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.
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.
Authors: Debra L Bogen; James M Perel; Joseph C Helsel; Barbara H Hanusa; Matthew Thompson; Katherine L Wisner Journal: Breastfeed Med Date: 2011-02-24 Impact factor: 1.817
Authors: Odayme Quesada; Nathan Gotman; Heather B Howell; Edmund F Funai; Bruce J Rounsaville; Kimberly A Yonkers Journal: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med Date: 2012-05-11
Authors: Ana de Castro; Marta Concheiro; Diaa M Shakleya; Marilyn A Huestis Journal: J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci Date: 2009-07-24 Impact factor: 3.205
Authors: D L Bogen; J M Perel; J C Helsel; B H Hanusa; M Romkes; T Nukui; C R Friedman; K L Wisner Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl) Date: 2012-08-25 Impact factor: 4.530