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What happens to babies exposed to phencyclidine (PCP) in utero?
L Wachsman1, S Schuetz, L S Chan
1Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center 90033.
Insights
Neonatal narcotic withdrawal syndrome affects many infants exposed to phencyclidine (PCP) in utero. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of prenatal PCP exposure on infant development.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal toxicology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to phencyclidine (PCP) is a growing concern.
- Understanding the impact of in utero PCP exposure on newborns is critical for early intervention and care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neonatal outcomes and developmental status of infants exposed to phencyclidine in utero during their first year of life.
- To identify potential developmental delays and behavioral issues associated with prenatal PCP exposure.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 57 infants exposed to PCP in utero for the first year of life.
- Assessment of neonatal withdrawal symptoms, temperament, sleep patterns, growth, cognitive and psychomotor development (Bayley Scales), and attachment behavior.
- Review of birth records and maternal self-reports of substance abuse.
Main Results:
- 65% of infants exhibited neonatal narcotic withdrawal symptoms, even when mothers denied opiate use.
- Temperament (47%) and sleep problems (14%) were common; some infants showed persistent small stature.
- One-year developmental testing revealed average mental (MDI 94) and psychomotor (PDI 98) indices, with 17% showing abnormal attachment.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal phencyclidine exposure is associated with significant neonatal withdrawal symptoms and potential developmental and behavioral issues.
- PCP toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal narcotic withdrawal syndrome.
- Further research is required to elucidate long-term effects and outcomes for infants raised by PCP-using mothers.
Abstract:
Fifty-seven infants exposed to phencyclidine (PCP) in utero were followed for the first year of life. Thirty-six (65%) of the 55 for whom birth records were available manifested symptoms of neonatal narcotic withdrawal syndrome, including 16 (52%) of those whose mothers denied opiate abuse during pregnancy. Temperament problems were noted in 47% of the babies and sleep problems in 14%. The majority of infants grew normally, but a larger than expected number started out small and remained small. Testing using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at age one year revealed a mental development index (mean +/- SD) of 94 +/- 10 and a psychomotor development index of 98 +/- 10. Attachment behavior was abnormal in 17%. Most infants were cared for by their natural mother. Further studies are needed to determine later effects of in utero PCP exposure, as well as effects on the infants being raised by women who have used PCP. Phencyclidine toxicity needs to be considered when evaluating babies with signs of neonatal narcotic withdrawal syndrome.