Trends in maternal opioid use: Statewide differences by sociodemographic characteristics in Florida from 2000 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Maternal opioid use (MOU) remains a public health concern. Studies have demonstrated significant increases in MOU, but estimates using ICD-10-CM or stratified by sociodemographic variables are limited. OBJECTIVES: Using a statewide, population-based dataset of Florida resident deliveries from 2000 to 2019, we examined the trend of MOU by age, race/ethnicity, education level, and insurance. METHODS: Florida administrative data was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. MOU was identified using opioid-related hospital discharge diagnoses documented prenatally or at delivery. Maternal sociodemographic variables were obtained from Florida vital statistics. Joinpoint regression was used to identify statistically significant changes in the trends overall and stratified by sociodemographic variables. Results are presented as annual percentage changes (APC) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Our sample included over 3.6 million Florida resident mothers; of which, MOU was identified in 1% (n = 22,828) of the sample. From 2000 to 2019, MOU increased over ten-fold from 8.7 to 94.7 per 10,000 live birth deliveries. MOU increased significantly from 2000 to 2011 (APC: 32.8; 95% CI: 29.4, 36.2), remained stable from 2011 to 2016, and decreased significantly from 2016 to 2019 (APC: 3.9; 95% CI: -6.6, -1.0). However, from 2016 to 2019, MOU increased among non-Hispanic Black mothers (APC: 9.2; 95% CI: 7.5, 11.0), and those ages 30-34 (APC: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.6) and 35-39 (APC: 6.4; 95% CI: 4.3, 8.4). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate prevalence estimates of MOU by sociodemographic factors are necessary to fully understand prevalence trends, describe the burden among sub-populations, and develop targeted interventions.

Outcomes up to age 36 months after congenital Zika virus infection-U.S. states.

BACKGROUND: To characterize neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children up to 36 months of age with congenital Zika virus exposure. METHODS: From the U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry, a national surveillance system to monitor pregnancies with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection, pregnancy outcomes and presence of Zika associated birth defects (ZBD) were reported among infants with available information. Neurologic sequelae and developmental delay were reported among children with ≥1 follow-up exam after 14 days of age or with ≥1 visit with development reported, respectively. RESULTS: Among 2248 infants, 10.1% were born preterm, and 10.5% were small-for-gestational age. Overall, 122 (5.4%) had any ZBD; 91.8% of infants had brain abnormalities or microcephaly, 23.0% had eye abnormalities, and 14.8% had both. Of 1881 children ≥1 follow-up exam reported, neurologic sequelae were more common among children with ZBD (44.6%) vs. without ZBD (1.5%). Of children with ≥1 visit with development reported, 46.8% (51/109) of children with ZBD and 7.4% (129/1739) of children without ZBD had confirmed or possible developmental delay. CONCLUSION: Understanding the prevalence of developmental delays and healthcare needs of children with congenital Zika virus exposure can inform health systems and planning to ensure services are available for affected families. IMPACT: We characterize pregnancy and infant outcomes and describe neurodevelopmental abnormalities up to 36 months of age by presence of Zika associated birth defects (ZBD). Neurologic sequelae and developmental delays were common among children with ZBD. Children with ZBD had increased frequency of neurologic sequelae and developmental delay compared to children without ZBD. Longitudinal follow-up of infants with Zika virus exposure in utero is important to characterize neurodevelopmental delay not apparent in early infancy, but logistically challenging in surveillance models.

Access to Prenatal Care Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in Florida: Findings From a Secret Shopper Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate access to prenatal care for pregnant patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) under Medicaid coverage in Florida. METHODS: A cross-sectional, secret shopper study was conducted in which calls were made to randomly selected obstetric clinicians' offices in Florida. Callers posed as a 14-week-pregnant patient with Medicaid insurance who was receiving MOUD from another physician and requested to schedule a first-time prenatal care appointment. Descriptive statistics were used to report our primary outcome, the callers' success in obtaining appointments from Medicaid-enrolled physicians' offices. Wait time for appointments and reasons the physician offices refused appointments to callers were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 2,816 obstetric clinicians are enrolled in Florida Medicaid. Callers made 1,747 attempts to contact 1,023 randomly selected physicians' offices from June to September 2021. Only 48.9% of medical offices (n=500) were successfully reached by phone, of which 39.4% (n=197) offered a prenatal care appointment to the caller. The median wait time until the first appointment was 15 days (quartile 1: 7; quartile 3: 26), with a range of 0-55 days. However, despite offering an appointment, 8.6% of the medical offices stated that they do not accept Medicaid insurance payment or would accept only self-pay. Among the 60.6% of callers unable to secure an appointment, the most common reasons were that the clinician was not accepting patients taking methadone (34.7%) or was not accepting any new patients with Medicaid insurance (23.8%) and that the pregnancy would be too advanced by the time of the first available appointment (7.3%). CONCLUSION: This secret shopper study found that the majority of obstetric clinicians' offices enrolled in Florida Medicaid do not accept pregnant patients with Medicaid insurance who are taking MOUD. Policy changes are needed to ensure access to adequate prenatal care for patients with opioid use disorder.

Evaluation of Administrative Data for Identifying Maternal Opioid Use at Delivery in Florida.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown significant increases in the prevalence of maternal opioid use. Most prevalence estimates are based on unverified ICD-10-CM diagnoses. This study determined the accuracy of ICD-10-CM opioid-related diagnosis codes documented during delivery and examined potential associations between maternal/hospital characteristics and diagnosis with an opioid-related code. METHODS: To identify people with prenatal opioid use, we identified a sample of infants born during 2017-2018 in Florida with a NAS related diagnosis code (P96.1) and confirmatory NAS characteristics (N = 460). Delivery records were scanned for opioid-related diagnoses and prenatal opioid use was confirmed through record review. The accuracy of each opioid-related code was measured using positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity. Modified Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risks (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We found the PPV was nearly 100% for all ICD-10-CM opioid-related codes (98.5-100%) and the sensitivity was 65.9%. Non-Hispanic Black mothers were 1.8 times more likely than non-Hispanic white mothers to have a missed opioid-related diagnosis at delivery (aRR:1.80, CI 1.14-2.84). Mothers who delivered at a teaching status hospital were less likely to have a missed opioid-related diagnosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: We observed high accuracy of maternal opioid-related diagnosis codes at delivery. However, our findings suggest that over 30% of mothers with opioid use may not be diagnosed with an opioid-related code at delivery, although their infant had a confirmed NAS diagnosis. This study provides information on the utility and accuracy of ICD-10-CM opioid-related codes at delivery among mothers of infants with NAS.

From 2010 to 2017, maternal opioid-related diagnoses at delivery increased by 100% in the US. Most prevalence estimates are based on unverified ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. Evaluations of maternal opioid-related diagnoses at delivery are extremely limited but essential for utilizing prevalence estimates generated from administrative data.

Treatment access for opioid use disorder among women with medicaid in Florida.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains prevalent. Medications for OUD (MOUD) are standard care for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Previous research has identified barriers to MOUD for women with Medicaid but did not account for the type of MOUD (methadone vs. buprenorphine) or pregnancy status. We examined access to MOUD by treatment type for pregnant and non-pregnant women with Medicaid in Florida. METHODS: A secondary analysis of Florida "secret-shopper" data was conducted. Calls were made to clinicians from the 2018 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provider list by women posing as either a pregnant or non-pregnant woman with OUD and Medicaid. We examined 546 calls to buprenorphine-waivered providers (BWP) and 139 to opioid treatment programs (OTP). Counts and percentages were used to describe caller success by type of treatment and pregnancy status. Chi-square tests were used to identify statistical differences. RESULTS: Only 42 % of calls reached a treatment provider in Florida. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were less likely to obtain an appointment with Medicaid coverage by a BWP than an OTP (p < 0.01). Nearly 40 % of OTPs offered appointments to callers with Medicaid compared to only 17 % of BWPs. Both types of providers denied appointments more often for pregnant women. Thirty-eight percent of BWP's and 12 % of OTP's denied appointments to pregnant women using cash or Medicaid payment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates logistical and financial barriers to treatment for OUD among pregnant and non-pregnant women with Medicaid in Florida and highlights the need for improved systems of care.

Prescription opioid use among women of reproductive age in the United States: NHANES, 2003-2018.

Women are prescribed opioids more often than men. Prescription opioid use among women of reproductive age is a public health concern because opioid use during pregnancy is associated with decreased prenatal care and increased risk of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Recent prevalence estimates and correlates of prescription opioid use and long-term use among women of reproductive age are limited. Using the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we estimated the national prevalence, trend, and correlates of prescription opioid use, long-term use (≥ 90 days of use), and use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among women aged 15-44 (n = 13,558). Prescription opioid use within the last 30 days and prescription duration were collected through interviews and identified using prescription codes. Trend analysis was conducted using the National Cancer Institute Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. The prevalence of prescription opioid use significantly decreased from 5.2% in 2003-2004 to 3.0% in 2017-2018 (p < .05). MOUD use increased significantly from 0.1% in 2005-2006 to 0.4% in 2011-2012. Long-term opioid use did not significantly change over time. Correlates of prescription opioid use and long-term use included ages 35-44, non-Hispanic White, public insurance, and women with poor or fair health status. As policy makers and clinicians strive to reduce the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic, they should consider the demographic groups most likely to use prescription opioids long-term. Additionally, reductions in opioid prescribing should be balanced with increased availability of nonopioid therapies and monitoring for opioid use disorder.

Diagnosis Codes and Case Definitions for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has underscored the need for NAS surveillance programs, but many rely on passive surveillance using unverified diagnosis codes. Few studies have evaluated the validity of these codes, and no study has assessed the recently proposed Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) case definition. The Florida Birth Defects Registry investigated the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes related to NAS (P96.1 and P04.49) and assessed the sensitivity of the CSTE case definition. METHODS: We identified a sample of infants born during 2016 coded with P96.1 and/or P04.49. Record review was completed for 128 cases coded with P96.1, 68 with P04.49, and 7 with both codes. Lacking consensus regarding a gold standard definition of NAS, we used clinical data to classify each case using the Florida and CSTE definitions. The code-specific accuracy was measured by using the positive predictive value (PPV). The clinical characteristics indicative of NAS were compared for case classification based on both definitions. RESULTS: By using the Florida definition, the overall PPV was 68% but varied by code: 95.3% for P96.1 and 13.2% for P04.49. The overall (47.8%) and code-specific PPVs were lower by using the CSTE definition. Comparison of clinical characteristics demonstrated that 60.7% of cases classified as no NAS by using the CSTE definition had robust clinical signs of NAS. In our sample, the CSTE case definition underestimated NAS prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Only the P96.1 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification code displayed high accuracy. Discordance in NAS case definitions and surveillance methodologies may result in erroneous comparisons and conclusions that negatively impact NAS-related surveillance and research.

The Interaction of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resiliency on the Outcome of Depression Among Children and Youth, 8-17 year olds.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common among children. Little is known on how resilience factors and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may moderate the relationship between ACEs and childhood depression. OBJECTIVE: Our study fills this gap by providing recent, nationally representative estimates of ACE and PCE exposure for ages 8-17 and examines the associations between ACE exposure and PCEs on the outcome of depression. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Data were drawn from the nationally representative 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) and included a total sample of 40,302 children and adolescents. METHODS: Chi square analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess associations of depression with 9 ACE and 6 PCE exposures. Additive and multiplicative interactions were examined between ACE exposure and PCEs (resiliency measures) on depression. Survey sampling weights and SAS survey procedures were used. RESULTS: Our study found that 4% of children had current depression and those with an ACE count greater than four had increased odds (aOR: 2.29; CI: 1.74-3.02). Multivariate regressions demonstrated associations between depression and low resiliency as well as significant interactions between ACE exposure and three PCEs. Children who were exposed to greater than four ACEs and did not exhibit resilience had 8.75 higher odds of depression (CI: 5.23-14.65) compared to those with less than four ACEs and some resilience. CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate the need for the promotion of PCEs and the building of resiliency for combatting depression and reducing the impact of trauma in children and adolescents.

The Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Anxiety and Depression for Children and Youth, 8 to 17 Years of Age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and examine their association with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among children and adolescents ages 8 to 17 years old. METHODS: Using data from the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health, we conducted a cross-sectional study design with a total sample of 39,929. Our exposure and outcome variables included caregiver report of 9 ACE exposures and current anxiety or current depression. Survey sampling weights and SAS survey procedures were implemented to produce nationally representative results. RESULTS: Our study found that 9% of children had current anxiety while 4% had current depression. Multivariate analysis concluded that all ACE measures were associated with significantly higher odds of both anxiety and depression. Children exposed to 4 or more ACEs had higher odds of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.1) and depression (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.9) than children with exposure to fewer than four ACEs. Assessment of the outcomes of anxiety and depression separately showed differential impacts of ACE exposures as associations were stronger with depression for almost all ACE categories. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a differential association between ACEs and anxiety and depression. This highlights the importance of assessing the impact of ACEs on internalizing behaviors separately. These findings are significant for pediatric providers as diagnosis and treatment for mental health disorders are vital components of pediatric care and further support the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen for ACEs.

Population-Based Surveillance for Birth Defects Potentially Related to Zika Virus Infection - 22 States and Territories, January 2016-June 2017.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause congenital brain and eye abnormalities and is associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities (1-3). In areas of the United States that experienced local Zika virus transmission, the prevalence of birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy increased in the second half of 2016 compared with the first half (4). To update the previous report, CDC analyzed population-based surveillance data from 22 states and territories to estimate the prevalence of birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection, regardless of laboratory evidence of or exposure to Zika virus, among pregnancies completed during January 1, 2016-June 30, 2017. Jurisdictions were categorized as those 1) with widespread local transmission of Zika virus; 2) with limited local transmission of Zika virus; and 3) without local transmission of Zika virus. Among 2,004,630 live births, 3,359 infants and fetuses with birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy were identified (1.7 per 1,000 live births, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6-1.7). In areas with widespread local Zika virus transmission, the prevalence of birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy was significantly higher during the quarters comprising July 2016-March 2017 (July-September 2016 = 3.0; October-December 2016 = 4.0; and January-March 2017 = 5.6 per 1,000 live births) compared with the reference period (January-March 2016) (1.3 per 1,000). These findings suggest a fourfold increase (prevalence ratio [PR] = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.1-8.4) in birth defects potentially related to Zika virus in widespread local transmission areas during January-March 2017 compared with that during January-March 2016, with the highest prevalence (7.0 per 1,000 live births) in February 2017. Population-based birth defects surveillance is critical for identifying infants and fetuses with birth defects potentially related to Zika virus regardless of whether Zika virus testing was conducted, especially given the high prevalence of asymptomatic disease. These data can be used to inform follow-up care and services as well as strengthen surveillance.