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A multi-institutional analysis of perinatal cocaine use
A O Quinn1, C Van Mullem, K Sturino
1Waukesha Memorial Hospital, WI 53188-5099.
Wisconsin Medical Journal
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Cocaine abuse during pregnancy is rising. A study found 3.5% of pregnant women in an urban Milwaukee hospital tested positive for cocaine, compared to less than 1% in a suburban setting.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Health
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Cocaine abuse among pregnant women has significantly increased in the U.S. over the past decade.
- This trend is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of positive cocaine screens in pregnant women and their newborns.
- To compare cocaine screen positivity rates between urban and suburban hospital settings.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, blinded urine toxicology screening of pregnant women and delivered infants over three months.
- Data collection included demographic information and drug abuse history.
- Analysis of urine specimens from labor and delivery units, outpatient obstetrics clinics, and discharged undelivered patients.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of positive cocaine screens was 3.5% in the urban hospital population.
- The incidence of positive cocaine screens was less than 1% in the suburban hospital population.
- Demographic data and drug abuse history were collected for frequency distribution analysis.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in cocaine screen positivity rates between urban and suburban pregnant populations.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and screening protocols in high-incidence areas.