RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies on infant outcomes of opiate-dependent pregnant women find a high rate of premature mother-child separation and to a lesser extent developmental delay. The specific role of in utero heroin exposure in the determination of the developmental outcome seems to be less important than the home environment. OBJECTIVE: Describe the health and development of 5-year-old children whose drug-addict mothers allowed an early multidisciplinary intervention (medical and psychological) in the maternity hospital and neonatology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven children (62% of the initial cohort) were seen in consultation with their parents. Growth and development was compared with a control group of 374 children of the same age. Comparisons were made between the children's and parents' state (social, medical, drug addiction, etc.) upon discharge from the maternity hospital and 5 years later. A study was conducted on those lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The rate of placement in 5 years was very low (13%). Seven children showed a developmental delay, 21 no disorder, and nine some problems. Anxiety (37%) and overweight (48%) were the only disorders differentiating them from the control group. Compliance with the care provided in the maternity hospital was the only item significantly related to the development of the 5-year-old children (P=0.05). DISCUSSION: The hypothesis of an attachment disorder in those with the greatest need is raised. The likely relations between the quality of the care in the maternity hospital, mother-child relations, and the attrition of the cohort are also discussed. CONCLUSION: Management of the symptoms as well as social and psychological care during pregnancy and neonatal hospitalization for opiate-dependent pregnant women facilitates a long-lasting relation with childhood professionals, avoids court-ordered placements, and reduces the appearance of developmental disorders in these children.