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Denadai R, Lo LJ. Reducing delayed detection of isolated cleft palate-related deformity: a call for routine intraoral examination of newborns. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2024; 100:350-359. [PMID: 38307119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide healthcare professional-friendly practical recommendations for early detection of cleft palate-related deformities in newborns and offer an overview of managing these high-prevalent congenital abnormalities. SOURCE OF DATA PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were reviewed for cleft- and diagnosis-related studies. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS Unfortunately, the global prevalence of delayed detection of cleft palate-related deformities remains unacceptably high, with over a quarter of cleft palates missed at birth. This delayed identification causes physical and psychological distress for patients and families, including feeding challenges and weight faltering. To improve cleft management, it is essential to adopt routine detailed, in-depth intraoral examination immediately after birth. It is recommended not only to finger-assisted palpate the intraoral structures but also to visually inspect the oral cavity from gingiva to uvula using a wooden tongue depressor and light-assisted examination. With timely diagnosis and referral to specialized care, pediatricians, nurses, speech therapists, and plastic surgeons provide life-changing treatments, including health care maintenance, anticipatory guidance, feeding support, primary surgical reconstruction, and age- and condition-specific protocols. CONCLUSIONS Encouraging neonatologists and pediatricians, who are the first to examine newborns, to actively investigate the intraoral region for cleft palate-related deformities is instrumental in optimizing therapeutic approaches and prioritizing age-phases in treatment. Their crucial role in early detection and referral can lead to transformative outcomes, impacting not only the future of the newborns by facilitating functional integration into society but also yielding positive effects on families and the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Denadai
- Centro Avançado de Cirurgia Plástica Facial, A&D DermePlastique, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centro Universitário Max Planck (UniMAX), Faculdade de Medicina, Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Craniofacial Research Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Lun-Jou Lo
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Craniofacial Research Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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2
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Dubovsky SL, Marshall D. Benzodiazepines Remain Important Therapeutic Options in Psychiatric Practice. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2022; 91:307-334. [PMID: 35504267 DOI: 10.1159/000524400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines and medications acting on benzodiazepine receptors that do not have a benzodiazepine structure (z-drugs) have been viewed by some experts and regulatory bodies as having limited benefit and significant risks. Data presented in this article support the use of these medications as treatments of choice for acute situational anxiety, chronic anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal syndromes, and catatonia. They may also be useful adjuncts in the treatment of anxious depression and mania, and for medically ill patients. Tolerance develops to sedation and possibly psychomotor impairment, but not to the anxiolytic effect of benzodiazepines. Sedation can impair cognitive function in some patients, but assertions that benzodiazepines increase the risk of dementia are not supported by recent data. Contrary to popular opinion, benzodiazepines are not frequently misused or conduits to misuse of other substances in patients without substance use disorders who are prescribed these medications for appropriate indications; most benzodiazepine misuse involves medications that are obtained from other people. Benzodiazepines are usually not lethal in overdose except when ingested with other substances, especially alcohol and opioids. Benzodiazepines comprise one of the few classes of psychotropic medication the mechanisms of action of which are clearly delineated, allowing for greater precision in their clinical use. These medications, therefore, belong in the therapeutic armamentarium of the knowledgeable clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Dubovsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Dori Marshall
- Department of Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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3
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Proctor-Williams K, Louw B. Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Infants Prenatally Exposed to Opioids. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2021; 59:513-521. [PMID: 33960243 DOI: 10.1177/10556656211013687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and odds ratios for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) among infants prenatally exposed to opioids with or without neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). DESIGN This study represents an exploratory, retrospective cohort study design of newborn medical health records from 2011 to 2016. SETTING Records were drawn from a regional health system located in South Central Appalachia. POPULATION AND STUDY SAMPLE The original population yielded 3 cohorts of infants: (1) infants with opioid exposure (OE) but not requiring pharmacological intervention (OE; N = 168); (2) infants with NOWS requiring pharmacological intervention (N = 294); and (3) infants with no opioid exposure (NOE; N = 16 090), the primary comparison group. MAIN OUTCOME Infants in the NOWS and OE groups showed significantly increased prevalence and odds ratios for CL/P when compared to those in the NOE group. RESULTS Prevalence rates per 1000 live births for infants with OE (35.71) and infants with NOWS (6.80) were significantly higher than those for infants with NOE (1.37). Comparison of infants with OE to the NOE group revealed significantly increased odds for CL/P, isolated cleft palate (CP), cleft lip (CL), and cleft lip and palate (CLP) (27.05, 41.81, 19.26, 19.37, respectively; all Ps < .008). The odds ratios for infants with NOWS compared to the NOE group were significantly higher for CL/P and CP (5.00 and 10.98, respectively; Ps < .03) but not for CL and CLP. CONCLUSION The results provide additional evidence that prenatal OE should be considered among the critical environmental risk factors that can contribute to CL/P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Proctor-Williams
- Department Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Brenda Louw
- Department Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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4
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Danis DO, Bachrach K, Piraquive J, Marston AP, Levi JR. Cleft Lip and Palate in Newborns Diagnosed With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 164:199-205. [PMID: 32689883 DOI: 10.1177/0194599820944899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) is the most common major congenital malformation of the head and neck. Previous studies suggested an association between fetal opioid exposure and CLP. This study seeks to evaluate the associations between CLP and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the United States. STUDY DESIGN Population-based inpatient registry analysis. SETTING Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Kids' Inpatient Database (2016) was used to identify weighted in-hospital births with diagnoses of CLP or NAS. Demographic information was obtained. RESULTS Among 3.8 million weighted in-hospital births, prevalence rates of CLP in the NAS and non-NAS populations were 3.13 and 1.35 per 1000, respectively. The odds ratios for patients with NAS developing CLP, isolated cleft palate, isolated cleft lip, and cleft lip and palate when compared with the reference population were 2.33 (95% CI, 1.87-2.91; P < .001), 4.97 (95% CI, 3.84-6.43; P < .001), 1.01 (P = .98), and 0.80 (P = .46). Independent predictors of CLP within the NAS population included median household income for patients' zip code, race, hospital region, payment method, and maternal use of tobacco or other drugs of addiction. The binary logistic regression model accounting for possible confounding variables produced an odds ratio of 1.74 (95% CI, 1.36-2.23; P < .001) for the association between NAS and CLP. CONCLUSION Our study found an association between NAS and CLP, specifically isolated cleft palate, suggesting that prenatal exposure to opioids may be an environmental risk factor in the development of CLP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Bachrach
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Piraquive
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander P Marston
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica R Levi
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Mravčík V, Nechanská B, Gabrhelík R, Handal M, Mahic M, Skurtveit S. Socioeconomic characteristics of women with substance use disorder during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in their newborns: A national registry study from the Czech Republic. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107933. [PMID: 32109712 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal substance use can pose a risk to the fetal health. We studied the background characteristics of women with substance use disorders (SUDs) and selected neonatal outcomes in their children. MATERIAL AND METHODS A database-linkage study was performed. The sample consisted of pregnant women with a SUD during pregnancy (ICD-10 diagnosis F10-F19 except F17, n = 1710), women not diagnosed with a SUD (n = 1,511,310) in Czechia in 2000-2014, and their children. The monitored neonatal outcomes were gestational age, birth weight, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age (SGA). Binary logistic regression adjusted for age, marital status, education, concurrent substance use, and prenatal care was performed. RESULTS Women with illicit SUDs were younger, more often unmarried, with a lower level of education, a higher abortion rate, a higher smoking rate, and lower compliance to prenatal care than women with a SUD related to alcohol, or sedatives and hypnotics (SH). Women with a SUD had worse socioeconomic situations, poorer pregnancy care, and worse neonatal outcomes than women without a SUD. After adjustment, we found no difference in SGA between the illicit SUD groups and the alcohol and the SH groups. The newborns from all SUD groups had a higher risk of SGA when compared to women without a SUD. However after adjustment, the difference remained significant just in the alcohol group (OR = 1.9, 95 % CI = 1.4-2.6). CONCLUSION Mother's SUD during pregnancy increased risk of fetal growth restriction as measured by SGA. The role of maternal socioeconomic and lifestyle factors for the risk of SGA was substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Mravčík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Office of the Government, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Blanka Nechanská
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Gabrhelík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marte Handal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Mahic
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research at the University of Oslo, Norway
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6
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Cleary B, Loane M, Addor MC, Barisic I, de Walle HEK, Matias Dias C, Gatt M, Klungsoyr K, McDonnell B, Neville A, Pierini A, Rissmann A, Tucker DF, Zurriaga O, Dolk H. Methadone, Pierre Robin sequence and other congenital anomalies: case-control study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2020; 105:151-157. [PMID: 31229957 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-316804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methadone is a vital treatment for women with opioid use disorder in pregnancy. Previous reports suggested an association between methadone exposure and Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), a rare craniofacial anomaly. We assessed the association between gestational methadone exposure and PRS. DESIGN/SETTING This case-malformed control study used European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies population-based registries in Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Malta, Portugal, Germany, Wales, Norway and Spain, 1995-2011. PATIENTS Cases included PRS based on International Classification of Disease (ICD), Ninth Edition-British Paediatric Association (BPA) code 75 603 or ICD, Tenth Edition-BPA code Q8708. Malformed controls were all non-PRS anomalies, excluding genetic conditions, among live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks' gestation and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. An exploratory analysis assessed the association between methadone exposure and other congenital anomalies (CAs) excluding PRS. Methadone exposure was ascertained from medical records and maternal interview. RESULTS Among 87 979 CA registrations, there were 127 methadone-exposed pregnancies and 336 PRS cases. There was an association between methadone exposure and PRS (OR adjusted for registry 12.3, 95% CI 5.7 to 26.8). In absolute terms, this association reflects a risk increase from approximately 1-12 cases per 10 000 births. A raised OR was found for cleft palate (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.7 to 9.2). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that gestational methadone exposure is associated with PRS. The association may be explained by unmeasured confounding factors. The small increased risk of PRS in itself does not alter the risk-benefit balance for gestational methadone use. The association with cleft palate, a more common CA, should be assessed with independent data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Cleary
- Pharmacy Department, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Loane
- Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, INHR, Ulster University, Newtowanbbey, UK
| | - Marie-Claude Addor
- Division Autonome de Genetique Medicale, Registre Vaudois des Malformations, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Ingeborg Barisic
- Children's Hospital Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hermien E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miriam Gatt
- Department of Health Information, Malta Congenital Anomalies Registry, G'mangia, Malta
| | - Kari Klungsoyr
- Medical Birth Register of Norway, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Amanda Neville
- Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Ferrara, Registro IMER, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - David F Tucker
- Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service for Wales, Public Health Wales, Swansea, UK
| | - Oscar Zurriaga
- Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud Pública, Valencia, Spain.,Direccion General de Investigación y Salud Pública, Valencia, Spain
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Associations between Orofacial Clefting and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2019; 7:e2095. [PMID: 30859050 PMCID: PMC6382228 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Orofacial clefting (OFC) is the most common developmental craniofacial malformation, and causal etiologies largely remain unknown. The opioid crisis has led to a large proportion of infants recovering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to in-utero narcotics exposure. We sought to characterize the prevalence of OFC in infants with NAS. Methods: This cohort study analyzed live births at our institution from 2013 to 2017 to identify any association between OFC and NAS. Results: Prevalence of OFC was 6.79 and 1.63 (per 1,000 live births) in the NAS and general population, respectively. Odds ratios for NAS patients having developed OFC, isolated cleft palate, isolated cleft lip, and combined cleft lip and palate compared with the general population were found to be 4.18 (P = 0.001), 5.92 (P = 0.001), 3.79 (P = 0.05), and 2.94 (P = 0.35), respectively. Analyses performed comparing the NAS and general populations to control for potential confounding variables influencing the NAS population yielded no significant differences with exception of in-utero exposure to physician prescribed opioids. Conclusions: Prevalence of OFC in infants with NAS was higher than the general live birth population. Isolated cleft palate and isolated cleft lip, specifically, were significantly more prevalent in NAS patients compared with the general population and were associated with in-utero opioid exposure.
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8
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Intraprofessional Excellence in Nursing: Collaborative Strategies for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Neonatal Netw 2017; 34:320-8. [PMID: 26803012 DOI: 10.1891/0730-0832.34.6.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a growing public health concern, one that costs the health care system $190-$720 million each year. Recently, state-level perinatal quality collaborative groups have disseminated NAS action plans: customizable frameworks aimed to assist health care systems in identifying, evaluating, treating, and coordinating discharge services for neonates with NAS. Hospital-based neonatal nursing quality improvement teams, including neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), neonatal clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and clinical neonatal nurses, by virtue of their collective academic, administrative, and practical years of experience, are ideally positioned to develop, implement, and evaluate NAS care bundles. The article's purpose is to discuss key elements of an NAS care bundle using the framework of the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina NAS action plan as an exemplar. Discussion of evidence-based and nursing-driven metrics will be followed by a discussion of the emerging concept of an inpatient-to-outpatient transitional care NAS management model.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in pregnancy, yet studies on MA-exposed pregnancy outcomes have been limited because of retrospective measures of drug use; lack of control for confounding factors; other drug use, including tobacco; poverty; poor diet; and lack of prenatal care. This study presents prospective collected data on MA use and birth outcomes, controlling for most confounders. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of women obtaining prenatal care from a clinic treating women with substance use disorders, on whom there are prospectively obtained data on MA and other drug use, including tobacco. Methamphetamine-exposed pregnancies were compared with non-MA exposed pregnancies and non-drug-exposed pregnancies, using univariate and multivariate analysis to control for confounders. RESULTS One hundred forty-four infants were exposed to MA during pregnancy, 50 had first trimester exposure only, 45 had continuous use until the second trimester, 29 had continuous use until the third trimester, but were negative at delivery, and 20 had positive toxicology at delivery. There were 107 non-MA-exposed infants and 59 infants with no drug exposure. Mean birth weights were the same for MA-exposed and nonexposed infants (3159 g vs 3168 g; P = 0.9), although smaller than those without any drug exposure (3159 vs 3321; P = 0.04), infants with positive toxicology at birth (meconium or urine) were smaller than infants with first trimester exposure only (2932 g vs 3300 g; P = 0.01). Gestation was significantly shorter among the MA-exposed infants than that among nonexposed infants (38.5 vs 39.1 weeks; P = 0.045), and those with no drug exposure (38.5 vs 39.5; P = 0.0011), the infants with positive toxicology at birth had a clinically relevant shortening of gestation (37.3 weeks vs 39.1; P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is associated with shorter gestational ages and lower birth weight, especially if used continuously during pregnancy. Stopping MA use at any time during pregnancy improves birth outcomes, thus resources should be directed toward providing treatment and prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia E. Wright
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou St. Ste 824, Honolulu, HI 96826, 808-203-6540, 808-955-2174 fax
| | - Renee Schuetter
- Path Clinic, Waikiki Health, Honolulu, Hawaii, 845 22nd Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
| | - Jacqueline Tellei
- Path Clinic, Waikiki Health, Honolulu, Hawaii, 845 22nd Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
| | - Lynnae Sauvage
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou St. Ste 824, Honolulu, HI 96826, 808-203-6540, 808-955-2174 fax
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10
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Terplan M, Wright T. The Effects of Cocaine and Amphetamine Use During Pregnancy on the Newborn: Myth versus Reality. J Addict Dis 2010; 30:1-5. [DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2011.532048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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11
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BURNS LUCY, CONROY ELIZABETH, MATTICK RICHARDP. Infant mortality among women on a methadone program during pregnancy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010; 29:551-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Substance abuse in pregnancy has increased over the past three decades in the United States, resulting in approximately 225,000 infants yearly with prenatal exposure to illicit substances. Routine screening and the education of women of child bearing age remain the most important ways to reduce addiction in pregnancy. Legal and illegal substances and their effect on pregnancy discussed in this review include opiates, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and amphetamines. Most literature regarding opiate abuse is derived from clinical experience with heroin and methadone. Poor obstetric outcomes can be up to six times higher in patients abusing opiates. Neonatal care must be specialized to treat symptoms of withdrawal. Cocaine use in pregnancy can lead to spontaneous abortion, preterm births, placental abruption, and congenital anomalies. Neonatal issues include poor feeding, lethargy, and seizures. Mothers using cocaine require specialized prenatal care and the neonate may require extra supportive care. More than 50% of women in their reproductive years use alcohol. Alcohol is a teratogen and its effects can include spontaneous abortion, growth restriction, birth defects, and mental retardation. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can have long-term sequelae for the infant. Tobacco use is high among pregnant women, but this can be a time of great motivation to begin cessation efforts. Long-term effects of prenatal tobacco exposure include spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, placental insufficiency, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, childhood respiratory disease, and behavioral issues. Marijuana use can lead to fetal growth restriction, as well as withdrawal symptoms in the neonate. Lastly, amphetamines can lead to congenital anomalies and other poor obstetric outcomes. Once recognized, a multidisciplinary approach can lead to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Keegan
- Lankenau Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA.
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13
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Cui C, Sakata-Haga H, Ohta KI, Nishida M, Yashiki M, Sawada K, Fukui Y. Histological brain alterations following prenatal methamphetamine exposure in rats. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2006; 46:180-7. [PMID: 17096818 DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4520.2006.00126.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
When pregnant women abuse methamphetamine, the foremost concern is the potential adverse effect of this substance on fetal development. Clinical studies in humans have found that exposure to methamphetamine during brain development can cause neurobehavioral abnormalities, such as aggressive behavior, learning problems, and poor social adaptation. In the present study, we examined the effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on brain development in rats. The first group of pregnant rats was administered methamphetamine at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day during gestational day (GD 10 to GD 20 [MA]. The second group of pregnant rats was injected with saline vehicle only [SAL]. On GD 21 their fetuses were removed and fetal brains were observed. We found various types of morphological damage in MA fetal brains, including microgyria, ectopia, and hemorrhage. In some cases, abnormal distribution of the leptomeninx, such as breach or accumulation, was observed in addition to these histological abnormalities. Therefore, we examined the expression of laminin, which is an important component of the pia mater, in the fetal brains. However, Western blot analysis revealed that there was no difference in expression amount of laminin in whole fetal brain between the MA and SAL groups. We concluded that methamphetamine use during pregnancy can cause histological brain alterations in fetuses. Morphological alterations of brain seen in the present study and previous human studies following prenatal exposure to methamphetamine might be related to the neurobehavioral abnormalities seen in patients who had been exposed to methamphetamine in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Cui
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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14
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Kennare R, Heard A, Chan A. Substance use during pregnancy: risk factors and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in South Australia. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2005; 45:220-5. [PMID: 15904448 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2005.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of self-reported substance use during pregnancy in South Australia, the characteristics of substance users, their obstetric outcomes and the perinatal outcomes of their babies. METHODS Multivariable logistic regression with STATA statistical software was undertaken using the South Australian perinatal data collection 1998-2002. An audit was conducted on every fifth case coded as substance use to identify the actual substances used. RESULTS Substance use was reported by women in 707 of 89 080 confinements (0.8%). Marijuana (38.9%), methadone (29.9%), amphetamines (14.6%) and heroin (12.5%) were most commonly reported, with polydrug use among 18.8% of the women audited. Substance users were more likely than non-users to be smokers, to have a psychiatric condition, to be single, indigenous, of lower socio-economic status and living in the metropolitan area. The outcome models had poor predictive powers. Substance use was associated with increased risks for placental abruption (OR 2.53) and antepartum haemorrhage from other causes (OR 1.41). The exposed babies had increased risks for preterm birth (OR 2.63), small for gestational age (OR 1.79), congenital abnormalities (1.52), nursery stays longer than 7 days (OR 4.07), stillbirth (OR 2.54) and neonatal death (OR 2.92). CONCLUSIONS Substance use in pregnancy is associated with increased risks for antepartum haemorrhage and poor perinatal outcomes. However, only a small amount of the variance in outcomes can be explained by the substance use alone. Recent initiatives to improve identification and support of women exposed to adverse health, psychosocial and lifestyle factors will need evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Kennare
- Pregnancy Outcome Unit, Epidemiology Branch, Department of Health, Adelaide, Australia.
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15
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Arlettaz R, Kashiwagi M, Das-Kundu S, Fauchère JC, Lang A, Bucher HU. Methadone maintenance program in pregnancy in a Swiss perinatal center (II): neonatal outcome and social resources. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2005; 84:145-50. [PMID: 15683374 DOI: 10.1111/j.0001-6349.2005.00510.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to analyze the neonatal impact of a methadone maintenance program in pregnancy, and the social resources of the families involved. METHODS Descriptive analysis of neonatal data in live births after 24 weeks of gestation in pregnant women enrolled in a methadone maintenance program. The data of 86 babies were analyzed. RESULTS Median gestational age was 38 (0)/(7) (31-41) weeks; 21 babies (24%) were premature. Median birthweight was 2662 (1340-4050) g; 27% of babies were growth retarded (<3rd centile), and 13% had microcephaly (<3rd centile). Sixty-two percent developed abstinence syndrome requiring pharmacological treatment for a median 47 days. Child Protective Services (CPS) were involved in 56% of cases, and 42% of newborns required placement outside the mother's home. CONCLUSIONS Babies born to women on methadone had a fourfold higher incidence of prematurity, a ninefold higher incidence of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and a fourfold higher incidence of microcephaly compared with the normal population. Sixty-two percent required pharmacological treatment for abstinence syndrome and 42% required placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romaine Arlettaz
- Clinic of Neonatology, Zurich University Hospital, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Plessinger MA. Prenatal exposure to amphetamines. Risks and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1998; 25:119-38. [PMID: 9547763 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8545(05)70361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on findings in humans and the confirmation of prenatal exposures in animals, amphetamines and methamphetamines increase the risk of an adverse outcome when abused during pregnancy. Clefting, cardiac anomalies, and fetal growth reduction deficits that have been seen in infants exposed to amphetamines during pregnancy have all been reproduced in animal studies involving prenatal exposures to amphetamines. The differential effects of amphetamines between genetic strains of mice and between species demonstrate that pharmacokinetics and the genetic disposition of the mother and developing embryo can have an enormous influence on enhancing or reducing these potential risks. The effects of prenatal exposure to amphetamines in producing altered behavior in humans appear less compelling when one considers other confounding variables of human environment, genetics, and polydrug abuse. In view of the animal data concerning altered behavior and learning tasks in comparison with learning deficits observed in humans, the influence of the confounding variables in humans may serve to increase the sensitivity of the developing embryo/fetus to prenatal exposure to amphetamines. These factors and others may predispose the developing conceptus to the damaging effects of amphetamines by actually lowering the threshold of susceptibility at the sites where damage occurs. Knowledge of the effects of prenatal exposure of the fetus and the mother to designer amphetamines is lacking. Based on the few studies in which designer drugs have been examined in animal models, more questions are raised than answered. Possible reasons why no malformations or significant fetal effects were found in the study by St. Omer include the genetic strain of rat used, the conservative exposure profile, or the fact that the placenta metabolized MDMA before reaching the embryo. These questions underscore the need for further investigations concerning the prenatal exposure effects of designer compounds and the effects of amphetamine and methamphetamine in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Plessinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
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