Evaluation of three-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants prenatally exposed to substance use.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal exposure to substance use is associated with long-term deficits in the neurodevelopment of children. The objective was to investigate the association between cognitive, motor, and language neurodevelopment at three years of age in infants prenatally exposed to substance use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective matched case-control study was conducted. Biomarkers of fetal exposure were measured in meconium samples. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) were used to calculate neurodevelopment scores. RESULTS: 32 non-exposed and 32 exposed infants were evaluated, of which 16 were exposed to cannabis, 8 to ethanol, 2 to cocaine and 6 to more than one substance. Normal BSID-III scores ≥85 in all domains, were detected in 23 exposed infants to any substance and 29 infants non-exposed. Neurodevelopmental delay was detected in the language domain, specifically in male infants exposed to cannabis. Two infants exposed to cannabis had a severe developmental delay (score<70). Infants exposed to any substance obtained significantly lower total scores than control infants in all domains. Infants exposed to cannabis obtained significantly lower composite scores in the cognitive and motor domains. Infants exposed to more than one substance had lower scores in motor skills. By gender, only males exposed obtained significantly lower composite scores than non-exposed males in the cognitive domain. CONCLUSIONS: The most common and severe neurodevelopmental delay at 36 months was detected in the domain of language in male infants prenatally exposed to cannabis. Neurodevelopmental disorders detected can enable an early intervention and plan therapeutic strategies.

Clinical features and risk factors associated with prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse.

INTRODUCTION: Early identification of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse during pregnancy allows a more precise clinical management. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse in a Neonatal Intermediate and Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: Prospective observational study of neonates with and without clinical suspicion of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse. Meconium was analyzed using standard chromatographic techniques. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed. RESULTS: 372 neonates were included. Exposure to drugs of abuse was detected in 49 (13.2%) cases: in 41 (83.7%) one drug and in 8 (16.3%) more than one. Somatometry at birth revealed: a) lower length percentile in those exposed to some drug, more than one and cannabis; b) lower weight percentile in those exposed to cannabis and of these compared to those exposed to alcohol. In neonates older than 34 pregnancy weeks (PW): a) lower length percentile in those exposed to any substance; b) lower percentile of length and weight in exposed to more than one. The most clinically relevant independent risk factors useful to detect cases of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse were (Odds ratio (95% CI)): reason for admission other than prematurity (5.52 (2.55-1.93)), length percentile less than 33 (1.95 (1.05-3.60) and 2.14 (1.04-3.40) in older than 34 PW) and social dystocia/uncontrolled pregnancy in older than 34 PW (4.47 (1.03-19.29)). CONCLUSIONS: There are somatometric alterations and risk factors that can help in the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse. The somatometric alterations identified can be useful to extend the differential diagnosis of these alterations and to study their causes.

Role of Neonatal Biomarkers of Exposure to Psychoactive Substances to Identify Maternal Socio-Demographic Determinants.

BACKGROUND: The accurate assessment of fetal exposure to psychoactive substances provides the basis for appropriate clinical care of neonates. The objective of this study was to identify maternal socio-demographic profiles and risk factors for prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse by measuring biomarkers in neonatal matrices. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was completed. Biomarkers of fetal exposure were measured in meconium samples. The mothers were interviewed using a questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 372 mothers were included, 49 (13.2%) testing positive for psychoactive substances use: 24 (49.0%) for cannabis, 11 (22.5%) for ethyl glucuronide, six (12.2%) for cocaine, and in eight (16.3%) more than one psychoactive substance. Mothers who consumed any psychoactive substance (29.7 ± 6.6 years) or cannabis (27.0 ± 5.7 years) were younger than non-users (32.8 ± 6.2 years, p < 0.05). Cocaine (50.0% vs. 96.9%, p < 0.05) and polydrug users (37.5% vs. 96.9%, p < 0.05) showed a lower levels of pregnancy care. Previous abortions were associated with the use of two or more psychoactive substances (87.5% vs. 37.8%, p < 0.05). Single-mother families (14.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.05) and mothers with primary level education (75.5% vs. 55.1%, p < 0.05) presented a higher consumption of psychoactive substances. Independent risk factors that are associated with prenatal exposure include: maternal age < 24 years (odds ratio: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.12-5.87), lack of pregnancy care (odds ratio: 7.27; 95%CI: 2.51-21.02), single-mother families (odds ratio: 4.98; 95%CI: 1.37-8.13), and active tobacco smoking (odds ratio: 8.13; 95%CI: 4.03-16.43). CONCLUSIONS: These results will allow us to develop several risk-based drug screening approaches to improve the early detection of exposed neonates.

[Clinical features and risk factors associated with prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse]. / Características clínicas y factores de riesgo asociados a la exposición prenatal a drogas de abuso.

INTRODUCTION: Early identification of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse during pregnancy allows a more precise clinical management. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse in a Neonatal Intermediate and Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: Prospective observational study of neonates with and without clinical suspicion of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse. Meconium was analyzed using standard chromatographic techniques. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed. RESULTS: 372 neonates were included. Exposure to drugs of abuse was detected in 49 (13.2%) cases: in 41 (83.7%) one drug and in 8 (16.3%) more than one. Somatometry at birth revealed: a) lower length percentile in those exposed to some drug, more than one and cannabis; b) lower weight percentile in those exposed to cannabis and of these compared to those exposed to alcohol. In neonates older than 34 pregnancy weeks (PW): a) lower length percentile in those exposed to any substance; b) lower percentile of length and weight in exposed to more than one. The most clinically relevant independent risk factors useful to detect cases of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse were (Odds ratio (95% CI)): reason for admission other than prematurity (5.52 (2.55-1.93)), length percentile less than 33 (1.95 (1.05-3.60) and 2.14 (1.04-3.40) in older than 34 PW) and social dystocia/uncontrolled pregnancy in older than 34 PW (4.47 (1.03-19.29)). CONCLUSIONS: There are somatometric alterations and risk factors that can help in the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse. The somatometric alterations identified can be useful to extend the differential diagnosis of these alterations and to study their causes.

Quantification of Methamphetamine «Shabu¼ in Biological Matrices to Detect Prenatal Exposure: A Case Report and a Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine misuse represents an increasing global public health problem. Its consumption during pregnancy becomes a relevant issue, since it has clinical consequences for the child's health and the pregnant woman. Despite this, there are only few data in the literature that include analytical results in the matrices used to detect prenatal exposure. OBJECTIVES: 1) Present a case report of prenatal methamphetamine exposure with toxicological analytical confirmation in biological matrices; and 2) Perform a compilation of prenatal methamphetamine exposure studies and case reports which include toxicological analytical results. METHODS: Prenatal methamphetamine exposure was confirmed using a traditional "screen with reflex" approach. Methamphetamine and amphetamine were quantified in urine, meconium and hair samples of the neonate and mother by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Also, a detailed revision of the existent literature that provides information on the analytical toxicology results has been included. RESULTS: In the neonatal biological matrices test results of methamphetamine/amphetamine were: urine 2,966.43/1,638.71 ng/mL, meconium 1,450/<0.1 ng/g and hair 36.54/9.66 ng/mg. In the maternal biological matrices, test results were: urine 13,393.89/3,074.95 ng/mL and hair 11.29/3.37 ng/mg (0-3 cm), 4.68/2.58 (3-6 cm), 6.43/3.13 ng/mg (6-9 cm) and 4.72/2.49 ng/mg (9-12 cm). These results confirm a recent and continued regular substance use throughout pregnancy including delivery. CONCLUSION: The data provided will be useful for clinical purposes to improve the diagnostic and follow- up of acute and chronic intoxications. Additionally, results will be used to support interpretations in the field of forensic and legal medicine.

Application of the Radio-Guided Occult Lesion Localization Technique for Renal Lumpectomy: From the Laboratory to the Patient.

Incidence of small renal masses is increasing, and preservation of healthy kidney tissue along surgical removal is a challenge, especially if the tumor is small or nonexophytic. To facilitate the location and complete excision of the tumor during surgery, we have implemented the application of the radio-guided occult lesion localization technique from initial idea to clinical application.