[Drug abuse in pregnancy and neonatal morbidity: epidemiologic changes in the last ten years]

In the last few years, patterns of drug abuse have varied. This may have changed the problems presented by the infants of drug-abusing mothers.

To determine the incidence of prenatal drug-exposure in neonates in our health area in the last decade, to analyze possible changes in the drugs consumed, routes of administration and the infectious diseases affecting drug-abusing mothers, and to study possible changes in the clinical features presented by their offspring.

An observational, descriptive, retrospective study of all the infants born to drug-abusing mothers from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2001 was performed. The series was analyzed and the periods 1992-1996 and 1997-2001 were compared.

The mean incidence was 7.5 cases per 1000 live-born infants (8.7 in 1992-1996 and 6.3 in 1997-2001). Mothers in the second half of the study were less likely to use heroin and the intravenous route and were more likely to use methadone and cocaine than mothers in the 1997-2001 period. Hepatitis C virus infection and instrumental delivery were more frequent in the 1997-2001 period. No differences were found in neonates born in either period. Birthweight was less than 2500 g in 40 % and was low for gestational age in 20 %. Preterm deliveries were performed in 24 %. Congenital malformations were found in 6 %, neonatal withdrawal syndrome in 79 %, human immunodeficiency virus infection in 2 %, and hepatitic C virus infection in 3 %. Four percent were given in adoption.

Maternal drug abuse patterns changed in the ten years under study, but outcome in their offspring showed no differences. Drug abuse by pregnant women is linked to a high rate of low birthweight, prematurity, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, vertical infection by human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus, as well as to social and family problems.