USDTL Assisted Research
Prenatal Methamphetamine Use and Neonatal Neurobehavioral Outcome
Lynne M. Smith, MD, Linda L. LaGasse, PhD, Chris Derauf, MD, Penny Grant, MD, Rizwan Shah, MD, Amelia Arria, PhD, Marilyn Huestis, PhD, William Haning, MD, Arthur Strauss, MD, Sheri Della Grotta, MPH, Melissa Fallone, PhD, Jing LiuPhD, Barry M. Lester, PhD
First Published: 03 October 2007 DIO: 10.1016/j.ntt.2007.09.005
Los Angeles Biomedical Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen, School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrace, CA, USA. smith@labiomed.org
Abstract
Baby diapers | Sourced by Adobe Stock©
Background
Methamphetamine (MA) use among pregnant women is an increasing problem in the United States. How prenatal MA exposure affects neonatal neurobehavior is unknown.
Objective
To examine the neurobehavioral effects of prenatal MA exposure.
Design
The Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle (IDEAL) study screened 13,808 subjects and 1632 were eligible and consented. 166 (n=74 exposed) were enrolled in a longitudinal follow up. Exposure was determined by meconium assay and self-report with alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco present in both groups. The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) was administered within the first 5 days of life. Analyses conducted on NNNS summary scores included exposure group effects, heavy MA use effects, association with frequency of use by trimester, and dose-response relationships with amphetamine metabolites.
Results
After adjusting for covariates, exposure to MA was associated with increased physiological stress. Heavy MA use was related to lower arousal, more lethargy, and increased physiological stress. First trimester MA use was related to elevated physiological stress. Third trimester use was related to poorer quality of movement. Higher level of amphetamine metabolites in meconium was associated with increased CNS stress.
Conclusions
Prenatal MA exposure was associated with neurobehavioral patterns of decreased arousal, increased stress, and poor quality of movement. The dose response relationships may represent neurotoxic effects from MA.
Contact USDTL
1.800.235.2367
Client Services
By Phone: 1.800.235.2367
Business Hours (CST)
Monday....................7am-7pm
Tuesday....................7am-7pm
Wednesday.............7am-7pm
Thursday..................7am-7pm
Friday........................7am-7pm
Saturday...................8am-5pm
Newsletters, Posters, and Catalogs
Our print materials will keep you up to date on the latest news in drug and alcohol testing.
Request Your Collection Supplies
For your convenience, USDTL provides test collection supplies at no additional charge.
