Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine presenting as neonatal cholestasis

Area of Science:

• Neonatal cholestasis
• Pediatric hepatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use is increasing, posing risks to pregnant individuals and fetuses.
• Methamphetamine hepatotoxicity is known in adults but less understood in neonates.
• Neonatal cholestasis has diverse causes, including toxic etiologies.

Observation:

• A preterm infant exposed to methamphetamine in utero presented with pale stools and jaundice.
• Diagnostic workup, including liver biopsy, suggested toxic hepatitis.
• Other causes of neonatal cholestasis were ruled out.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of neonatal cholestasis linked to prenatal methamphetamine exposure.
• The infant's condition improved without specific treatment, supporting a toxic etiology.
• Prenatal methamphetamine exposure is implicated as the cause of neonatal cholestasis.

Implications:

• Increased awareness among healthcare providers regarding methamphetamine's potential fetal liver effects is crucial.
• Educating expectant mothers about the risks of methamphetamine use during pregnancy is vital.
• Anticipating a rise in such cases due to methamphetamine's growing prevalence is necessary.