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Long-term effects of medication for opioid use disorder in children

Jamie Cox1, Nancy Reid, Laura Lander

  • 1Jamie Cox practices in emergency medicine at WVU Medicine in Buckhannon, W.Va. Nancy Reid is an associate professor in the PA program at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Va. Laura Lander is an associate professor and section chief of social work at WVU Health Sciences University in Morgantown, W.Va. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
|March 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Opioid maintenance therapy during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in infants. This can impact neurocognitive development, affecting long-term outcomes like education and employment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) in pregnant individuals can lead to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in newborns.
  • Infants with NAS face significant risks for impaired neurocognitive development.
  • These developmental deficits can have lasting consequences into adulthood, including academic and socioeconomic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the neurocognitive development consequences of medicated opioid use disorder in infants and children.
  • To explore methods to support the neurocognitive potential of these children into adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on neurocognitive outcomes in children exposed to OMT in utero.
  • Discussion of developmental trajectories and potential interventions.

Main Results:

  • Children exposed to OMT in utero and diagnosed with NAS often exhibit neurocognitive deficits.
  • These deficits can manifest as difficulties in school performance, increased risk of unemployment, and higher likelihood of criminal activity.
  • Early and consistent support may mitigate some of these long-term negative outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome resulting from maternal opioid maintenance therapy poses a serious risk to neurocognitive development.
  • Intervention strategies are crucial to help affected children achieve their full potential.
  • Addressing these neurodevelopmental challenges is essential for improving long-term life outcomes.

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