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Mark K, Crimmins S. Maternal and infant cannabis testing and associated birth outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1903-1907. [PMID: 37166490 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to determine any identifiable clinical utility of the practice of universal maternal and infant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) testing at the time of birth. METHODS This was cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study comparing the following birth outcomes in relation to maternal and infant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): APGAR scores, cord gases, NICU admission and need for immediate resuscitation. All births at the University of Maryland Medical Center between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were reviewed. Those that had either maternal or infant test results missing were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v27. Birth outcomes were adjusted for gestational age at delivery and tobacco use. Infant resuscitation was considered the need for any respiratory support. RESULTS A total of 4260 maternal/infant pairs were included. Of these, 314 (7.4%) birthing parents and 161 (3.8%) of infants tested positive for THC. Of the birth parents who tested positive for THC, 51.3% of their infants also tested positive for THC. Maternal/infant pairs that both tested positive for THC had the lowest need for immediate resuscitation and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission. Cord gases and APGAR scores were similar between the groups. Birth parents who tested positive for THC delivered infants at an earlier gestational age (37w6d v 38w5d, p = 0.001) and lower mean birth weight (2690gm v 3061gm, p = 0.001) than those who tested negative even after adjusting for confounders. When limited to only term births and broken down by weeks completed gestation, the mean birth weights were lower for every week in those who tested positive for THC versus those who tested negative. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that maternal and neonatal testing for THC at the time of birth is not predictive of important neonatal outcome parameters. Therefore, even though it is likely that there are some effects of in utero THC exposure on the neonate, we did not find any clinical benefits that would justify routine maternal and/or infant testing for THC at the time of birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Mark
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, 11 S Paca Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Sarah Crimmins
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, 11 S Paca Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Byrd DP, Bartlett TR. Drug Testing Practices and Policies of Labor and Delivery Units Across the Southeastern United States. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2023; 52:72-83. [PMID: 36400124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe drug testing practices used in labor and delivery units in seven southeastern U.S. states (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee), determine what risk factors prompt drug testing, and determine whether selective policies or factors that prompt testing differ based on hospital characteristics (type, size, or predominant payer source). DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive design. SETTING Labor and delivery units in seven southeastern U.S. states. PARTICIPANTS Nurse administrators of labor and delivery units (N = 49) who responded for their units. METHODS We used a purposive sampling technique to construct a database of hospitals with obstetric services and e-mail addresses for nurse administrators. We created a 35-item survey to collect hospital characteristics and drug testing policy information. We distributed the survey to 291 nurse administrators. RESULTS We received 49 responses (response rate = 16.8%). Respondents reported that 63% (31/49) of hospitals were not-for-profit, 87% (40/46) had Medicaid as the predominant payer source, 80% (37/46) had a formal perinatal drug testing policy, and 61% (30/49) used selective drug testing protocols. Current or past history of substance use was reported as the risk factor that most often prompted drug testing. We did not find any differences in hospital characteristics (type, size, or predominant payer source) that prompted testing. CONCLUSION Most respondents reported that their labor and delivery units had a written drug testing policy and often used selective drug testing protocols. Drug testing protocols did not differ based on hospital type, size, or predominant payer source. Nurses have a role in implementing a best practice with unit-based drug testing.
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McCOURT ALEXANDERD, WHITE SARAHA, BANDARA SACHINI, SCHALL THEO, GOODMAN DAISYJ, PATEL ESITA, McGINTY EMMAE. Development and Implementation of State and Federal Child Welfare Laws Related to Drug Use in Pregnancy. Milbank Q 2022; 100:1076-1120. [PMID: 36510665 PMCID: PMC9836249 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12591] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Over the past several decades, states have adopted policies intended to address prenatal drug use. Many of these policies have utilized existing child welfare mechanisms despite potential adverse effects. Recent federal policy changes were intended to facilitate care for substance-exposed infants and their families, but state uptake has been incomplete. Using legal mapping and qualitative interviews, we examine the development of state child welfare laws related to substance use in pregnancy from 1974 to 2019, with a particular focus on laws adopted between 2009 and 2019. Our findings reveal policies that may disincentivize treatment-seeking and widespread implementation challenges, suggesting a need for new treatment-oriented policies and refined state and federal guidance. CONTEXT Amid increasing drug use among pregnant individuals, legislators have pursued policies intended to reduce substance use during pregnancy. Many states have utilized child welfare mechanisms despite evidence that these policies might disincentivize treatment-seeking. Recent federal changes were intended to facilitate care for substance-exposed infants and their families, but implementation of these changes at the state level has been slowed and complicated by existing state policies. We seek to provide a timeline of state child welfare laws related to prenatal drug use and describe stakeholder perceptions of implementation. METHODS We catalogued child welfare laws related to prenatal drug use, including laws that defined child abuse and neglect and established child welfare reporting standards, for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), from 1974 to 2019. In the 19 states that changed relevant laws between 2009 and 2019, qualitative interviews were conducted with stakeholders to capture state-level perspectives on policy implementation. FINDINGS Twenty-four states and DC have passed laws classifying prenatal drug use as child abuse or neglect. Thirty-seven states and DC mandate reporting of suspected prenatal drug use to the state. Qualitative findings suggested variation in implementation within and across states between 2009 and 2019 and revealed that implementation of changes to federal law during that decade, intended to encourage states to provide comprehensive social services and linkages to evidence-based care to drug-exposed infants and their families, has been complicated by existing policies and a lack of guidance for practitioners. CONCLUSIONS Many states have enacted laws that may disincentivize treatment-seeking among pregnant people who use drugs and lead to family separation. To craft effective state laws and support their implementation, state policymakers and practitioners could benefit from a treatment-oriented approach to prenatal substance use and additional state and federal guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALEXANDER D. McCOURT
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUnited States
| | - SARAH A. WHITE
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUnited States
| | - SACHINI BANDARA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUnited States
| | - THEO SCHALL
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUnited States
| | - DAISY J. GOODMAN
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical PracticeHanoverNew HampshireUnited States
| | - ESITA PATEL
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUnited States
| | - EMMA E. McGINTY
- Division of Health Policy and EconomicsDepartment of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell MedicineNew York, New YorkUnited States
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Karr AJ, Rayens MK, Scott LK. Neonatal abstinence syndrome: Effectiveness of targeted umbilical cord drug screening. J Perinatol 2022; 42:1038-1043. [PMID: 35810246 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01457-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine if targeted drug screening of newborns was effective in identifying a positive drug test result. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 340 infants met criteria for drug screening. Sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate each of the potential risk factors in terms of their ability to predict a positive drug test result. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare differences in Finnegan scores between babies with a positive drug test result and those with a negative one. RESULT The risk factor with the highest sensitivity was maternal history of drug use. The difference in the Finnegan scores between groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION The risk factors associated with this study were not very sensitive. The only way to identify all infants at risk of NAS is to standardize the screening process and apply to all infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alecia J Karr
- Division of Neonatology, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. .,Baptist Hardin Health, Elizabethtown, KY, USA. .,University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Mary Kay Rayens
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Leslie K Scott
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, USA
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Goldstein E, Nervik K, Hagen S, Hilliard F, Turnquist A, Bakhireva LN, McDonald R, Ossorio PN, Lo J, Zgierska AE. A socioecological framework for engaging substance-using pregnant persons in longitudinal research: Multi-stakeholder perspectives. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 87:106997. [PMID: 34023390 PMCID: PMC8440364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the impact of substance use during pregnancy on fetal development and child health is essential for designing effective approaches for reducing prenatal substance exposures and improving child outcomes. Research on the developmental impacts of prenatal substance exposure has been limited by legal, ethical, and practical challenges. This study examined approaches to engage substance-using (with an emphasis on opioids) pregnant persons in longitudinal research, from multi-stakeholder perspectives. METHODS The present study solicited the expertise of 1) an advisory group of community stakeholders, including people with lived experienced of opioid/substance use; and 2) an online survey with content experts. Qualitative analysis examined facilitators and barriers to recruiting and retaining substance-using pregnant persons through a socioecological lens at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. RESULTS Stakeholders (N = 19) prioritized stigma, loss of confidentiality, legal consequences, and instability (e.g., homelessness and poverty) as important barriers that prevent substance-using persons from enrolling in research studies. Of 70 survey respondents, most self-identified as researchers (n = 37), followed by clinicians (n = 19), and 'others' (n = 14). Survey respondents focused on retention strategies that build trusting relationships with participants, including incentives (e.g., transportation and childcare support), participant-friendly study design, and team-related factors, (e.g., attitudes and practices). CONCLUSION The stakeholder input and survey data offer key insights strengthening our understanding of facilitators and barriers to research participation, and ways to overcome barriers among substance-using pregnant persons. A socioecological framework can be used to identify and address these factors to increase recruitment and long-term retention of high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Goldstein
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Kendra Nervik
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin, 8128 William H. Sewell Social Sciences Building, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1393, United States of America.
| | - Shelbey Hagen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Florence Hilliard
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Alyssa Turnquist
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5360, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5360, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America; Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5360, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Ryan McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, McConnell Hall, 1010 Mound Street, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Pilar N Ossorio
- University of Wisconsin Law School, 975 Bascom Mall, Rm. 9103, Madison, WI 53706-1399, United States of America; University of Wisconsin, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N. Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Jamie Lo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L466, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
| | - Aleksandra E Zgierska
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America.
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Mark K, Pace L, Temkin SM, Crimmins S, Terplan M. Concordance and discordance between maternal and newborn drug test results. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100366. [PMID: 33831588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for substance use is recommended during pregnancy, and many clinicians rely on urine drug screening to identify newborns at potential risk for withdrawal. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the concordance and discordance rates between maternal and neonatal drug testing at or near the time of delivery. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution that employs universal testing for those who consent. Results of maternal and neonatal urine drug testing via immunoassay at delivery were compared. RESULTS Of 1573 singleton pregnancies, 233 mothers (14.8%) had a positive test result for any substance and 102 of their newborns (43.8%) had concordant positive test results. Of the 285 positive maternal test results for individual substances, 133 (46.7%) were concordant with newborn test results. After removing iatrogenic positives, there were 84 truly discordant pairs representing 5.9% of the total cohort of test pairs, but 29.5% of the pairs with maternal positive test results. When considering the outcome of a newborn positive test result, the overall sensitivity and specificity for the maternal test were 21.1% and 85.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 46.7% and 96.4%, respectively. After excluding iatrogenic positive test results, the sensitivity and specificity for maternal testing were 97.8% and 99.4%, respectively, and the negative predictive value of maternal testing for all substances approached 100%. A total of 11 pairs of twins had at least 1 twin with a positive drug test result, and of these, 6 twin pairs (54.5%) had drug test results that were discordant from each other. CONCLUSION There is a high rate of iatrogenic discrepancy in maternal and neonatal drug testing. After adjusting for iatrogenic positive test results, the negative predictive value of maternal testing is high. Many discrepancies, such as those in twins, remained unexplained by medication administration, and potential reasons for these discrepancies warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Mark
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr Mark, Ms Pace, and Dr Crimmins).
| | - Lauren Pace
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr Mark, Ms Pace, and Dr Crimmins)
| | | | - Sarah Crimmins
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr Mark, Ms Pace, and Dr Crimmins)
| | - Mishka Terplan
- Friend Social Research Institute, Baltimore, MD (Dr Terplan)
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Puls HT, Anderst JD, Farst K, Hall M. Intrauterine Substance Exposure and the Risk for Subsequent Physical Abuse Hospitalizations. Acad Pediatr 2020; 20:468-474. [PMID: 32081768 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the relative risk for a physical abuse hospitalization among substance exposed infants (SEI) with and without neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). METHODS We created a nationally representative US birth cohort using the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify newborns, predictor variables, and subsequent hospitalizations for physical abuse within 6 months of discharge from newborns' birth hospitalization. Predictor variables included newborn demographics, prematurity or low birth weight, and intrauterine substance exposure: non-SEI, SEI without NAS, and SEI with NAS. Multiple logistic regression calculated adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. A subanalysis of newborns with narcotic exposure was performed. RESULTS There were 3,740,582 newborns in the cohort; of which 13,024 (0.4%) were SEI without NAS and 20,196 (0.5%) SEI with NAS. Overall, 1247 (0.03%) newborns were subsequently hospitalized for physical abuse within 6 months. Compared to non-SEI, SEI with NAS (adjusted relative risks: 3.84 [95% confidence intervals: 2.79-5.28]) were at increased risk for having a subsequent hospitalization for physical abuse, but SEI without NAS were not. A similar pattern was observed among narcotic-exposed infants; infants with NAS due to narcotics were at increased risk, but narcotic-exposed infants without NAS were not. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that newborns diagnosed with NAS are at increased risk of physical abuse during early infancy, above that of substance-exposed infants without NAS. These results should improve the identification of higher-risk infants who may benefit from more rigorous safety planning and follow-up care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry T Puls
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (HT Puls and M Hall), Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.
| | - James D Anderst
- Child Adversity and Resilience, Department of Pediatrics (JD Anderst), Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Karen Farst
- Section for Children at Risk, Department of Pediatrics (K Farst), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Matthew Hall
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (HT Puls and M Hall), Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo; Children's Hospital Association (M Hall), Lenexa, Kans
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