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Pregnancy, abruptio placentae and cocaine
B Norman1, R S Hansell, M A Evans
1Wishard Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Indiana Medicine : the Journal of the Indiana State Medical Association
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Cocaine use during pregnancy may not be as prevalent as feared, but abruptio placentae cases showed a higher incidence of prior drug use history. Further research is needed to understand cocaine
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Widespread cocaine use raises concerns regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Previous studies indicate a potential link between prenatal cocaine exposure and increased risks of abruptio placentae and stillbirths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cocaine use among pregnant women in a lower socioeconomic demographic.
- To investigate the association between cocaine use and adverse pregnancy outcomes like abruptio placentae and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Urine toxicology screens for cocaine were administered to pregnant women in control, abruptio placentae, and IUFD groups.
- Patient histories were reviewed for factors including prenatal care and previous pregnancy complications.
Main Results:
- Cocaine use was detected in one control subject and one patient with abruptio placentae; no IUFD cases tested positive.
- The abruptio placentae group exhibited a higher rate of previous abruptio placentae or fetal death, suggesting potential prior drug abuse.
- Limited prenatal care was noted in the abruptio placentae group.
Conclusions:
- While direct cocaine use may not be highly prevalent in this cohort, the findings suggest a correlation between a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, limited prenatal care, and potential prior drug abuse.
- Obstetrical histories may offer clues to identifying pregnant individuals with substance abuse issues.