Central nervous system malformation associated with methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy

Prenatal methamphetamine exposure is related to prematurity, fetal growth restriction, neurobehavioral effects and long-term motor and cognitive sequelae.

We report the case of a newborn from a Filipina with no prenatal care with a complex brain malformation. Methamphetamine was identified in maternal and neonatal urine and in maternal hair, raising our suspicion of methamphetamine as a cause of this malformation.

Methamphetamine abuse is a growing problem worldwide. There are little data on its effect on the fetus. To our knowledge, no fetal brain abnormalities have been associated with its use. In our case, the lack of antenatal control does not allow us to date when this malformation appeared.

The aim of our report is to generate awareness of the possible association between methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy and central nervous system malformations.