadone or Buprenorphine during Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Norway 1996-2009. Eur Addict Res 2015; 21:253-61. [PMID: 25967268 DOI: 10.1159/000381670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tapering of methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy is an understudied and controversial issue. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent women tapered their opioid medication dose during pregnancy and what the neonatal outcomes were for those who tapered compared to the women who did not. METHODS The study was a mixed prospective/retrospective national cohort study of 123 Norwegian women in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy and their neonates. A standardized questionnaire was administered to the women and medical information that could be used for verification was collected from hospitals and municipalities. RESULTS Two of the women came off the OMT-medication during pregnancy and another 15% tapered their OMT-medication dose more than 50%. The birth weights of methadone-exposed neonates of the women who tapered more than 50% were significantly higher than for the methadone-exposed neonates of the women tapering between 11 and 50%. No other significant differences were found. CONCLUSION Pregnant women in OMT who taper their OMT-medication dose should be monitored closely. We need studies that document the maternal well-being and fetal safety of maternal tapering of the OMT-medication during pregnancy.
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Konijnenberg C, Melinder A. Visual selective attention is impaired in children prenatally exposed to opioid agonist medication. Eur Addict Res 2015; 21:63-70. [PMID: 25402596 DOI: 10.1159/000366018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine whether prenatal exposure to opioid agonist medication is associated with visual selective attention and general attention problems in early childhood. METHOD Twenty-two children (mean age = 52.17 months, SD = 1.81) prenatally exposed to methadone, 9 children (mean age = 52.41 months, SD = 1.42) prenatally exposed to buprenorphine and 25 nonexposed comparison children (mean age = 51.44 months, SD = 1.31) were tested. Visual selective attention was measured with a Tobii 1750 Eye Tracker using a spatial negative priming paradigm. Attention problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS The comparison group demonstrated a larger spatial negative priming effect (mean = 23.50, SD = 45.50) than the exposed group [mean = -6.84, SD = 86.39, F(1,50) = 5.91, p = 0.019, η(2) = 0.11]. No difference in reported attention problems was found [F(1,51) = 1.63, p = 0.21, η(2) = 0.03]. Neonatal abstinence syndrome and prenatal exposure to marijuana were found to predict slower saccade latencies in the exposed group (b = 54.55, SE = 23.56, p = 0.03 and b = 88.86, SE = 32.07, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Although exposed children did not appear to have attention deficits in daily life, lower performance on the SNP task indicates subtle alteration in the attention system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Konijnenberg
- The Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Konijnenberg C, Melinder A. Executive function in preschool children prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:570-85. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.967201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Hermansen TK, Melinder A. Prenatal SSRI exposure: Effects on later child development. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:543-69. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.942727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Lund IO, Brendryen H, Ravndal E. A longitudinal study on substance use and related problems in women in opioid maintenance treatment from pregnancy to four years after giving birth. Subst Abuse 2014; 8:35-40. [PMID: 24855370 PMCID: PMC4024055 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) have a past characterized by drug abuse, which is a challenging start for parenthood. Studies of mothers in OMT are typically limited to pregnancy and early infancy. Knowledge about how they cope with substance use and related problems in the years following birth is therefore important. The aims of the study were to examine changes in mothers' substance use, psychological problems, and other challenges; from one to four years after their children were born, and describe kindergarten attendance and prevalence and type of child protective services involvement when the children were four years old. METHOD A four-year prospective cohort study of mothers in OMT. The European severity index was used to map substance use and related problems during the third trimester of pregnancy, one and four years after birth. RESULTS At the four-year follow-up, use of illegal substances remained low (4%) and use of legal substances (39%) was similar to the one-year follow-up. The proportion of women with psychological problems was significantly higher than at one-year follow-up (69 vs. 39%, P = 0.009). At age four, most children (89%) attended kindergarten, and the child protective services were following 73% of the families, mostly with voluntary measures. CONCLUSION Mothers in OMT cope well with substance use over time, given access to sufficient support. The findings imply that a preventive governmental strategy with close support of mother and child, have a positive impact contributing to making OMT and motherhood more compatible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn O Lund
- Norwegian Institute of Alcohol and Drug Research (SIRUS), Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvar Brendryen
- Norwegian Center for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Edle Ravndal
- Norwegian Center for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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