RESUMO
Background: Fetal drug addiction is a serious public health problem. In the United States 10 to 15 percent of children have been exposed "in utero" to cocaine. In a Chilean public health service, more than 200 offspring of cocaine free base abuser have been detected. Aim: To analyze the clinical and social features of 100 children exposed to cocaine free base during fetal development. Patients and methods: Clinical features of children born from cocaine free base consume mothers were described at birth. During subsequent follow up, growth and development, disease episodes, developmental alterations and social situation were recorded. Data was compared with other newborns from the same health service. Results: Compared to their normal counterparts, exposed children has a lower birth weight, the frequency of premature babies was thrice higher, and small-for-gestational age children were four times more common. There was also a higher prevalence of cardiac malformations, seizures and apnea. Hospital admissions were more frequent, prolonged and required more complex facilities. During follow up, undernutrition and stunting were more prevalent. Psychomotor retardation was present in 67 percent of children and behavioral disturbances in 93 percent. Most of these children are governmental protection. Conclusions: Strategies to prevent drug abuse during pregnancy and its devastating medical and social consequences should be urgently developed