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Fetal response to maternally administered morphine.
E A Kopecky1, M L Ryan, J F Barrett
1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 15, 2000
Summary
Maternal morphine administration significantly lowers fetal biophysical profile scores, primarily due to absent fetal breathing. This suggests morphine acts as a vasoconstrictor, impacting placental vasculature and fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Maternal medication use during pregnancy can impact fetal development and well-being.
- Morphine is an opioid analgesic with potential effects on the fetus.
- Understanding the fetal response to maternally administered morphine is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternally administered morphine on fetal response.
- To assess changes in fetal biophysical parameters and umbilical artery Doppler indices following maternal morphine administration.
Main Methods:
- Singleton pregnancies undergoing fetal blood sampling were enrolled.
- Study patients received intramuscular morphine; control patients did not.
- Fetal heart rate, biophysical profile score, and umbilical artery Doppler indices were measured before and after drug administration.
Main Results:
- Maternal morphine significantly decreased the biophysical profile score (P=.001).
- Absent fetal breathing movements and nonreactive nonstress tests contributed to the lower scores.
- A significant correlation was found between maternal morphine concentration and Doppler indices.
Conclusions:
- Maternal morphine administration leads to a significant reduction in the fetal biophysical profile score.
- Results suggest morphine causes vasoconstriction of placental vasculature.
- Intramuscular morphine is not recommended for suppressing fetal movement due to adverse effects.